Shearer: 'I don't see it happening' for Forest against Arsenal
Alan Shearer expects Arsenal to leave the City Ground with all three points this weekend, despite the club's recent difficulties at the venue. The former Newcastle striker believes Nottingham Forest's current struggles will prove too much for Oliver Glasner's side to overcome.
Arsenal were unconvincing in their last outing against Leeds and will now travel to face a Forest team desperate for a positive result. With Manchester City maintaining strong form at the top of the table, Arsenal cannot afford to drop unnecessary points if they are to sustain a genuine title challenge this season.
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Forest under pressure after Palace defeat
Forest arrive into the fixture off the back of a damaging defeat to Crystal Palace, a result that has only increased the pressure on Glasner. Speaking via the Metro, Shearer pointed to missed chances as the root cause of Forest's recent problems.
“Nottingham Forest got a terrible result last week against Crystal Palace but they missed massive chances. I mean, Liam Delap missed an absolute sitter, as did others and then when that happened, Crystal Palace went up the other end and scored. Then all of sudden you just go flat,” Shearer said.
He continued: “Oliver Glasner needs a result, very much like other managers, you need a result when you're struggling, and Forest are struggling and need a win massively. I don't see it happening against Arsenal. I think Arsenal will win.”
Arsenal need a response
Arsenal have not had an easy time at the City Ground in recent seasons, but Shearer believes the squad's overall quality should be enough to get the job done. The Gunners have shown previously this season that they are capable of grinding out results even when performances are below their best, something that could be required again against a Forest side with nothing to lose.
Mikel Arteta's team will want to produce a more convincing display than the one seen against Leeds, particularly with the title race showing little sign of slowing down. A win would keep the pressure on Manchester City and reinforce Arsenal's credentials as genuine contenders, while another slip up would hand City further breathing room at a crucial stage of the campaign.
For Forest, the stakes are just as high. Another defeat would pile further pressure on Glasner and deepen the club's growing concerns, making this a fixture both sides have strong incentive to win.
Arsenal will be looking to translate Shearer's prediction into reality, with a result at the City Ground offering a timely response to last weekend's underwhelming performance.
