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Nottingham Post
Nottingham Post
Sport
Luke Pawley

Mikel Arteta sends 'very difficult' Steve Cooper verdict ahead of Nottingham Forest vs Arsenal

Arsenal boss Mikel Arteta believes Steve Cooper deserves "big credit" for the job he has done at Nottingham Forest so far.

Speaking ahead of Arsenal's visit to the City Ground on Saturday evening, Arteta praised Cooper for his work with the club, both in the Championship last season and in the Premier League this term.

Arteta thinks Cooper must have "found it very difficult" to manage the number of players that came through the door at Forest last summer, as well as in the January transfer window. But he praised the way Cooper has maintained "belief and unity" around the club.

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When asked about the job Cooper has done at Forest, Arteta said in his pre-match press conference: "Brilliant. They made so many changes and I'm sure he found it very difficult with the amount of signings that they had.

"The club stayed patient, especially in the way they performed the year before as well, and what they've done in the league, maintaining that belief and unity around the place. Big credit to him for what he's done with the team."

Arteta also confirmed Arsenal have no fresh injury scares heading into the match, meaning the Gunners will be without five players for the game - as their hopes of winning the Premier League trophy dwindle before their eyes.

How will Forest do against Arsenal? Tell us what you think in the comments.

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