Match of the Day pundit makes bold Arsenal prediction after Nottingham Forest masterclass
Arsenal have been told that they have a major opportunity to win the Premier League title this season after their successful summer transfer window.
New signings Martin Zubimendi and Viktor Gyokeres were both on the scoresheet as Arsenal beat Nottingham Forest 3-0 on Saturday, 13 September.
Fellow summer signings Eberechi Eze and Noni Madueke also caused plenty of problems for Ange Postecoglou’s men at the Emirates Stadium.
Despite the injury suffered by star man Bukayo Saka, as well as the absences of players like William Saliba and Kai Havertz, the Gunners proved far too good for Forest on 13 September.
Arsenal have an opportunity to win the Premier League title
In their last game before the international break, Arsenal were beaten 1-0 by defending Premier League champions Liverpool.
However, the North Londoners successfully put their Anfield woes behind them to defeat Postecoglou’s side in their top-flight return.
Speaking on BBC One’s Match of the Day on 13 September, Shay Given said: “He (Mikel Arteta) has spent a lot, but obviously Saka (is out) and Odegaard went off injured today.
“Saliba, (Gabriel) Jesus, Havertz are out as well. Again, the strength in depth now, which they have Champions League, Premier League.
“This is probably the strongest squad I think Arteta has had. This is their opportunity, I feel to win the Premier League this season.
“If they can keep the majority of this squad fit, even Zubimendi today scoring a header, that’s a rarity isn’t it, him scoring two goals in one game.
“He must believe, they must believe this is their year.“
Mikel Arteta must ensure his side retain their momentum
Given is right to outline that Arteta enjoyed a successful summer of recruitment, as Arsenal signed Gyokeres from Sporting, as well as acquiring Eze from Crystal Palace, adding some much-needed firepower to their ranks.
| Arsenal fixtures | Premier League 2025/26 |
| 21/09 | Manchester City (H) |
| 28/09 | Newcastle United (A) |
| 04/10 | West Ham United (H) |
Striker Gyokeres has now scored three goals in four Premier League appearances, indicating that his attacking exploits can inspire the North London outfit to top-flight glory.
Meanwhile, Arteta also benefitted from the services of fellow summer addition Cristhian Mosquera, who slotted well into his defence against Forest amid Saliba’s absence.
However, the Gunners’ recent acquisitions can only help them win the title if they maintain their strong form, with challenging Premier League clashes with Manchester City and Newcastle United on the horizon.
Arsenal already showed signs of their weaknesses when they failed to threaten in their 1-0 defeat at Liverpool on 31 August, but the Emirates Stadium outfit cannot afford any similar slip-ups in the near future.