It wasn’t a good start to the day. Due to various commitments later in the day on Saturday, I had to take a different journey to the Emirates in the morning. That meant a bag of Haribo Tangtastics replaced the preferred fizzy cola bottles, rhubarb & custards and some American wine gums that I normally buy en route and share with all the folks around me on match day. For a moment I had a little sinking feeling in my stomach. It didn’t take too long to subside when I remembered the very recent, bizarre management change at Forest and “Dear Old Postecoglou” was now at the helm. That lifted my spirits somewhat, “OK, let’s give the Tangtastics a chance. Stay positive”.
Injury Issues
Wow, some key players missing today in the starting eleven for the Arsenal: Saliba, Rice, Lewis-Skelly, Martinelli, and we all know that Forest can play some nice football. However our “ooh’s” and “aagh’s” were no longer present like they have been in previous seasons. Rather a “Wow, the line up looks strong”, and five new signings starting, Mosquera, Zubimendi, Madueke, Gyokeres and Eze. No one disappointed.
Any concerns of Saliba being missing were most certainly quashed with the outstanding performance of the young Mosquera. At £13 million, surely he must be one of the most value for money signings of the summer. Composure, positioning, awareness, defensive ability, agility. This kid looks like he has been playing in the EPL for several years. 9/10. We need a song, and soon please.
Fitting right in.
— Arsenal (@Arsenal) September 14, 2025
Another brilliant performance from Cristhian Mosquera 👏 pic.twitter.com/lERJHIprSn
Despite two or three loose passes, you never doubted Zubimendi’s ability to start managing the flow of the game from the back third of the pitch. There is an aura about his movement when receiving the ball and his foresight of play that instils confidence in the stands. Two goals was a tidy reward for an overall fine display, and further award of “goal of the month” could easily come Zubimendi’s way for his magnificent volley which seemed to loop to him in slow motion, followed by a fast forward bullet volley, which scalped a couple of the Forest players on its journey into the back of the net.
Digressing to throw in a positive for the visitors, it did not go unnoticed that Forest played some very attractive football when in possession. Several times passing through the Arsenal midfield and defence but alas to no avail between the posts. Elliot Anderson, by far Forest’s best player, is going to give England fans some comfort, knowing that the depth of potential midfield playmakers is in a very good place a the moment.
Attacking Intent
Back to talking Arsenal, is it fair to say that the last time Arsenal had a “proper” attacking three with a renowned striker was a few seasons back with Pepe, Lacazette and Aubameyang? Because that is what I was saying on Saturday. Those guys put me into an emotional rollercoaster, with their amazing quick attacking prowess partnered with their lack of regard for defensive and ball winning duties. All of those three para phrases should really also include the prefixing word “often”. Well if you feel the same, then I think it is fair to say, that with the signing of Madueke, Eze and Gyokeres, the Gunners seemed to have gone up several notches.
Madueke’s strength, speed and directness towards goal has given Arsenal a new dimension. Eze’s gliding movement and flair, combined with strength and goalward vision is an absolute pleasure to behold. There has been a lot written and spoken about the ability and excellence of these two magnificent young English players. For me, there should be a little more focus on talking about their work rate and desire to be in possession of the ball, which is something we did not see enough from the three I mention from past years.
We then come to Gyokeres. It is often said that you see more of a player when watching live at a stadium, than you can see on television during a live match or in the highlights. On Saturday Gyokeres showed us the player he can, and hopefully will predominantly be. Yes, he is pretty quick, yes he can be a threat on goal, yes he is going to feed on those pacey balls crossed in, but one part of his game which is incredible to watch is his work rate. How fit is this guy! He literally does not stop running; pressing the opposing defenders and on Saturday successfully winning the ball at least twice while Forest were playing out from the back. If he is not winning the ball he is constantly pressing the opponents and delaying their forward play. Off the ball, pending an Arsenal attack, he is pulling defenders all over the width of the pitch, clouding any judgement of obvious play. His running and positioning in attack was a blinding migraine for the Forest defence. I’m quite sure that a “total movement” TV analysis of everything Gyokeres did on and off the ball during Saturday’s game would have been a very impressive watch, but more than likely would take up too much TV time.
This newly seen attacking threesome was incredible to witness first hand, and to think that this was the first competitive game together, with Saka also in the frame to fit in or rotate is a delight for all Arsenal fans. It is very exciting times at the Emirates.
An afternoon of terrific football both for the Arsenal fans and, I would like to think, also for the neutrals watching on the screen.
The Tangtastics were received with some very unenthusiastic thanks and smiles. Must Try Better next week!
