Arsenal v Nottingham Forest, History, Review & Predictions

This weekend (13th/14th September) Arsenal take on Nottingham Forest in the 4th game week of the Premier League and in this article we will take a look at previous meetings, form and predictions for the match.

History

Sine 1992 and the dawn of the Premier League, Arsenal have faced Nottingham Forest 16 times in the top division. The head to head breakdown from those meetings favours Arsenal who have won 10 of those 16 encounters with Forest winning two, the other 4 matches finishing in a draw.

Proving their quality at home and showing their strength in the match ups, Arsenal have exhibited complete dominance against Nottingham Forest in winning the last six home games by an aggregate score of 19-2. A point worth noting also is that the last time Nottingham Forest won a league game at the home of the Gunner's was back in 1989 with Arsenal going on to win the league that year.

To add even more spice to the upcoming encounter, Nuno Espirito is no longer the manager of Forest, having vacated that position on Monday night with former Spurs boss Ange Postecoglou replacing him in the hot seat. After Ange's appointment, Nottingham Forest owner, Evangelos Marinakis said: "We are bringing a coach to the club who has a proven and consistent record of winning trophies. Arsenal will be hoping that the 'new manager syndrome' doesn't kick in on Saturday.

Putting in the work 💪

Take a look Inside Training at Sobha Realty Training Centre as our squad gear up for Nottingham Forest 🎬

— Arsenal (@Arsenal) September 12, 2025

Match Review

Mikel Arteta will still be without Bukayo Saka for the lunchtime clash but could have William Saliba available after the defender went off injured early in the Liverpool game. On Saliba, Arteta said; "Wilo trained today, so we’ll have a decision to make whether we play him or not, it's very good news".

Talking about the importance of making the Emirates a fortress, he said; "That's what we want and we had a really good game against Leeds. It's going to be a very different game against Forest for sure. But we kick-off in front of our people after 10 days, and we're looking forward to it".

Postecoglou takes charge of a Forest side who have managed a win, draw and loss in their first three matches. Their success in defeating Brentford at home on the opening day was followed by a 1-1 draw with Crystal Palace away and a 3-0 defeat to West Ham United at the City Ground.

Speaking about Mikel Arteta and Arsenal, Postecoglou said' “They’ve probably been the most consistent club. They haven’t finished as champions, but they’ve certainly been the most consistent over recent years. “They’ve strengthened in the off-season and this is probably as strong as they’ve ever been from a playing perspective.

Ange Postecoglou is determined to deliver silverware for Nottingham Forest 🌳 pic.twitter.com/sNIZKxo2WS

— Premier League (@premierleague) September 10, 2025

Predictions

Arsenal have had a strong defensive start to the season, conceding only once in their opening three league matches and that was in week three in a very tight match away to current Premier League champions Liverpool.

That superiority in defence makes the Gunners strong favourites in this encounter and a home win is expected for Mikel Arteta's side. A 3-0 home win was the result last season in November with Bukayo Saka, Thomas Partey and Ethan Nwaneri all on the scoresheet. The visitors of course, will have something to say about that and the appointment of Postecoglou could see an invigorated Nottingham Forest hoping to deliver the points to their new manager. Kick off 12.30pm, Emirates Stadium, London.

Raise the volume. Raise the roof.

The boss wants to hear Emirates Stadium rocking 🔊 pic.twitter.com/SPMQiimn3q

— Arsenal (@Arsenal) September 12, 2025