It takes a while to integrate new players, and Arsenal started five summer acquisitions against Forest. The front line of Madueke, Gyokeres, and Eze was dangerous the whole game, but the main damage to Forest was done by another new boy, Martin Zubimendi. His first half volley off a headed clearance of a corner was sublime, flying past defenders and keeper with the barest of touches. The visitors fashioned few chances, but defended well for the most part. The game was effectively iced right after the restart. Calafiori sent a long pass to Eze, whose pinpoint cross found Gyokeres steaming into the penalty area to slam it into the net. The third goal came late, Trossard lofting a good cross where the onrushing Zubimendi met it with his head, guiding the ball past the keeper. A good day at the office.
Our first Champions' League game starred players we've had for a few years. The newly acquired front line (costing almost $200M) started again, but there was no score in a hard-fought physical contest until Trossard came in for Gyokeres and Eze was replaced by Martinelli. The latter was on the pitch less than a minute before Trossard flicked a ball into his path at the halfway line and two touches later was dribbling fast towards the keeper, tucking the shot past him for the all-important first goal. It was Martinelli's turn to assist Trossard 15 minutes later, storming past his man and cutting it back for Trossard's clever run. He sorted out his feet and shot, and a defender deflected it past the helpless Unai Simon for 2-0. It gave Arteta the chance to throw Norgaard on for his first taste of ECL action in a long career. I love that those guys were the ones to make the breakthrough. Both were potentially for sale for the right offer, but they stayed and they've proven their worth. This Arsenal squad is the deepest it has ever been. No Jesus, no Saka, no Havertz, no Odegaard, no Saliba, no White--no problem. Mosquera looks like the bargain buy at £15M. He plays almost as well as Saliba, who won't have to be rushed back now that there's adequate cover. Obviously, we miss the players out injured and will be better when they're available. Most will probably be playing in October. Havertz may be back before the end of the year. Jesus won't appear in a game until sometime next year. As long as we keep winning, there won't be much agitation from the men who think they should be getting more playing time.
City's up next at the Emirates, then trips to Port Vale (EFL Cup) and Newcastle, then we host Olympiacos (ECL) and West Ham, all with three or four days "rest" (they train) in between. Then the international break. What a luxury to have quality backups at every position.
