“You’ve given them a leg up” – Tony Adams blasts Arsenal decision by Mikel Arteta as Gunners fall to defeat against Nottingham Forest

Tony Adams did not mince words in his critique of Mikel Arteta's tactical decision in Arsenal's recent defeat to Nottingham Forest. According to Adams, the alterations in team selection resulted in a sequence of events that played right into the opponents' game plan.

Last Saturday's match saw a rejigged Gunners defensive lineup. In the absence of injured stalwarts Oleksandr Zinchenko and William Saliba, Arteta decided to introduce Thomas Partey in the unusual role of a right-back. Ben White paired up with Gabriel Magalhaes in the central defensive partnership.

With Kieran Tierney fit but only on the bench, Arteta deployed Jakub Kiwior as left-back, marking the youngster's debut in this role for the Gunners. The result was a disjointed performance, far from the fluid and cohesive showings Arsenal are usually known for.

The match's opening goal embodied the shaky display from Arteta's men, as Nottingham Forest counterattacked following a turnover of possession by Martin Odegaard.

An unchecked Morgan Gibbs-White pass, initially perceived to be overhit, ended up fortuitously in the net following a slide tackle by Gabriel that bounced off Taiwo Awoniyi's boot.

Adams told Sky Sports, revealing his critique of Arteta's tactical choices (via Metro):

"The tackle was unlucky but both the full-backs are out of the game. He’s gone with Partey and Kiwior and none of them (are there) it’s a two on two, actually it was a three on two situation and they’re waiting for Arsenal. They’re doing it very well Forest. They counter-attack and you can’t be sloppy, that ball by Odegaard was sloppy and they’re waiting to pounce on that kind of thing."

Adams' disappointment was palpable as he weighed in on the changes in the team dynamic:

"I’ve been really disappointed. Football’s about relationships. But Ben White has been brilliant on the right-hand side with Saka and all of a sudden he’s gone to put Partey in there and we’ve got Tierney on the bench. What is Arteta trying for me? That selection says to me do we want Partey to play there next season, Ben to play central defender? Kiwior, is he a left-back?"

Adams' words radiated confusion and frustration as he questioned the strategic changes that appeared to undermine Arsenal's play, leaving them vulnerable.

He did not mince words in his final verdict:

"I don’t get it, to be honest, and they’ve exposed us again and again and again. We played into their hands. You’ve given them a leg up."

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Mikel Arteta discusses Arsenal's eventual stumble for the Premier League title

Newcastle United v Arsenal FC - Premier League

Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta has expressed his sentiments on the club's unsuccessful pursuit of the Premier League title. Falling short of the final hurdle, the season's disappointing culmination has evoked a solemn reflection from the Gunners' boss.

Addressing the underwhelming end to a season that held such promise, Arteta acknowledged the sting of disappointment.

Speaking to BBC's Match of the Day (via the Daily Post), the Arsenal manager expressed:

"We have transformed a lot at this club, we have made huge steps, but the icing on the cake is to win a championship and we fell short. It has been difficult in the last few weeks. We need the team with everyone at their best in April and May, and that hasn't happened."

The defeat's sting isn't one to be quickly forgotten, with Arteta expecting the painful memory to linger not just for him but for the whole squad.

He ruefully added:

"It is painful today, it will be tomorrow."