Time for a ‘Fresh Start for All’ as New Premier League Season Kicks Off

Arsenal vs Nottingham Forest

As Premier League starts go, Nottingham Forest could have been forgiven for wanting to avoid this one.

After all, they have been beaten 5-0 on their previous two (and only) visits to the Emirates Stadium.

Yet those results have been consigned to history and the opening weekend of a new season provides a fresh start for all.

Talking Points

Now, do not get me wrong.

It is difficult to see past Arsenal as they aim to go one better than last time.

But Forest have proven to be more than capable of producing Premier League highlights and last term enjoyed some super moments and key victories when it mattered.

Back to the Gunners and, from where this SBOTOP writer is sitting, they will need two factors to achieve their aim.

Firstly, the consistency they showed in the first half of last season will have to be matched in the second half of the campaign.

And, secondly, they will need to have a degree of better fortune on the injury front.

The Gunners didn’t have particularly bad luck in that regard but, when the injuries did come calling, the lack of squad depth was telling.

That latter point appears to have been addressed with smart recruitment this summer, albeit for big money.

With Declan Rice (who has a huge price tag to fulfil), Kai Havertz and Jurrien Timber now in the ranks, the Gunners should have far more substance and be more likely to embark on a sustained title challenge.

Forest were the side which put the final nail in the coffin of their title aspirations which lasted far longer than I or many others expected.

That 1-0 win in May confirmed that the club’s decision to keep faith with Steve Cooper was duly rewarded.

In the final push for survival, Forest won three out of their final six to stay up. The squad is stable and some smart summer signings have added to a team that has proved itself capable of staying in the Premier League. It is not very exciting but the main ambition will be for a calmer season that ends with a higher finish that 16th.

There will not be the huge turnover in playing staff this time around and many of those recruited, either last summer of in January, will be far more settled.

That can only lead to a calmer, less chaotic and more familiar looking Forest – all three are characteristics they will require if they are to get the new season off to a positive start.

History

Last season’s meetings – a 5-0 home success at the Emirates and a 1-0 home win at the City Ground – were the first league clashes between the two clubs since the final season of the last millennium (1998/99).

Yet they have met in a few memorable FA Cup clashes in more recent times – memorable if you are a Forest fan, that is!

In the third round in 2018, Forest recorded an unforgettable 4-2 victory in the third round at the City Ground to send the holders packing at the first time of asking.

Two first half goals from Eric Lichaj set the tone with Ben Brereton Diaz and Kieran Dowell netting the others as Per Mertesacker and Danny Welbeck replied for Arsenal.

Then at the same stage in 2022, Lewis Grabban scored the only goal seven minutes from time to spark wild home celebrations.

Arsenal have enjoyed two big League Cup wins over Forest during the past seven years.

Going back to last season, Gabriel Martinelli. Reiss Nelson (two), Thomas Partey and Martin Odegaard scored the goals in a 5-0 romp last October.

It was a very different story in May as Taiwo Awoniyi’s 19^th minute goal gave Forest a fine 1-0 win which not only secured Premier League survival against the odds but ended Arsenal’s title hopes.

Their very first meeting came in the then Division One in October 1904 when Forest defeated Woolwich Arsenal, as they were then known, 3-0.

Ironically, the scoreline was reversed when they met again in the return fixture two months later.

Overall, the Gunners have 52 victories in their head-to-heads, compared to 29 Forest triumphs and 22 draws.

Betting Tip

It’s Arsenal all the way with the SBOTOP Premier League betting odds.

They can be backed 1X2 @ 1.22 and Asian Handicap -2.00 @ 2.09.

This contrasts with Forest 1X2 @ 9.00 and Asian Handicap +1.50 @ 2.31.

The draw will pay out @ 6.00.

Goals are expected, including total goal 0-1 @ 5.80, 2-3 @ 2.23, 4-6 @ 2.40 and over 3.50 goals @ 2.21.

There hasn’t been a goalless draw between these teams since March 1987 and another this time is on offer @ 20.00 with Correct Score.

Buoyed by their Charity Shield success and a smattering of new signings, though, I cannot see beyond a home win with a bit to spare and my *** tip is First Half Asian Handicap Arsenal -0.75 @ 1.92.

 

●●●

CHECK OUT OUR BLOG FOR MORE FOOTBALL STORIES & ODDS

Stay updated with everything sports and betting.

Follow us on social Facebook, Twitter, Instagram and YouTube.