This time for Arsenal, it was a positive international break. There were very few fears entering the two weeks away from club football after Declan Rice and Bukayo Saka pulled out of England duty, whilst Martin Odegaard wasn’t selected for Norway.
Hindsight says that Nottingham Forest were poor (they were) and are reverting more to expectation after also losing to Newcastle. However, the reality was that Arsenal were winless in four, posed with a tricky task upon their return.
None of the threat on paper played out, though, and Odegaard linked with Saka to lead Arsenal to an easy 3-0 win. It was the sort of cruise-control display that can go under the radar but has been much needed in a season of turbulence at every corner for the Gunners.
Arsenal are being proactive in their approach to tying both Bukayo Saka and Ethan Nwaneri down to new contracts, according to reports. It is suggested that the club are wary of Saka, in particular, entering the final two years of his deal next summer even though he signed fresh terms in May 2023.
Arsenal have been able to agree new deals for all of their best players over the past few seasons in a bid to future proof themselves from outside interest.
