Taiwo Awoniyi: Arteta admits why Arsenal conceded Nigerian forward’s goal

Arsenal’s Manager, Mikel Arteta has revealed why his side conceded a goal to Nottingham Forest in their opening league game.

Arsenal manager, Mikel Arteta, spoke on his side’s performance after conceding Taiwo Awoniyi goal in his team’s 2-1 win over Nottingham Forest, Soccernet.ng reports.

The Gunners went a goal up after Eddie Nketiah’s brilliant finish, and doubled their lead not long after, all thanks to their star player, Bukayo Saka who sent a curler into the top corner, giving the goalkeeper no chance.

The manager admitted after the game that his side should have been more clinical and should have killed the game off, rather than fighting for their necks towards the closing minutes of the game.

Awoniyi, who scored last season, to help his side to a 1-0 win over Arsenal, came off the bench again to give his side a glimpse of hope, as he tapped in from close range, after a very good run from Antony Elanga.

Before the goal, Arsenal had chances from Nketiah and new signing, Declan Rice, but couldn’t convert them, and they nearly got punished for that, as the Tricky Trees pushed for a draw, but the Gunners held on.

Speaking in his post-match interview, Gunners boss Arteta admitted his side should have put the game to bed early before giving the Reds late hope.

“It’s always difficult to win the first game of the season, we merited more, and we should have killed the game early.” He said to TNT Sports. 

The manager added that a 2-0 scoreline in the Premier League isn’t a position where you can be comfortable.

“We deserved to be in front but we didn’t kill the game. And 2-0 in the Premier League is a dangerous scoreline and we had a lack of concentration, conceded a goal, and so it is game on.”

Arsenal will be looking to mount another title challenge after signing Jurrien Timber, Kai Havertz and Declan Rice, and want to build on the winning momentum after brushing Forest aside.