Paul Merson left red-faced by Bukayo Saka as Arsenal prediction vs Nottingham Forest comes back to haunt

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Arsenal icon Paul Merson will be regretting his pre-match comments before the Gunners’ victory over Nottingham Forest.

Prior to the international break, Merson called for Arsenal to kick on and end their run of questionable form.

Mikel Arteta’s side went into the clash with Forest nine points below league leaders Liverpool, making the game a must-win.

Fortunately, Arsenal tormented Forest to earn a 3-0 victory, with Bukayo Saka, Thomas Partey and Ethan Nwaneri getting on the scoresheet. 

• READ MORE: Arsenal player ratings vs Nottingham Forest: Bukayo Saka superb as four players get 9/10

Paul Merson’s pre-match comments ahead of Arsenal vs Nottingham Forest

It was a memorable day for Arsenal, particularly as Nwaneri scored his first Premier League goal. 

While the 17-year-old found the target when coming off the bench, some attackers who started the game were less fortunate in front of goal.

This was something that Merson predicted after seeing Gabriel Jesus and Leandro Trossard named in the starting XI.

“He’s [Jesus] getting a little bit sick at Arsenal. The fans are on his back a bit,” Merson said on Sky Sports News before kick off.  

“He’ll have to start well, today I always find Jesus is a nice player but he doesn’t really get you the goals.

“You wouldn’t put your hat on any of them three scoring today, I don’t look at them like the Liverpool front three.”

Merson was referencing the difference in threat between Arsenal’s front three of Trossard, Saka and Jesus and Liverpool’s.

Bukayo Saka proved Merson wrong 

The Arsenal icon was proven wrong within 15 minutes of play at the Emirates, as Saka put the Gunners ahead early.

Merson praised Saka’s influence post-match as the Englishman left him red-faced by doing what he said he wouldn’t. 

There was some truth in Merson’s prediction as Jesus and Trossard failed to have a real influence but it quickly became clear that ruling Saka out was the wrong call.

Arteta’s starting lineup against Forest was questioned by fans, as Kai Havertz was benched to see Jesus come in.

The Brazilian is fighting for his Arsenal future due to a disappointing year at the club, with his claim not made stronger against Nuno Santo’s side.

Merson’s prediction was correct in that sense however, his comments hold no weight as Saka saved the front line from embarrassment.