Mikel Arteta explains decision to drop Gabriel Magalhaes for Arsenal’s Premier League opener against Nottingham Forest

Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta hinted the decision to drop Gabriel Magalhaes for Saturday’s Premier League opener against Nottingham Forest was purely for tactical reasons. The Brazil international was a mainstay of his side’s defence last season and put in an assured performance alongside the returning William Saliba in last weekend’s Community Shield win over Manchester City.

Arteta suggested at his pre-match press conference that he would need to come up with a different plan, however, against a Forest side who ended Arsenal’s title hopes with a thoroughly deserved 1-0 win at the City Ground back in May.

The Arsenal manager, indeed, raised eyebrows with his team selection, relegating Gabriel to the bench and handing a start to striker Eddie Nketiah. Explaining the change, Arteta said: ‘It is every game demands different things and Eddie [Nketiah] didn’t play last game and has done really well in pre-season and he deserves to play. He has been really good and always been a threat. Every game needs different qualities. This is how we start the game and we will probably finish in a very different way.’

Arsenal’s Formation

Pressed as to whether the Gunners would start with a back three, he said: ‘No.’

Forest, meanwhile, gave a debut to former Arsenal goalkeeper Matt Turner who only completed his move earlier this week. Manager Steve Cooper said: ‘Ironic that it’s here. We’re pleased he is with us, he has settled in really quickly. The best way to settle in is get on the team bus and get involved in a match day.’

Eddie Nketiah’s Performance

Eddie Nketiah was handed a start as Mikel Arteta tweaked his formation for Saturday’s game against Nottingham Forest. Nketiah had been impressive in pre-season and had earned his chance to lead the line for Arsenal. He was a constant threat throughout the game and his hard work paid off when he scored the only goal of the game in the second half.

Nketiah’s goal was enough to secure all three points for Arsenal and it was a great way for him to start his Premier League campaign. He showed great composure to take his chance and it was a sign of things to come from the young striker.

Conclusion

In the end, Mikel Arteta’s decision to drop Gabriel Magalhaes paid off as Arsenal secured all three points against Nottingham Forest. Eddie Nketiah was impressive throughout the game and capped off his performance with a well taken goal. It was a great start to the season for Arsenal and they will be hoping to build on this result in their next game.

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