Arsenal Unleash Tactical Mastery to Outshine Nottingham Forest, but Arteta's Side Must Address Vulnerabilities

Mikel Arteta's decision to include Gabriel Magalhaes, one of Arsenal's key players from last season, on the bench for the Premier League opener conveyed a clear message: he has a multitude of options at his disposal. Despite starting every game for Arsenal last season, the Brazilian defender was omitted this time due to tactical considerations. It was not because another player was deemed superior, but rather because Arteta had a distinct game plan in mind.

"It worked extremely effectively," Arteta stated following his team's victorious 2-1 match against Nottingham Forest. "My responsibility is to present the opponent and those they are challenging with bigger challenges."

In the previous season, Arsenal performed exceptionally well, giving Manchester City a tough competition, yet their team exhibited a certain level of predictability.

Arteta only made one alteration to his lineup against Nottingham Forest on Saturday, yet the entire team underwent a transformation.

Gabriel exited the game while Partey transitioned from midfield to defense, Kai Havertz shifted from attack to midfield, and Eddie Nketiah substituted in. This kind of lineup alteration would have been deemed nearly impossible a year ago. By fielding an aggressive formation, Arsenal successfully confined Forest and secured a commanding 2-0 lead at halftime, putting them in a favorable position.

Presently, Arsenal faces uncertainty regarding the right-back position, with no clear indication if it will be filled by Ben White, Jurrien Timber, Takehiro Tomiyasu, or even Partey. Will Gabriel make a return next week? Is Declan Rice better suited as a defensive midfielder alongside Havertz, or as an attacking midfielder alongside Partey or Jorginho? Leandro Trossard has the versatility to play in four different positions. Where would he best fit into the team?

Partey's first-half performance was truly captivating. He seamlessly executed a rapid throw-in, reminiscent of a skilled right-back, and promptly dashed toward the heart of the field, akin to a proficient central midfielder diligently regaining his position.

Mimicking Oleksandr Zinchenko's position from last season, but on the opposite wing, adds another dimension to Arsenal's tactics. Will the Gunners deploy their full-backs on the right, left, or both sides?

This variation in Arsenal's gameplay is worth keeping an eye on, particularly as they juggle the Champions League alongside their pursuit of another Premier League title. However, the game was nearly over, highlighting a weakness that Arteta must address – Arsenal's vulnerability.

Arteta's team was comfortably leading the game until a lapse in concentration allowed Nottingham Forest to equalize with Taiwo Awoniyi's goal. Shortly after, Morgan Gibbs-White's shot over the bar brought back memories of the two-goal leads that were squandered against Liverpool and West Ham in the previous season. These results ultimately led to the fading of their title aspirations.

Reflecting on the game, Arteta acknowledged, "We didn't concede many chances, but in the Premier League, it is risky to try to run down the clock."

"We need to adopt a more uncompromising, discerning, and assertive approach."

It served as a poignant reminder that this Arsenal team is still relatively young. Although they had gained an extra season of experience, when Forest posed a threat of securing a draw, only one Arsenal player - Partey - possessed a top-tier league medal.

Arsenal managed to secure a victory in just one game, but their potential for this season appears to be greater as they strive to surpass Manchester City's position at the top. However, the nail-biting finale on Saturday indicated that their greatest obstacle may lie in overcoming their own internal struggles.