NUNO ESPIRITO SANTO silenced Martin Keown after Nottingham Forest’s 0-0 draw with Arsenal last night.
The Gunners fell 13 points behind leaders Liverpool following their failure to win at the City Ground.
"As Arsenal doesn't have a striker… there's no need for an extra body" 👀
— Football on TNT Sports (@footballontnt) February 26, 2025
Nuno Espírito Santo's brutal honesty silences Martin Keown 🤐
🎙️ @Julesbreach pic.twitter.com/E28ot0a7bj
Nuno Espirito Santo chatted to the TNT Sports crew after the game
The Forest boss smiled after the game
Boss Mikel Arteta has recently found himself without a recognised forward to call upon due to injuries.
With Gabriel Jesus, Kai Havertz, Gabriel Martinelli and Bukayo Saka all missing, Mikel Merino was selected as a makeshift striker.
Despite the Spaniard’s recent two-goal haul at Leicester, Forest boss Nuno did not seem particularly worried by his threat.
Having recently fielded a back three away at Fulham, the Portuguese opted for a back four against the Gunners.
After the game, Nuno spoke to pundit Martin Keown on TNT Sports.
Asked why he went for a back four, Nuno said: “As Arsenal doesn’t have a striker… they didn’t play in those positions.
“There’s no need for an extra body, so the overload will be in the midfield, it’s about containing the midfield.”
On a low-key night in Nottingham, both sides struggled to create clear openings.
Riccardo Calafiori came closest to breaking the deadlock, but saw his strike cannon back off the post.
With Liverpool beating Newcastle 2-0 at Anfield, the Gunners felt 13 points behind Arne Slot’s men.
They remain six points above Nottingham Forest in third, with Manchester City’s 1-0 win at Tottenham putting them just a point back from Nuno’s men.
Forest will host Pep Guardiola‘s champions on Saturday, with Arsenal travelling to Manchester United the following day.
ReutersArsenal stars were left gutted after the game[/caption] Creator – [#item_custom_dc:creator]
