Nottingham Forest 1-2 Arsenal: Gabriel Jesus and Bukayo Saka on target as Gunners hold on to close gap on Liverpool
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Updated 31/01/2024 at 09:16 GMT
Arsenal closed the gap on Premier League leaders Liverpool to two points with a 2-1 win at Nottingham Forest. Mikel Arteta’s side scored both goals in the second half, with Gabriel Jesus opening the scoring at the City Ground in the 65th-minute and seven minutes later Bukayo Saka doubled the visitors’ advantage. Taiwo Awoniyi’s late goal set up a nervy finish but Arsenal held on.
Arsenal's English midfielder #07 Bukayo Saka (2nd L) celebrates scoring his team second goal during the English Premier League football match between Nottingham Forest and Arsenal at The City Ground.
Image credit: Getty Images
Gabriel Jesus and Bukayo Saka were on target as Arsenal moved to within two points of leaders Liverpool with a 2-1 victory at Nottingham Forest.
The Gunners were hoping to apply some heat to Jurgen Klopp’s side ahead of their clash with Chelsea on Wednesday night, and they duly delivered after a slow start at the City Ground.
In a first-half of few opportunities Saka saw a 10-yard shot deflect wide of the near post while Danilo fired just over from distance for the home team.
Arsenal were clearly frustrated having had 81 per cent possession with just the one attempt on target, but they continued to press following the interval and took the lead on 65 minutes.
Jesus had seen a close-range shot flash back off the near post moments earlier, but made amends when he somehow squeezed an effort through Matt Turner from a narrow angle.
The Brazilian then turned provider for Saka to rifle a low shot into the far corner 18 minutes from time.
Forest pulled one back when substitute Taiwo Awoniyi sizzled home in the last minute, but the hosts could not pull off the rescue-act in stoppage time.
The result means Arsenal climb up to second spot, two points adrift of Liverpool having played a game more. Forest sit 16th but are just two points above the relegation places.
Next up, Arsenal host Liverpool in a crunch clash in the title race on Sunday. Forest travel to Bournemouth.
Talking Point – Arsenal deliver ahead of Sunday’s showdown
This was no-doubt a must-win in Mikel Arteta’s eyes. Anything other than the three points would open the door for Liverpool to potentially extend their advantage further and make the weekend clash at the Emirates 'do-or-die' in terms of The Gunners’ title hopes.
Instead, the pressure is back on Klopp’s team on Wednesday night against a Chelsea outfit who have produced some fine performances against the leading lights so far this term. If the Reds come unstuck Arsenal could yet seize the initiative (Man City aside) in one of the biggest matches of the season on Sunday.
This was a gritty win and the sort of triumph old-school title successes have been built on. Arsenal have had a few like that away from home this season, but they are going to need to find another gear when they face a Liverpool side who have only lost once in the top-flight so far.
All eyes on Sunday for a potential blockbuster – and we can’t wait.
Player of the match
Gabriel Jesus (Arsenal). Much has been made of Arsenal’s need for a world-class striker and for the team to be more lethal in the opposition penalty area. Jesus answered the call as the night was growing more and more frustrating for Arteta’s men and his goal and assist were the key to the three points.
Player Ratings
NOTTINGHAM FOREST: Turner 5, Montiel 7, Omobamidele 7, Murillo 8, Toffolo 7, Mangala 7, Danilo 7, Williams 6, Gibbs-White 7, Dominguez 7, Wood 6. Subs: Awoniyi 8, Hudson-Odoi 6, Elanga 6, Yates 6.
ARSENAL: Raya 7, White 7, Saliba 7, Gabriel 7, Zinchenko 7, Rice 7, Smith Rowe 7, Odegaard 7, Saka 7, Martinelli 6, Jesus 8*. Subs: Havertz 6, Trossard 6, Nketiah 6, Nelson n/a, Kiwior n/a.
Match Highlights
44’ – ARSENAL CHANCE! Saka's shot from eight yards out deflects just wide of the near post after Smith Rowe had touched Zinchenko's half-cleared cross back into his path.
57’ – ARSENAL CHANCE! A lovely, flowing Gunners move involving White, Saka and Odegaard ends with Jesus smashing against the near upright from close range.
65’ – GOAL! – Nottingham Forest 0-1 Arsenal: (Jesus). The visitors lead! Jesus finds the finish from a narrow angle after Forest were caught out by a long throw on the left. Matt Turner should have done better too as the shot somehow squirmed through his legs at his near post.
72’ – GOAL! – Nottingham Forest 0-2 Arsenal: (Saka). It's two! Saka ends his barren run with a superb low strike after a fine run and pass from Jesus.
89’ – GOAL! – Nottingham Forest 1-2 Arsenal: (Awoniyi). Back from injury with a bang. Awoniyi makes something out of nothing as he uses his strength to latch on to a header into the area, spin his man and sizzle a low shot beyond Raya.
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