Arsenal take on Nottingham Forest in the Premier League at the City Ground.
The Gunners are six points clear at the top of the table, and they are the favourites to win the competition for the first time in over two decades.
If Mikel Arteta’s men carry on in the same fashion, they will get over the line, but it’s never easy to face a Sean Dyche side, especially away from home.
The Forest boss has now given an insight into his tactics against the Premier League leaders, and Arteta will not like it.
Tell us the main difference between this season and last season but you CAN’T say squad depth
What has changed at Arsenal?
Sean Dyche hints at Nottingham Forest’s tactics vs Arsenal
Arsenal have come up against Dyche’s sides many times in the past.
The Gunners mostly have a good record against the Englishman, but there have been games in which his teams have made it difficult.
The last time Arteta and Dyche faced each other was in December 2024. The North Londoners had 76 per cent possession and had 12 shots at goal against Everton, who made two attempts.
Yet, the game ended 0-0, and Dyche’s plan seems to be the same when Nottingham Forest host Arsenal on Saturday.
Speaking ahead of the clash, when asked how his side can take something from the game, Dyche put an emphasis on hard work, good defensive shape and waiting for a chance.
That suggests it is going to be a low block again.
He said, as relayed on HaytersTV: “You’ve got to work hard. That’s for sure. But that should be a prerequisite, as we just discussed, it wasn’t against Wrexham, but generally it has been. So, I think you’ve got to do that.
“You’ve got to do all the basics well. Your shape has got to be good. You’ve got to work hard out of possession, and you’ve got to work and wait for your opportunities sometimes.
“They keep the ball well. They’ve been productive. They get the ball forward quicker than they have been previously. Everyone talks about their set pieces, but they’re not just a set-piece outfit, that’s for sure. They’re a very strong outfit.
“So, I think you’ve got to be ready on all levels, you know, and I think that’s what we’re looking to be when the whistle blows.”
Who is the most creative player in the Arsenal squad to unlock low-blocks? Is it Martin Odegaard or someone else?
Facing low blocks has been a concern for Arsenal
Arsenal usually destroy teams in a free-flowing game, but their problem over the years has come against low blocks.
Dyche made the Gunners drop points in the last meeting by making his players defend deep, and that is once again going to be the case on Saturday.
Arsenal will need their creative players to be at their absolute best to penetrate Forest’s low block. It could be a very frustrating game if they don’t score early.
That is a major concern as the last thing Arteta needs is for his side to feel the pressure of dropping points if Arsenal aren’t leading after an hour.
It will be interesting to see if the Gunners boss will turn to Eberechi Eze to start, along with Martin Odegaard, for some extra creativity at the City Ground.
Receive a digest of our best Arsenal content each week direct to your mailbox
