Premier League: ‘Best of the Rest’ Prepare for Battle

Nottingham Forest vs Arsenal

A Premier League clash between the sides in second and third places would normally set the pulses racing with around a third of the season remaining. Yet, as far as this SBOTOP writer is concerned, with the title race seemingly a foregone conclusion, this midweek encounter at the City Ground is barely a battle for the runners-up position.

Arsenal look set to be the bridesmaids again, while, realistically, Nottingham Forest are not expected to challenge for second place – if they finish in the top six, it will be a magnificent achievement. But such have been their Premier League 2025 highlights, they have nothing to lose, so all the pressure is firmly on the visitors.

 

Talking Points 

As no one anticipated Forest to be where they are at the start of the season, no-one should criticise them if they let slip their position from here. Even in defeat at Newcastle on Sunday though, they showed a character which will hold them in good stead for the remainder of the campaign. After trailing 4-1 in the North East, Nuno Espirito Santo’s men kept plugging away to the extent that the final whistle signalled relief for the home side and frustration for the visitors they didn’t have another few minutes to make a seven goal thriller a potential eight goal thriller and a point.

It was the weekend from hell for Arsenal. There is no doubt their title bid has been undermined by injuries this term and they have been weakened at a key time – firstly, the absences of several key defenders in the autumn and, more recently, by the lack of frontmen at Mikel Arteta’s disposal. Yet in the case of the latter, the Gunners did not help themselves by failing to recruit a striker in the January transfer window. Remember, it was January 12 when Gabriel Jesus was ruled out for the season and the club had virtually three weeks to delve into the transfer market to strengthen a squad already missing arguably their best attacking talent in Bukayo Saka.

Still, they had a glimmer of hope in the title race going into the weekend only for a surprise defeat at home to West Ham to completely quash any momentum and ensure it went back to a one-way procession on Merseyside. How they react now, starting on Wednesday night at a stadium they have struggled at in recent seasons, will tell us much about the mental character of Arteta’s men.

Meanwhile, if Forest are to maintain a top-four spot, Murillo’s continued good form will be imperative. After 25 games, he has the second-most clearances (152) in the top flight, a number that backs up the praise he has received. He will relish facing a side which looked toothless in attack at the weekend.

 

History

Arsenal did secure a league double over Forest last term, both 2-1 successes with the City Ground victory secured through goals from Jesus and Saka. Taiwo Awoniyi replied for the hosts. The season before was a very different story as Awoniyi’s 19^th minute goal gave Forest a fine 1-0 win which not only secured Premier League survival against the odds but ended Arsenal’s title hopes.

Earlier this term, Arsenal ran out 3-0 winners at home with Saka, Thomas Partey and teenager Ethan Nwaneri the goal-getters.

The sides have met in a few memorable FA Cup clashes in more recent times – memorable if you are a Forest fan, that is! In the third round in 2018, Forest recorded an unforgettable 4-2 victory in the third round at the City Ground to send the holders packing at the first time of asking. Two first half goals from Eric Lichaj set the tone with Ben Brereton Diaz and Kieran Dowell netting the others as Per Mertesacker and Danny Welbeck replied for Arsenal.

Then at the same stage in 2022, Lewis Grabban scored the only goal seven minutes from time to spark wild home celebrations. Arsenal have enjoyed two big League Cup wins over Forest during the past eight years.

Their very first meeting came in the then Division One in October 1904 when Forest defeated Woolwich Arsenal, as they were then known, 3-0. Ironically, the scoreline was reversed when they met again in the return fixture two months later.

Overall, the Gunners have 55 victories in their head-to-heads, compared to 29 Forest triumphs and 22 draws.

 

Betting Tip 

Forest’s rise has been against the odds and the Premier League 2025 betting odds don’t fancy them to get much here either as they are priced 1X2 @ 3.54 compared to Arsenal 1X2 @ 2.00. Asian Handicap odds are attractive for both sides with the hosts on offer +0.25 @ 2.19 and Arsenal -0.75 @ 2.28. Another 2-1 Arsenal success will pay out @ 8.40 with Correct Score, while a draw is an appealing @ 3.14.

   

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