Arsenal spent the summer trying to sign forwards, and rightly so: they lack elite attacking quality, and well though they have done over the last few seasons, it has unarguably cost them.
The best summer acquisition, though, was not a player, but the Premier League trophy or, more pertinently, the status of champions, also known as freedom. It meant they did not need to fritter money on someone they knew at the time was not of the standard they were seeking in the hope they might contribute a key moment or two which pushed them over the edge. Instead, they could attack the season with confidence and without the desperate pressure of flailing failure, developing a style that could have made the eyes bleed into a knowing, aggressive flow.
Response to Defeat Shows Progress
Of course they are still a magician and matchwinner short but, in the meantime, they are still much better than they were. These days, a trouncing at Brighton can happen to anyone, so what is of greater significance is the response: a comeback win against a confident and physical Leeds, then a Champions League win with a rotated team. Or put another way, Mikel Smugteta is an even better manager than Mikel Angsteta, and just as freakishly intense.
Forest's Confusing Start
Forest, meantime, have made a confusing start to the season, decent performances at Liverpool and Villa undermined by home defeats to Leeds and Coventry, the latter then followed last week by a gubbing at Palace. They are surely far too good to become embroiled in a relegation struggle, but the possibility will linger as long as the identity of those who are not remains unclear, while only Spurs have mustered fewer than their five league goals.
All of which makes for some pure, uncut and concentrated "this league" action; let's get involved.
Kick-off: 4.30pm
