Arsenal are preparing for a tough trip to the City Ground to face a Nottingham Forest side that have performed above all expectations so far this season.
Mikel Arteta believes ‘it is possible’ to win the league but his side will have to dramatically improve from their shocking performance in a 1-0 defeat to West Ham at the Emirates Stadium.
Ethan Nwaneri should be fit for the game after coming off against the Hammers with cramp but there still remains no Bukayo Saka or Gabriel Martinelli in a very blunt-looking Arsenal attack.
Goals have not been a problem for Nuno Espirito Santo’s Forest side and the former Spurs boss has been able to call upon a Premier League record holder to fire his side to within touching distance of the Gunners.
Chris Wood holds Premier League record ahead of clash with Mikel Arteta’s side
Chris Wood has been on fire this season for Nottingham Forest and his 18 goals and three assists have propelled his side into real contention for the Champions League places.
It would be a historic achievement for the club and their first appearance in Europe’s elite competition since the 1980-81 season, they have won the prestigious trophy twice under Brian Clough.
The New Zealand international is currently the league’s biggest overperformer in terms of expected goals (xG) and it highlights the clinical edge that Wood has brought to his game.
Gabriel Magalhaes and Riccardo Calafiori defended poorly against West Ham to allow Jarrod Bowen to score the only goal of the game and the Gunners defence will need to be sharper against such a deadly marksman.
Arsenal missed a transfer opportunity by not signing Wood
Having previously played at the likes of Newcastle United and Burnley, Wood was a proven Premier League goalscorer and although not as prolific as this season, he did fit the profile that Arsenal were looking for.
Arsenal should have signed Wood back in 2023 as Forest snapped him up for just £14m from Newcastle after a successful loan spell.
It may not have been the big-name striker signing from Arteta that the Gunners fans crave but 18 league goals is a phenomenal season and his style of play suits Arsenal.
Wood is a physical presence in the box and thrives off quality crosses, something that the Gunners produce in abundance without having that prolific striker to finish them off.
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