Arsenal vs Nottingham Forest: Minute-by-Minute Timeline, Goals & Key Moments of the Premier League Clash

<p><strong>Overview: Why the Arsenal F.C. vs Nottingham Forest timeline matters in 2025</strong><br> With the next Premier League clash set for 13 September 2025 at the Emirates Stadium, the historic Arsenal F.C. vs Nottingham Forest timeline is generating fresh interest among supporters and search engines alike.</p> <h2>Early 20th-Century Beginnings</h2> <p>• The two clubs first met in the old First Division in 1904, sowing the seeds of a competitive yet respectful rivalry.<br> • Throughout the inter-war years, the fixture remained tight, with neither side able to establish long-term dominance.</p> <h2>The Brian Clough Era: Late 1970s High Stakes</h2> <p>Nottingham Forest’s golden age under Brian Clough coincided with several pivotal league and cup meetings:<br> • 12 January 1979 – Arsenal 2-1 Forest, Highbury: Terry Neill’s Gunners halted Forest’s 42-game unbeaten streak.<br> • 26 February 1979 – Forest 0-1 Arsenal, FA Cup fifth round: Frank Stapleton’s late winner ended Forest’s cup defence.<br> • The same season Forest retained the League Cup, but Arsenal lifted the FA Cup in an era-defining contrast.</p> <h2>Premier League Era Showdowns (1992-2005)</h2> <p>• 1996-97: Dennis Bergkamp’s double at the City Ground announced Arsenal’s impending renaissance.<br> • 20 August 1998: Newly promoted Forest stunned Arsène Wenger’s side 1-0, illustrating the rivalry’s unpredictability.<br> • Forest’s relegation in 1999 paused top-flight meetings until their 2022 return.</p> <h2>Cup Upsets at the City Ground</h2> <p>• 7 January 2018 – FA Cup third round: Forest 4-2 Arsenal, the first time Wenger’s Arsenal conceded four to a lower-league side.<br> • 9 January 2022 – FA Cup third round: Lewis Grabban’s late strike eliminated Mikel Arteta’s men 1-0, reinforcing the City Ground’s giant-killing reputation.</p> <h2>Recent Encounters: 2024-2025 Snapshot</h2>.<br> • 26 February 2025 – Forest 0-0 Arsenal: A tense stalemate at the City Ground preserved both sides’ unbeaten winter runs.</p> <h2>Head-to-Head Record in Numbers</h2>.</p> <h2>What to Expect on 13 September 2025</h2>.<br> • Tactical subplot: Arteta’s high press versus Nuno Espírito Santo’s counter-attacking 3-4-3.<br> • Key duel: Declan Rice v Danilo for midfield control.<br> • Fitness watch: Gabriel Jesus (hamstring) faces a late test, while Forest hope Taiwo Awoniyi shakes off a groin strain.</p> <h2>Complete Arsenal vs Nottingham Forest Timeline (Selected Highlights)</h2> <ul> <li>1904 – First Division debut meeting</li> <li>12 Jan 1979 – Arsenal 2-1 Forest (League)</li> <li>26 Feb 1979 – Forest 0-1 Arsenal (FA Cup)</li> <li>14 Aug 1996 – Forest 2-0 Arsenal (Premier League opener)</li> <li>07 Jan 2018 – Forest 4-2 Arsenal (FA Cup)</li> <li>09 Jan 2022 – Forest 1-0 Arsenal (FA Cup)</li> <li>23 Nov 2024 – Arsenal 3-0 Forest (Premier League)</li> <li>26 Feb 2025 – Forest 0-0 Arsenal (Premier League)</li> <li>13 Sep 2025 – Next fixture, Emirates Stadium</li> </ul> <p><strong>SEO takeaway:</strong> Fans searching for “Arsenal vs Nottingham Forest timeline,” “Arsenal Forest head-to-head,” or “Arsenal vs Nottingham Forest 13 September 2025” will find up-to-date context, historical depth and match-day essentials in one place—ideal for pre-game research, trivia, or nostalgia ahead of the weekend kickoff.</p>