Saka concern, Arteta’s Jesus switch – Three things spotted in Arsenal training ahead of Forest

Mikel Arteta’s side have two games left of the 2022/23 season but will be hoping for results elsewhere if they are to win the Premier League title

Arsenal are back in Premier League action this weekend with a trip to Nottingham Forest on Saturday evening. The Gunners’ hopes of winning their first league title in 19 years are hanging by a thread after last week’s 3-0 loss to Brighton.

Mikel Arteta’s side know they will confirm Manchester City as champions once again if they fail to beat Forest. Victory at the City Ground will delay the crowning, with Pep Guardiola’s men knowing they can secure their fifth title in six seasons with victory over Chelsea on Sunday.

But it’s never over until it’s over and Arsenal must respond from the defeat to Brighton. Forest won’t be an easy task, with Steve Cooper’s side one victory away from securing their top flight status.

Ahead of the Gunners’ trip to the Midlands, here’s a look at things that were spotted from London Colney.

Bukayo Saka, like many of his teammates, has enjoyed a superb campaign on an individual level this term. The winger has scored 14 and assisted a further 11, making him one of Europe’s best attackers.

His form has dipped in recent weeks, with him scoring just one goal in the previous eight games. Following news of Gabriel Martinelli’s injury, many would be relying on Saka to produce the goods for Arsenal in the remaining two games of the season.

However, the 21-year-old was not involved in the training footage released by the club on Wednesday. Regular first-team players such as Granit Xhaka, Gabriel Jesus and Gabriel were all spotted, leaving a question mark over the Englishman’s availability.

Gabriel Jesus hint

When available for selection this season, Jesus has played an instrumental part in Arteta’s style of play. From dropping deep as a false 9 to scoring some valuable goals, the Brazilian has been a danger throughout.

His responsibilities for the remainder of the season could be switched in a change of style, with the striker showcasing his pressing ability during a rondo.

Whilst chasing the ball down, Jesus reads Jakub Kiwior’s pass to Thomas Partey well and intercepts the ball with a perfect sliding challenge. Not renowned for his defensive skill set, the 26-year-old would be the first line of attack in Arteta’s press, should the tactic be deployed.

Season taking its toll

Sunday’s 3-0 home loss to Brighton all but killed Arsenal’s title hopes. The course of the afternoon got worse as it progressed and the feeling inside the Emirates Stadium was as though the title had been conceded.

Of course, winning the Premier League wasn’t the objective this season and the Gunners have had a terrific season in returning to the Champions League. But after spending most of the campaign as league leaders, the way their battle with Man City has ended will leave a sour taste in the mouth of the players.

During the training, there wasn’t much of the joy and laughter we’ve become accustomed to throughout the season. In the early footage, there is complete silence as the players make their way to the training pitch, before little noise was made during the warm-up and rondos.