STATE OF THE ART

Gunners up to second as Jesus and Saka cut down Forest to end City Ground hell

THE City Ground has been the stuff of nightmares for Mikel Arteta.

Two years ago, Amazon’s flyon-the-wall documentary caught Arteta ripping into his players after Forest dumped Arsenal out of the FA Cup. Last season, it was where they surrendered the title after a lame defeat.

But last night, Arsenal’s victory might just have applied some pressure on leaders Liverpool and breathed life into Arteta’s title challenge. Gabriel Jesus scored and provided an assist for Bukayo Saka but Arsenal had to work so hard for the three points and will be grateful for their knack as the Premier League’s set-piece specialists.

The Gunners have now scored 14 goals from set-pieces which is more than any other team in the top flight and perhaps best reflects their change of style this season.

Last year’s title challenge was all about free-flowing, entertaining football whereas now they are much more methodical and it can be from free-kicks and another two frustrating at times. from throw-ins.

It took them 65 minutes to No wonder the away end went break the deadlock, by mad because they had to be which time you really patient. But the victory, began to wonder when it finally arrived, whether they would pushes them up to ever find a way two points behind through. Liverpool.

But Oleksandr Liverpool have got Zinchenko’s throw-in Chelsea tonight and released Jesus and the then have to go to the Brazil striker fired in a low Emirates on Sunday, and shot which was diverted in off if Arsenal can win that then Forest keeper Matt Turner. they can really dream again.

That now means Arsenal have They did have to survive a late scored 10 goals from corners, two scare as Forest substitute Taiwo

Awoniyi scored in the 89th minute to set up a nervous finish.

But Arsenal saw it out and went back to London feeling as if they might just be getting back in the groove. This was their second straight win but previous to that they had gone four without a win in all competitions.

And, despite thrashing Crystal Palace in their last game, Arsenal do look shot-shy and lacking in imagination. If anything, they look over-coached at times when it would be nice to see them just play with instinctive flair.

Jesus crashed a shot against the post early in the second half after a dull stalemate of an opening 45 minutes. Forest offered very little other than resolute defending.

But the breakthrough finally came thanks to Jesus’s deflected shot. It is obvious Arsenal do need a more prolific and reliable centre forward but Jesus was still the hero at the City Ground.

He celebrated in front of the away end and his night nearly got even better after 72 minutes. Once the seal was broken, there were always going to be more goals.

Forest defender Gonzalo

Montiel’s poor pass gave the ball to Martin Odegaard, Jesus led the counter attack and fed Saka to cut inside and fire a second goal inside the far post.

Odegaard flashed another shot high and wide as Arsenal thought it was in the bag – only for Forest to give them a scare.

Montiel’s header into the box found Awoniyi who held off Arsenal defender Gabriel, turned and then powered a low shot past David Raya.

The home fans erupted, it got nervous in injury time but Arsenal held on.