At 19:30 Beijing time on the evening of September 13, the fourth round of the Premier League will feature a highly anticipated match as Arsenal host Nottingham Forest. The two teams are clearly mismatched in strength: one side boasts a star-studded squad and stable performance in recent seasons, while the other has just undergone a managerial change and faces uncertainty. Whether Forest’s new coach Postecoglou can secure a winning start is worth watching, while after last round’s defeat, the focus is also on whether Arteta can lead Arsenal to recover.
As last season’s Premier League runners-up, Arsenal made big moves in the summer transfer window, investing nearly €300 million to strengthen their squad. The additions of players such as Zhekelaiš and Madueke provide strong reinforcement. Although their performance in the first three rounds has been mixed, Arsenal’s firepower and overall quality remain formidable. However, injuries have become a major challenge for Arteta, with several key players unavailable, affecting the team’s overall strength.
In contrast, Nottingham Forest has also made some reinforcements in the transfer market, but the departure of top striker Elanga has left a gap in their frontline. Even though their current results are acceptable, the managerial change still presents a significant challenge. New coach Postecoglou faces a tough test, needing to demonstrate his tactical approach and leadership against a strong opponent on the road.
Arsenal favor attacking tactics, while Postecoglou is known for high pressing, making this match a potential tactical showdown. Historical records show Arsenal have an overwhelming advantage over Forest, but football is full of surprises, and whether the new coach can bring unexpected results in his debut remains to be seen.
It is expected that Arsenal will focus on attacking, creating threats through right-wing breakthroughs and the impact of substitute players. Forest, on the other hand, will need to quickly adapt to their new coach’s tactics and seize any counterattack opportunities. This match promises to be thrilling, and who will emerge victorious will only be revealed on the pitch.
