This match is an infinitely exciting way to begin the new Premier League season, with Arsenal hosting Nottingham Forest at the Emirates Stadium on September 13th, 2025. Arsenal cannot really complain about their start, having had a few bumps and twists on the way to their fixtures. Still, to assert dominance, it will be very critical for them to put in a strong performance at home while Nottingham Forest are trying to carry the momentum from last season and their project under Nuno Espírito Santo.

Arsenal started the season well with some dominant wins against Leeds United and Manchester United but was also humbled with a narrow defeat to Liverpool, who exposed some alarm bells that Arsenal will no doubt need to address, as away from home the players need to maintain better focus. 

Arsenal's attacking play under Mikel Arteta involves ball possession, high pressing, and quick transitions. Although they do have some injuries to key forwards such as Bukayo Saka and Gabriel Jesus, Arsenal has sufficient depth to weather these absences, especially playing at home.

Nottingham Forest had a mixed start to the season, which included a defensively weak performance and loss (0-3) to West Ham, albeit they were resilient with a draw (1-1) against Crystal Palace and a decent home win (3-1) against Brentford.

Under Nuno, Nottingham Forest's strategy is to be defensively compact and to counterattack, and they will need players like Callum Hudson-Odoi and Morgan Gibbs-White to help take advantage of the high line that Arsenal usually defends with.

Overall, Arsenal has performed quite well against Nottingham Forest. In the last 5 matches they have a record of 3-1-1. They do have a record of significantly better performances in their stadium, which is also familiar on each occasion, as many players are used to the size and speed of their pitch. The Gunners have not lost to Nottingham Forest at the Emirates Stadium in their last 6 attempts, and Nottingham Forest's last victory in North London was back in 1989.

The overall record suggests a positive psychological advantage for Arsenal, especially when playing at the Emirates.

It may seem that the injuries have hurt Arsenal; however, with their squad depth allowing Arsenal to maintain attacking rhythm, the team looks to be stable even with Martinelli and Gyökeres potentially leading the line, with added creativity from players such as Rice and Zubimendi.

Forest will rely on their counterattack with Hudson-Odoi and Wood while being compact to guarantee their defensive organisation will frustrate Arsenal’s attacking plan.

Tactical Insight: Arsenal will expect to dominate the possession in the fixture and stretch out Forest’s defence by using quick transitions and wide-verbal combinations from back to front. Arsenal’s midfield trio of Rice, Merino, and Zubimendi will be key in bringing (what they played against) tempo, transition, and possibilities on the pitch.

Tactics: Forest will look to defend deep and play on the counter, with Hudson-Odoi and Gibbs-White’s speed. What Forest can do to manage Arsenal’s attack and take advantage of the opportunities presented by Arsenal’s high line will determine how much of a chance they have in the match.

Arsenal will probably dominate the possession; however, Forest’s low block and the possibility of counterattacks can prove very troublesome. Arsenal will have their work cut out for them, especially with the recent injuries, but taking into account their current form at home, I expect that they will win the game 3-1, controlling the match through the midfield and attacking the opposition more efficiently than their opponent.

1. Arsenal Possession Play: By playing against a 3-2-5, which works best when they control the central third through the build-up. Key players are Martin Zubimendi in ball out play and Eberechi Eze’s movement between the lines.

2. Forest Counter Attacks: Less space for Forest midfielders to operate in; compact midfield and lines will allow for quick and decisive breaks. First, outlet balls down channels to Hudson-Odoi or Gibbs-White can create high-percentage chances. 

Set piece Threat: Arsenal's defensive height and movement for corners, premium on second ball; Forest will also have opportunities to utilise Origi and his ability to capitalise on second balls and deep throw-ins.

The Emirates Stadium has been a stronghold for Arsenal over the years. Out of 107 games, Arsenal has won 55, while Nottingham Forest has won 29 games. Including our last match in November, Forest has not won an away game against Arsenal since 1989, which gives an advantage to the Gunners mentally. 

Note that Forest has one chance where they can hold against Arsenal; however, with home advantage and squad depth, they have a significant disadvantage.