NUNO ESPIRITO SANTO silenced Martin Keown after Nottingham Forest’s 0-0 draw with Arsenal last night.
The Gunners fell 13 points behind leaders Liverpool following their failure to win at the City Ground.
Boss Mikel Arteta has recently found himself without a recognised forward to call upon due to injuries.
With Gabriel Jesus, Kai Havertz, Gabriel Martinelli and Bukayo Saka all missing, Mikel Merino was selected as a makeshift striker.
Despite the Spaniard’s recent two-goal haul at Leicester, Forest boss Nuno did not seem particularly worried by his threat.
Having recently fielded a back five away at Fulham, the Portuguese opted for a back four against the Gunners.
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After the game, Nuno spoke to pundit Martin Keown on TNT Sports.
Asked why he went for a back four, Nuno said: “As Arsenal doesn’t have a striker… they didn’t play in those positions.
“There’s no need for an extra body, so the overload will be in the midfield, it’s about containing the midfield.”
On a low-key night in Nottingham, both sides struggled to create clear openings.
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Riccardo Calafiori came closest to breaking the deadlock, but saw his strike cannon back off the post.
With Liverpool beating Newcastle 2-0 at Anfield, the Gunners felt 13 points behind Arne Slot’s men.
They remain six points above Nottingham Forest in third, with Manchester City’s 1-0 win at Tottenham putting them just a point back from Nuno’s men.
Forest will host Pep Guardiola’s champions on Saturday, with Arsenal travelling to Manchester United the following day.
Source: Soccer - thesun.co.uk
