I admit that I was one of those doubters in gloomy moments. It was just Forest, who have been pretty bad this year, but for once we took apart a low block and poured in the goals. It could have been worse for the visitors too. Artetaball features our "holding" midfielders (usually Xhaka) playing far upfield on a regular basis, and defenses get overloaded. Forest was shellshocked and must be wondering now how they ever managed to blank Liverpool.
There was so much to like yesterday. Reiss Nelson's renaissance was the best present Mikel could have gotten, because Saka can't play every minute of the season, and Nelson is his natural replacement. Nelson was supposedly the next big thing from our academy until Saka burst onto the scene. Injuries slowed his progress, but he had a very good loan spell at Feyenoord and he was shopped around for a good transfer fee. Then another injury in the summer scared off suitors, so we kept him here. That may have been a stroke of luck. He's earned another run-out or five and if he plays as well as we know he can he'll be a huge asset this season that no one was really counting on. Credit to Arteta for putting him in after Saka was kicked in the ankle repeatedly and had to come out.
Partey's belter, a carbon copy of the one he scored against Tottenham, was delicious. Martinelli had another great game, and his opening goal header was spectacular. Odegaard even got on the scoresheet. The odd mistake at the back did not hurt us. Believe it or not, this was our first League clean sheet at home, though all six were wins.
Fingers crossed that Saka recovers. Arsenal and England will be relying on him. I don't know how serious Turner's groin injury is, but the USMNT has to be concerned. He's a commanding presence in the penalty area and not a bad shot stopper either.
Notts County won on Saturday and are three points clear of Wrexham at the top of the National League. Only two of its 24 teams are promoted to League 2, and only the winner earns automatic promotion (the other has to negotiate a six team playoff). Every point is precious.
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