Soccer Blog|Football News, Reviews, Quizzes

Here is a look at the xG (expected goals) stats from Arsenal vs Nottingham Forest. It was always going to be a tough ask for Forest given their woeful away form in the league last season and the Gunners’ own fantastic opening day record.

It eventually finished 2-1 to the Gunners. They were dominant in the first half (in the 24th minute, Arsenal had 180 passes to Forest’s 13)and a lovely assist from Gabriel Martinelli set up Nketiah for the opening goal. Jurrien Timber started at LB, but was injured just after half time. Thomas Partey started at RB. Forest grew into the game in the final quarter and eventually pulled one back through Awoniyi.

xG Arsenal 0.67-0.52 Nottingham Forest shots map (Actual score AFC 2-1 NFFC)

1-0 Nketiah goal vs Forest xG 0.11
2-0 Saka goal vs Forest xG 0.03
2-1 Awoniyi goal vs Arsenal xG 0.25

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This Gabriel Martinelli assist vs Forest saw the Brazilian produce a lovely bit of skill to set up Eddie Nketiah’s opener for Arsenal. Martinelli produced a pirouette backheel assist against NFFC and Nketiah applied the finishing touches to score the Gunners’ opening goal of the league campaign. They eventually won 2-1.

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Here is a look at the official Arsenal starting XI for the first league game of the 23/24 season against Nottingham Forest, and Mikel Arteta threw up some selection surprises.

Gabriel Magalhaes was dropped after 73 consecutive Premier League starts; with Ben White chosen to start at CB along with William Saliba.

Regular DM Thomas Partey chosen to start at right back against Forest

Jurrien Timber, more naturally a RB, starting at LB against Forest, just as he did in the Community Shield against Man City.

Starts for both Declan Rice and Kai Havertz- their Arsenal league debuts, in midfield.

Eddie Nketiah starting at centre forward with Gabriel Jesus out due to injury.

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