Nottingham Forest head coach Nuno Espirito Santo refused to label Arsenal as Premier League title contenders ahead of their clash this weekend.
The Tricky Trees are level on points with the Gunners and could leapfrog them into the top four with a win at the Emirates on Saturday.
But even after 11 games, Nuno will not acknowledge positions in the league table.
Speaking at his press conference, he said: “The table is not a reference. You know what I think of the table, basically because the table doesn’t dictate what you have to do.
“If you need points you have to play better. Let’s always look at the game by the game itself, and compete well. If I don’t look at the table, I don’t have to assess the other teams.
“After the international break it’s always a question mark for the team about what response is going to happen in the game.
“We are in the same situation. Hopefully we can prepare well and perform well again because even though the result was not the best one [losing 3-1 to Newcastle], in terms of performance we have to admit that Newcastle played really well.
Nuno previews Saturday’s trip to North London. 🗣️
— Nottingham Forest (@NFFC) November 21, 2024
“We didn’t do the things we wanted, now there’s a chance to improve and get better
“We always believe that we can compete, that’s our approach.
“We’re going to face a good team, a tough team, and we are going to compete, doing the things that we want, trying to avoid the things Arsenal wants to do and does really well.
“It’s going to be a tough game.”
Arsenal have been below their usual standards so far this season and this is a huge match that could influence the rest of their campaign.
A loss could see them fall 12 points behind leaders Liverpool and seven behind Manchester City, but a win could either cut or maintain the gap.
Either way, it will not be an easy day in North London for the Gunners.