Ahead of the game, the Arsenal boss may make some big decisions about his lineup, which could take advantage of summer signatures or even drop the star’s name from the exchange of injured stars.
Take the role of Arteta here and give us your thoughts on the selection of teams for a forest visit.
A difficult question for the keeper?
There have been suggestions in some quarters that as good as Szoboszlai’s free kick could still be called into question for goalkeeper David Raya’s positioning.
Aside from the goal, the Spaniard made the ball a nerve-wracking moment or two at his feet, putting his defense under unnecessary pressure, and at least one gave ownership to the opposition, as it was not appreciated, or as expensive as it was.
Gunner has signed Raya’s compatriot Kepa Alizabaraga as a backup over the summer, so is it a chance for the former Chelsea guy to make his debut in a home game against a team that is still trying to find his feet this season?
Which new boy can replace Saliba?
Arsenal’s setup and plans for Liverpool were quickly confused when they stepped into the opening hours of the match with obvious ankle complaints in the warm-up.
Thankfully, he could call on Mosquera in the summer to sign from the bench, and the Spaniards slotted almost seamlessly, putting in a trained display for a guaranteed Premier League debut.
Saliba is back in training, but rarely directs the Emirates pitch into the forest. This means that Arteta needs to ask one of the two new men to stand in the center back position on the left next to Gabriel.
Will Mosquera maintain his place or should Hincapy be handed over the first start of his new club?
Midfield Madru
One of Liverpool’s post-match questions was whether Arsenal set himself too reserved in the midfield in the Declan Rice trio, and whether the summer would sign Martin Zubimendi and Mikel Merino to start the game.
Arteta rejected the proposal full-time, claiming that his hands were forced by the circumstances.
“Well, that’s what we had,” he said. “Martin Odegaard is injured and Kai (Havertz) can’t play. (Mikel) Merino is an incredible player to arrive from there.
“After the game, I think it’s too easy to say that (Arsenal was way too conservative).
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“It’s too easy to say that” – Arsenal has returned to critics who say it’s too negative
Video Credits: SNTV
Odegaard was introduced from the bench, similar to another new signature, the Eberechi Eze, but also replaced Ethan Nwaneri, who came as Odegaard’s early sub against Leeds a week ago.
Against Forest, Arsenal is expected to be more “active.” Rice and Zubimendi are likely to start, so those deployed before them are likely to rely on Odegard’s fitness, allowing Eze to start their first match in Arsenal Colour.
Left thinking
On the other side, however, Gabriel Martinelli endured a difficult afternoon against the champions, struggling to annoy right-back The Sobosrai, before being removed in the second half.
While the Brazilians remain nominally the first choice in this position, Arteta might want to explore alternatives that include Madueke.
How to watch Arsenal v Nottingham Forest
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