Lacklustre results in recent weeks for Arsenal meant the title already seemed guaranteed to remain in Manchester, but the performance on Saturday was incredibly bleak and lacked any desire. For a side that has prided itself on taking the season on game by game and ignoring the outside noise, they looked mentally and physically drained.

Arteta decided to try something new in the defence, with centre back Jakub Kiwior being preferred at left back and Thomas Partey being deployed at right back, and although neither were terrible, it was clear they weren’t comfortable. The midfield trio left a lot to be desired, with practically every pass being negative and no one showing any desire to force an issue or drive at a very impressive Nottingham Forest defence. Similarly in attack, there was a lack of directness and urgency, with Trossard virtually invisible on the left hand side and Saka looking like a shadow of the player we saw shine only a few months ago. Jesus similarly struggled to make an impact, spending more time on the floor than on his feet unfortunately.

It felt like a game that was crying for Reiss Nelson, who has always shown urgency and desire to drive at the opposition and try something new. However, he was unavailable through illness, and it remains to be seen whether he will sign a new deal to stay at the Emirates next season. Fabio Vieira was chosen to feature despite his struggles this season, and similarly to the rest of the midfield he came on to join, he was also incredibly timid with his passes. Kieran Tierney showed good desire when he came on, bursting down the wing as we’ve seen so many times, but without a target man striker these crosses are wasted, with Nketiah also unable to get in the game and make a difference.

Player ratings-
Ramsdale- 6
Kiwior- 5
Gabriel- 6
White- 6.5
Partey- 5
Jorginho- 5.5
Ødegaard- 4
Xhaka- 4
Trossard- 3
Jesus- 3
Saka- 3

Overall a very poor way to end Arsenal’s away campaign, they’ll be hoping for better against Wolves on Sunday.