After the Gunners secured a commanding 3-0 victory against Nottingham Forest, Arsenal defender Riccardo Calafiori has identified Bukayo Saka and Martin Ødegaard as players that opponents dread confronting. The victory indicated a return to form for Mikel Arteta’s team after the international break, as the tandem executed a fluid and dominant performance.
Ben White, who is also facing a similar spell out with an injury, stepped into a reshuffled backline alongside the Italian international, who was making his first appearance in over a month due to a knee injury. The defensive unit demonstrated exceptional performance by maintaining a clean sheet and restricting Forest to zero attempts on target.
Saka scored in the 15th minute by receiving a well-placed pass from Ødegaard and firing a strike past Forest goalkeeper Sels. In the second half, Thomas Partey, a substitute, doubled the advantage. Academy star Ethan Nwaneri then secured the victory with a historic goal. The adolescent became Arsenal’s second-youngest Premier League scorer, trailing only Cesc Fàbregas.
After the game, Calafiori praised Saka and Ødegaard for their impact. “When they play like this, opponents hate them,” the 22-year-old said. “And we love them as well!”
Martin Odegaasrd and Bukayo Saka (Image credit: Getty Images)
Reflecting on his return, Calafiori expressed gratitude for the support within the team, which he believes helps players slot seamlessly into the system. “Everything is made for us to play in the same way, and everyone helped me a lot. The environment is amazing – it feels like I’ve never been out,” he said.
Riccardo Calafiori last featured in Arsenal’s 2-0 defeat to Bournemouth, missing six subsequent games. Despite a brief 67-minute outing against Forest, he already feels ready to contribute more as the schedule intensifies.
“I don’t feel tired, but I did notice I missed some games. Still, the fans and my teammates gave me so much energy,” Calafiori said. “We have a demanding period ahead, and we’re ready to win most of the games. From now until March, there’ll be no rest, but I’m excited to show what I can do and help the team.”Arsenal will look to build on the victory over Nottingham Forest when they travel to Portugal to face Sporting Lisbon in the Champions League on Tuesday.
