Mikel Arteta is set to address the media at the Sobha Realty Training Centre ahead of Arsenal’s Premier League clash with Nottingham Forest at the City Ground.
Fitness concerns linger, particularly after Ethan Nwaneri was forced off late in the match against West Ham. Meanwhile, Myles Lewis-Skelly is suspended, adding to Arteta’s selection headaches.
One of the key topics will be Arsenal’s response to their defeat against West Ham, especially against a Nottingham Forest side that has impressed this season. While Mikel Merino made an impact as a substitute at Leicester, his starting performance against the Hammers was underwhelming.
Arteta’s tactical setup for this match is a major point of intrigue, with some suggesting a back five could help address defensive vulnerabilities, particularly in wide areas. Whether the Spanish coach offers any hints remains to be seen.
For all of Arteta’s insights and updates, follow football.london’s chief Arsenal correspondent Tom Canton in our live blog below.
Is Mikel Arteta to blame for Arsenal’s recent struggles?
As the manager, he inevitably shoulders responsibility, right? Some believe so, particularly after Arsenal suffered their first league defeat since November 2, with West Ham replicating Newcastle United’s winning scoreline from that match.
The loss has severely dented Arsenal’s title aspirations, especially with Liverpool defeating Manchester City to extend their lead to 11 points. Despite having a game in hand against Chelsea, optimism has faded, worsened by transfer window frustrations, injuries, and poor results.
Meanwhile, the Champions League draw presents a daunting challenge. If Arsenal navigate past a dangerous PSV side, they will likely face a trip to Madrid, where Carlo Ancelotti and Kylian Mbappe could be waiting. The season now risks either fizzling out or, worse, slipping to a point where even Champions League qualification is under threat.
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