Saka benched, Madueke shines: Arsenal’s refreshed formula to outpace Nottingham Forest

Lineups and key decisions

Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta announced his starting XI for the trip to Nottingham Forest at City Ground, resting Bukayo Saka and Leandro Trossard and handing the forward duties to Noni Madueke and Gabriel Martinelli. The midfield trio remained familiar, with Martin Ødegaard, Declan Rice, and Martin Zubimendi set to steer the play from deep.

David Raya started in goal, flanked by a backline of White, William Saliba, Gabriel Magalhães and Timber. Nottingham Forest aligned with their usual lineup as they looked to pinch the initiative at home.

Arsenal’s starting XI in full: Raya; White, Saliba, Gabriel, Timber; Madueke, Rice, Zubimendi, Ødegaard; Martinelli, with Saka and others among the substitutes. The Forest side looked to frustrate the visitors and claim a valuable result on their soil.

Nottingham Forest lined up with a standard setup, aiming to disrupt Arsenal’s rhythm and build from the back, while Arsenal targeted a victory that would extend their advantage at the top of the league amid City’s recent slip in derbi action.

Arsenal’s objective going into kick-off was clear: win and widen the gap, potentially to nine points, should City stumble again in the derby later in the day.

Match context

The clash at City Ground represents a key moment in the title race as Arsenal seek to consolidate their position, while Forest chase a result to bolster their campaign and challenge the pacesetters on their home turf.

With Saka and Trossard rested, the onus is on Madueke and Martinelli to shoulder the creative burden, supported by a sturdy midfield trio and a composed Raya orchestrating from the back.

Arsenal’s setup signals a pragmatic approach: defend solidly, feed the thrust through Martinelli and Madueke, and press Forest high to force turnover in dangerous areas. The aim remains to seize control and widen the gap in the Premier League standings after City’s setback to United.

Punchline time: If football is a sport of chess, Arsenal just pulled out a bench move that smells like checkmate—Saka who? He’ll be the plot twist you didn’t see coming. Punchline two: Arsenal’s bench is basically a mid-season remix—fresh faces, familiar goals, and a manager who still finds new ways to win in January.