"Mikel Arteta: We are building very good momentum, the Arsenal head coach said of his team yesterday. And the belief comes from performances and the level of consistency we have shown already this season. What we did at Stamford Bridge [won 3-2 in the Carabao Cup semi-final first legmidweek] should help us to be very convinced that we have the ability."
"We spoke to the players about it and what we expected, said the Forest gaffer of last week's FA Cup exit at Wrexham. It was a professional reaction, as it should be. A few felt they weren't near where they needed to be and I think the whole collective. It was only the first half [that was not up to standard] and I made it clear. I expect more from the players, as do they, and they made that clear in feeding that back."
"Having stressed the need to protect Bukayo Saka to get the best out of him, Mikel Arteta leaves his winger on the bench today, giving Noni Madueke a start in the winger's place. On the other flank, Gabriel Martinelli comes in for Leandro Trossard. David Raya starts in goal, with Kepa returning to the bench after getting a rare outing in the Carabao Cup against Chelsea."
Michael Oliver leads the match officials with assistants Stuart Burt and James Mainwaring, fourth official Tom Kirk, VAR Darren England and assistant VAR Sian Massey-Ellis. Arsenal are building strong momentum, drawing belief from consistent performances this season; the Stamford Bridge Carabao Cup win should reinforce conviction in the squad's ability. Nottingham Forest registered a professional reaction after the FA Cup exit at Wrexham, with several players judged below required standards, particularly in the first half, and higher performance expected. Arsenal start Noni Madueke and Gabriel Martinelli on the wings; David Raya starts and Kepa is on the bench. Forest make nine changes, keeping Matz Sels and Igor Jesus, with Ibrahim Sangare returning from AFCON and Willy Boly omitted from the matchday squad.
Read at www.theguardian.com
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