For the first time in four years, Arsenal will play their opening match of the Premier League season at home, and it will be against Nottingham Forest.
Arsenal came close to winning the league title last season and one of the clubs that dealt them a blow in the run-in was Nottingham. That was after they beat the Gunners 1-0 at the City Ground.
While talking to the press in the pre-match press conference this afternoon, Arsenal manager, Mikel Arteta said that Nottingham beat them in a clever way and they have to play better tomorrow.
“They did it [beat us last season] in a really clever way and they deserved on the day to get the points. Tomorrow we’re going to have to play better to deserve more.” Arteta told reporters, as quoted by arsenal.com.
The Spaniard went on to heap praise on their Saturday opponents, saying they “are always extremely well organised and what they’ve done last season, especially the way they’ve started and how they’ve adapted to the league and their qualities, is remarkable, so I think they’ve done well.”
On the other side of the country, Nottingham Forest manager Steve Cooper also had a press conference where he said that his team is ready for the encounter at the Emirates Stadium tomorrow, however tough it looks.
“It is a tough game but we’ve had five or six weeks of preseason to prepare for it. We have prepared well for it even though it is on the road.” Cooper said.
Last season at the Emirates, Arsenal thrashed Nottingham 5-0 but that is history now and things could be different this season. In any case, Arteta is excited for the new season.
“I’m super excited, I think it’s a new challenge and a new opportunity. We’re very fresh to start again and we’re excited to play our first game at home as it’s been a while.” Arteta said.
When asked if the expectations have changed at the club after last season, Arteta said yes, and added that the team has to be at its best.
“Probably yes but the reality is that in football, you have to be at your best on the day. It’s only about today and tomorrow and playing the way we want to play and increasing the probability of winning the game.” Arteta explained.
