Arsenal at a swagger against Nottingham Forest

I have to admit that before this game I was a bit apprehensive. Saka out, Saliba out, Rice on the bench. Wow, was I wrong. 

From the start the boys were on the front foot, Eze and Madueke taking people on, showing the courage, adventure, and exhilarating pace to get beat people and get down the bye-line to deliver the ball, or cut inside to find that intricate incisive pass that was always going to be needed. It’s a long time since we were treated to such intent to really roast the oppositions defence.

Gyokeres was making good runs throughout, taking people out of their position and then inverting back to get himself in the danger areas to receive the ball. There’s still a way to go before we really unlock the pace and power of Victor but I have no doubts whatsoever he is going to be a success at Arsenal and the first genuine 20+ goal a season striker we have had for many a year.

In the middle of the park, Zubimendi was showing what an incredible player he is with an outstanding POTM performance. Dominant, flawless with the intuition and understanding that the best defensive midfielders in the position have, to be able to read the game, make the crucial interception and move the ball forward that is too instinctual to train. Then when needed to slow the tempo down and mollify the opposition. What an acquisition he is already proving to be. Partey was good last season, but Zuba is moulded from a different cast.

We could go on about the goals, the volley was a worldie, Gyokeres showed a great centre forward gives you but I want to point to the overall performance by every player. Not a bad performance from anyone, everyone wanted the ball, wanted to be adventurous, move the ball quickly, a real tonic to watch. This is the bravery and style of play we need every game, home or away, regardless of the opposition, to give us a real shot of moving back to the summit and playing the cavalier exciting brand of football we need to be real winners, and champions.

This is the first game of the season where the strength in depth that Arteta is working towards has shone through. Last season, the recent loss of three starters from the first eleven, plus Kai, coupled with the early exit of Martin might have derailed us, but this time it seemed seamless and didn’t impact us negatively at all. In fact, the enforced early break over the international break and first few games afterwards might even be a blessing in disguise as the season progresses.

Fitting right in.

Another brilliant performance from Cristhian Mosquera 👏 pic.twitter.com/lERJHIprSn

— Arsenal (@Arsenal) September 14, 2025

But personally, above all the fabulous performances, my favourite was that of the under stated Mosquera. He looks to be another absolute gem in the making, a super athlete, and a beast with the aggressive desire to win the ball that all good defenders truly possess. Lightning over a few yards, commanding in the air, strong in the tackle and simple in his passing. A beast in the making. Learning alongside the best central defensive pairing and goalkeeper in the Premier League.   

Now for Tuesday, and I am feeling really optimistic that The Arsenal will start the CL campaign with a positive result against Athletic Club.

Get a good result to start us off then go after City on Sunday. Be brave, be adventurous, be on the front foot and go for the win…

COYG