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.
Arsenal
Partey at RB, Gabriel dropped after 73 consecutive games- Arsenal starting lineup vs Nottingham Forest today for first game of 2023-24 season
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.
Arsenal Opening Day Record Premier League (1992 till date) | First Game Weekend Fixtures AFC History & Results Last 10 years
Here is a look at the result of the first game of every Premier League season for Arsenal so far. Covers every opening day/weekend fixture for the Gunners in the history for the PL (from its inaugural 1992/93 season till date). Arsenal manager for that particular opening game (George Graham, Bruce Rioch, Stewart Houston, Arsene Wenger, Unai Emery, Mikel Arteta) also mentioned in brackets.
1992/93- Arsenal 2-4 Norwich (Graham)
1993/94- Arsenal 0-3 Coventry (Graham)
1994/95- Arsenal 3-0 Manchester City (Graham)
1995/96- Arsenal 1-1 Middlesbrough (Rioch)
1996/97- Arsenal 2-0 West Ham (Houston)