Arsenal cruised to a 3-0 win over Nottingham Forest in the Premier League, with Martin Zubimendi and Noni Madueke among the standout performers for Mikel Arteta's side
14:47, 13 Sep 2025
Martin Zubimendi shooting from range.
Martin Zubimendi was the Man of the Match(Image: Getty)
Arsenal spoiled Ange Postecoglou's north London homecoming as they trounced Nottingham Forest 3-0.
The victory at the Emirates propelled Mikel Arteta's men, albeit temporarily, to the summit of the Premier League table, with Chelsea and Liverpool among those who could leapfrog them over the weekend.
Martin Zubimendi broke the deadlock with a spectacular volley from the edge of the box, netting his first goal for the Gunners in grand style, demonstrating exceptional skill to overpower Mats Selz.
The hosts came out all guns blazing after the interval, and a long ball to Eberechi Eze saw the England international, making his full debut, beat the offside trap and set up Viktor Gyokeres for an easy tap-in from inside the six-yard box. Zubimendi then bagged his second to secure all three points.
The only blot on an otherwise perfect afternoon was the injury sustained by Martin Odegaard, which Mikel Arteta will be hoping isn't too severe. Daily Star Sporthas a look at the player ratings from the clash.
Martin Zubimendi celebrating.
Martin Zubimendi netted twice on Saturday lunchtime(Image: Getty.)
David Raya - 6. Only had one shot to save and won't have many more comfortable days, though Chris Wood gave him a scare when he inadvertently hit the bar after a cross was fired into his chest.
Jurrien Timber - 5. Jurrien Timber's blunder in his own box handed Callum Hudson-Odoi a golden opportunity to score in the second half, but Cristhian Mosquera came to the Dutchman's rescue.
Cristhian Mosquera - 8. Filling the big boots of William Saliba, Mosquera seemed right at home alongside Gabriel. The summer signing has caught Mikel Arteta's eye with his game-reading skills and didn't shy away from a physical tussle with Chris Wood.
Arsenal v Nottingham Forest - Premier League
Noni Madueke impressed against Nottingham Forest(Image: Getty)
Gabriel - 7. Handled any threats from Forest competently and dished out a few hefty tackles, especially in the second half, to establish his authority in a solid backline.
Riccardo Calafiori - 6. Initiated an 80-yard attack that required just five touches and eventually resulted in Gyokeres' goal, but otherwise had a quiet afternoon.
Perhaps needs to pose more of a threat on the outside to allow Eze to drift infield. Booked after an hour and replaced by Myles Lewis-Skelly.
Martin Zubimendi - 9. What a way to kick off your scoring for Arsenal. Zubimendi's exceptional technique was one of the reasons Mikel Arteta was willing to fork out £60million for him, but it was expected to be utilised mainly in the centre of the pitch.
Instead, the Spanish international kept a keen eye on Noni Madueke's corner being headed clear, only for the ball to land at Zubimendi's feet 25 yards out, who then blasted a shot past Selz.
His second goal may not have been as spectacular, rising highest from six yards to head home, but Zubimendi was equally thrilled to bag his first-ever brace in professional football.
Viktor Gyokeres
Viktor Gyokeres was also on the scoresheet(Image: AP)
Mikel Merino - 7. With Declan Rice on the bench following his goalscoring heroics for Spain, Merino was given a rare start in midfield. His confidence was evident early on with a few slick touches around the Forest box.
Only a stunning save from Mats Selz at close range denied him, and he looked comfortable throughout the match.
Martin Odegaard - N/A. After a tough landing on his shoulder, Odegaard had to take a few painkillers in the early stages but couldn't continue. He was substituted after just 17 minutes by Ethan Nwaneri.
This could be another significant worry for Arteta if his captain is set for another stint on the sidelines.
Noni Madueke - 9. The summer recruit from Chelsea continued to showcase his dazzling skills, breezing past makeshift left-back Morato time and again.
He was the constant threat throughout the match, and the defender was eventually relieved of his duties and moved to centre-back following an injury to Murillo.
Mikel Arteta
Mikel Arteta's side were dominant in the win(Image: Getty Images)
He received a well-deserved standing ovation when he was substituted in the second half.
Viktor Gyokeres - 7. Gyokeres had a solid afternoon, proving a nuisance for some very competent centre-backs, with a few clever touches before doubling Arsenal's lead. His run and finish were timed to perfection, and he was exactly where a top striker would expect to be.
The Gunners' headline signing now has three goals from his first four games.
Eberechi Eze - 7. Making his full Arsenal debut, the £67.5m signing showed off his skills early on, leaving Neco Williams in his wake with a stunning piece of skill just 15 minutes into the match.
Just after the break, Eze sprinted onto a long ball and delivered a perfect low cross for Gyokeres to tap in. He'll be hoping for more central play in future, but it's been a promising start to his time in north London.
Ethan Nwaneri (17') - 6. The 18 year old showed glimpses of his talent, but was kept in check by Elliott Anderson and Ibrahim Sangare.
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Declan Rice (68') - 6. A rare appearance from the bench and he nearly connected with a low cross at the back post, but the goal was just out of reach.
Myles Lewis-Skelly (68') - 6. A solid performance in his brief time on the pitch.
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Gabriel Martinelli (78') - 6. He couldn't capitalise on a promising counter-attack and only had a few opportunities to increase the lead.
Leandro Trossard (78') - 7. Just seconds after coming on, he delivered a beautiful cross for Zubimendi to attack and score.