Paul Merson in disbelief as Jurien Timber ruins Arsenal ‘goal of the season’
Paul Merson was stunned as “unbelievable” Arsenal play against Nottingham Forest failed to produce the “goal of the season” thanks to a misplaced pass from Jurrien Timber.
Mikel Arteta’s took the lead in the 15th minute, when Bukayo Saka curled a stunning effort from just inside the area into the far corner of the visitor’s goal.
It was a dominant period for the hosts, who also saw Martin Odegaard miss a big opportunity, while Jurrien Timber was unable to apply the final pass to a flowing move and double the lead before the break – Thomas Partey scored the second shortly after half time.
While that left Merson feeling his old club should have been further ahead, he was also thrilled by some of the football on show at The Emirates Stadium.
Speaking on Sky Sports’ Soccer Saturday (3:31pm), the former Gunners star was asked by host Simon Thomas if Arsenal should have been further ahead, and responded by saying: “Yeah 100%, 100%. They’ve been playing some great stuff.
“Saka down the right is a different player when he plays with Odegaard. He gets down the right, a great touch he’s away, he pulls it back for Odegaard. It’s on Odegaard’s right foot which is not the strongest, and it’s a weak shot.
“Then they have some interplay, unbelievable play. If Timber’s pass was better, we’d have been looking at goal of the season. Phenomenal but it was overhit. But it is all Arsenal they are dominating this game.”
A much-needed performance from Arsenal
Football Insider Opinion
This first-half performance from the Gunners against Forest will have been a welcome sight for supporters from their side.
Going into the game, Arteta’s team had been on a poor run in the Premier League, failing to win any of their last four outings in the league.
It is therefore vital for Arsenal to pick up a result here, in order to ensure they do not get cut too far adrift in the title race, especially after the unwelcome injury news on Ben White.
Continuing to play as they did in that first-half, they can be confident of putting themselves right back into contention for top spot in the division, with Partey’s strike settling some nerves.
The return of Odegaard to action after injury is certainly one moment that does seem to have helped turned performances back in the direction they would have wanted.
One concern will have been the fact that Arsenal did not take their chances to go further ahead, something they will be desperate to avoid being punished for moving forward.
In other news, Arsenal have been tipped to sign a Newcastle United player.
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