Ange Postecoglou called two Arsenal players ‘outstanding’ when he was at Spurs, they won’t play on Saturday

Add as preferred source on Google

There has been a major change at Nottingham Forest ahead of their trip to the Emirates.

Arsenal thought they’d be facing Nuno Espirito Santo’s side on Saturday lunchtime, but a dramatic turn of events sees Ange Postecoglou set to return to North London.

Following the announcement, Arsenal fans reacted to Postecoglou taking charge of Forest, sharing the opinion that the Gunners will thrive against the former Tottenham manager’s system.

Many teams enjoyed playing against the high line Postecoglou implemented at Spurs, something Viktor Gyokeres could look forward to when facing Forest on Saturday.

Ange Postecoglou is a fan of Bukayo Saka and Gabriel Jesus 

From how Arsenal exploited Postecoglou’s Tottenham from set play to Mikel Arteta’s unbeaten record against the manager, matchday four just got all the more exciting for all involved.

Despite never beating Arsenal while he was Spurs manager, Postecoglou will head into Saturday’s fixture with some relief for one key reason.

During the 2023/24 season, the former Spurs boss failed to contain the admiration he had for two Arsenal players after the 2-2 draw in the North London Derby. 

After his side’s draw at the Emirates, Postecoglou took the time to praise the impact of Arsenal’s wide players on the day: Gabriel Jesus and Bukayo Saka. 

“I thought both our full-backs had difficult jobs today. Arsenal’s wide players are outstanding players and that’s where their threats are,” he said in his post-match press conference [24/09/2023].

Arteta took a gamble that day, playing Eddie Nketiah through the middle and Jesus on the left wing, but it paid off.

The Brazilian and Saka terrorised Spurs, as Postecoglou noticed, but to Arsenal’s dismay, and the manager’s relief, the duo won’t be in action against Forest on Saturday. 

Postecoglou will be relieved that Saka won’t play against Nottingham Forest

Jesus is stepping up his recovery ahead of his long-awaited return, as is Saka, who was spotted training on his own at Colney during the September international break.

Despite the brilliance that Jesus can offer on his day, it is undoubtedly Saka whom Postecoglou will be more relieved not to be facing.

The Greek-Australian manager has seen the winger contribute to five goals in only three meetings against his Spurs side, scoring twice and assisting three times when Postecoglou was at Tottenham.

Saka isn’t thought to be ready to face Nottingham Forest, which will come as a huge relief to their new boss.