Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta has pushed back against claims that his team lost their competitive edge following a recent loss to Brighton & Hove Albion. Addressing a reporter’s question after Sunday’s narrow 1-0 victory against Nottingham Forest, Arteta highlighted the absurdity of the suggestion given the team’s strong start to the 2026-27 season. He noted, “You play 11 games, you win 10, and you lose momentum,” refuting the idea that one setback dictates the team’s overall trajectory. Saying the Tricky Trees were well organised and defended well, arteta praised Forest for their resilience against his Arsenal side.
The Gunners have enjoyed a formidable beginning to their campaign, securing victories in 10 of their opening 11 matches across all competitions. Their only defeat occurred at the Amex Stadium against Brighton before the recent international break. Despite that result, Arsenal has recovered well, stringing together three consecutive wins since returning to action. However, the Gunners have since put that setback behind them, winning each of their last three matches.
During Sunday’s match, Arsenal struggled to break down a resilient Nottingham Forest defense. “We had to be so patient,” Arteta admitted, noting that his opponents were well-organized and difficult to penetrate. The Gunners controlled the majority of possession but failed to register a single shot on target throughout the first half. They remained frustrated until the 80th minute, when Noni Madueke finally broke the deadlock to secure the win.
With this result, Arsenal currently holds second place in the Premier League table. They remain three points adrift of league leaders Manchester City, who currently sit on 21 points.
