22/01/2026 - Forrest 0-0 Arsenal, Inter 1-3 Arsenal “From Toothless to Ruthless: Arsenal’s Two-Game Tale and The Upcoming Battle”

I’ve got a few games to cover today but I want to focus on the previous two games; Inter and Nottingham Forrest. Let’s first mention the trip to Stamford Bridge. A good result that gives us the upper hand going into the second leg. Although I thought we were really strong in that game I feel that scoring three goals away at Chelsea should ensure you a win, but we didn’t quite look so solid defensively. Its understandable as there were a few changes to the back line especially with Kepa in between the sticks instead of Raya. We have a couple of weeks until the return leg and it would be nice to get the job done to give us a chance of our first trophy. Like I’ve mentioned previously if that is all we win this year we might as well win nothing in my opinion, it gives the squad and Arteta no leverage with the fans at all. However, if it is on top of another then it’s great. Barring an immense comeback from Newcastle it looks as if it will be Man City in the final, the ultimate test. Guardiola is desperate for every trophy, especially knowing that his team hasn’t been quite up to scratch this season so far. My main concern about the Carabao Cup was injuries and we have escaped them so far, touch wood. We have made it this far so let’s go and win it.

Now on to the disappointing result at the weekend. Everything elsewhere fell our way, both Villa and City losing, as well as Spurs conceding in the last minute to lose to the Hammers. I love how that is still the funniest result of the lot. I keep mentioning how a title is won through ups and downs and unfortunately, we didn’t quite take full advantage of the situation this weekend, but we still extended our advantage by one point and right now that’s all we have to do, it’s another game week ticked off with a buffer. Nine points is quite clearly better than seven, but I’ll tell you seven is far better than the four that it could’ve been. Far play to Sean Dyche, everyone knew what to expect and he still managed to pull it off, that’s not to say we didn’t have our chances, but Forrest defended extremely well and made our lives very difficult. Say what you like about the penalty shout, I know there is a slight movement towards the ball but for me I’m not sure I’d like to see those given as penalties. If it was given against us, I would be fuming. I think it was a massive talking point mainly due to our toothless attack. If we had got the job done that penalty wouldn’t be in peoples mind but in honesty that was our best chance of scoring on Saturday. Of course, the result is disappointing, but the truth is it didn’t impact us anywhere near as badly as it could have we extended our lead at the top.

Now let me tell you what I love about this Arsenal squad that Arteta has assembled. We went to one of the most iconic grounds in Europe on Tuesday and played last year’s Champions League finalists who we also lost 1-0 to in the group phase last season. Arteta made seven chances to the starting lineup, and we still managed to dispatch of Inter 3-1 without ever looking uncomfortable. It was the perfect medicine to the weekend’s disappointment; we have now secured a top two finish in the group phase and a spot in the round of 16 which is a game off our calendars compared to who we will face in that game. We also secured the second leg home advantage. Although we had the top 8 secured, I love to see the intensity the team brought even with the changes. Inter couldn’t handle our attacking play and relied on the counter to get their opportunities. That was the definition of a professional performance, job done against one of the competitions best. Lovely to see both our strikers getting on the goal sheet too. Jesus bagging a brace in his first Champions League game in 14 months and Gyokores with a confidence booster. Who would you start at the weekend? I think he sticks with Gyokores, but it will be a battle against Maguire and Martinez, he will have to be at his best. Both players cause different issues for defenders and offer us different things going forward. Gyokores’ strength and hold up play is better than Jesus, he offers us an outlet but Jesus’ ability to keep the ball and link the play is better. Once on the ball I'd prefer Jesus but for the betterment on the team as a whole I think Gyokores is the right call.

So, another big one on Sunday. Manchester United come to town, well their squad do, their fans make the long journey from the Holloway Road in support. Man City insured United have their tails up to face us after their derby collapse. This will not be a straightforward game by any means, Carrick at the helm with a completely different tactical setup to Amorim. United will be desperate for the win and with City at home to Wolves we must do our part to hold the gap. The last time Man Utd beat us in the league was September 2022 at Old Trafford, the last time they beat us at The Emirates was January 2019. The fans will be out in full support, and I expect the atmosphere to be electric. I want to see a similar intensity to the start of the Inter game, if we can catch United out early and don’t give them time to settle, I feel we can get the job done. This game isn’t just another match, this is a rivalry that spans 35 years, the once two titans of English football battling it out every season for the trophies on offer. There is an intensity to this rivalry that is more than location on a map, this is a war that continues to be fought every game in the attempt to become legends like those before. It really is a huge game and it’s a hurdle we must jump on our way to the finish line. COYG!

The Northbank Blogger.

Predicted Lineup:

Raya, White, Saliba, Gabriel, Timber, Zubimendi, Rice, Odegaard, Saka, Gyokores, Trossard