Arsenal return to Premier League action after the international break with a home fixture against surprise high-flyers Nottingham Forest.
After an indifferent start to the season, the Gunners will be hoping to put their early season struggles behind them beginning with a win against a well-organised and confident Forest side.
Arsenal are only ahead of Nuno Espirito Santo's side on goal difference with both teams sitting on 19 points and in 4th and 5th place. Another eye-catching away performance from Forest similar to the win at Anfield against Liverpool could see many onlookers reevaluate if the side from the midlands can capture a European spot this season.
On the other hand, Arsenal's title aspirations hang by a thread as they trail nine points behind Liverpool. One consolation for Mikel Arteta is that it is still early in the season but if his side are to challenge for top spot till the end of the season then they will have to find some consistency immediately.
The north London outfit have dropped points in six games already this season, more than they have won. A quick look at the fixture list can go some way in explaining why Arsenal have had such a difficult start to the season having played five of last season's top seven away from home already in their first 11 games.
A kinder fixture list in the coming months and a clean bill of health could give Arsenal fans cause for optimism in the hope of clawing the gap back to within touching distance of title rivals Liverpool and Manchester City.
Captain Odegaard back and ready to inspire
Martin Odegaard's return from injury was a welcome boost in the 1-1 draw against Chelsea just before the international break. The Arsenal captain demonstrated his brilliance with an outstanding assist for Gabriel Martinelli which caught the Chelsea defence unaware.
After injuring his ankle on international duty with Norway over two months ago Odegaard's creativity has been a huge miss for this Arsenal side. The 25-year-old's ability to create chances from central areas is world-class and without him, the attacking burden has weighed heavily on both Martinelli and Bukayo Saka who has seven assists in the Premier League this season.
In Odegaard's absence, opponents have been able to focus their defensive intent on the Arsenal wingers with Declan Rice, Mikel Merino and Thomas Partey missing the incisive, killer ball that their captain has in his locker.
Against Forest, it is vital to be able to break down their defensive structure. Espirito Santo has coached this side into one of the best low-block sides in the league and they are electric in transition. Their ability to shut out teams and then catch them on the break has led to them picking up so many points this season. But Odegaard, with Rice sitting behind covering ground to halt Forest attacks, will be the player tasked with trying to knock down the wall that will be standing in front of the Forest box.
It gives Forest something a lot of teams in the time the Norweigan has been missing something extra to think about and this could lead to players such as Saka and Martinelli capitalising in 1v1s when attention turns to Odegaard's ability on the ball.
Return of defensive solidity crucial
Arteta has put great emphasis in this Arsenal team having the ability to defend their goal as well as anyone else in Europe but this season has seen some frailties slip in.
Inconsistent defensive lineups have been a theme so far due to injuries and suspensions. However, now the back four must start building relationships that see clean sheets won regularly.
This will be difficult with Ben White needing surgery over the break and Takehiro Tomiyasu not anywhere near making a comeback. Yet, a lot of Arsenal fans may say that their best defence on paper would be Jurrien Timber, William Saliba, Gabriel Magalhaes and Riccardo Calafiori. With all four of these defenders fit Arteta will be hoping they can finally find a groove and gain some momentum that can help turn this season around.
A consistent defence coupled with a midfield that is better able to break down opposition defences could see Arsenal pick up all three points this weekend and set themselves on a run to resurrect their title challenge.
