Arsenal returned to winning ways after their disappointing defeat to Liverpool just before the international break with an emphatic win over struggling Nottingham Forest.
Martin Zubimendi scored his first goals for Arsenal since signing from Real Sociedad in July. His first goal won’t be forgotten in a hurry. A superb volley from the edge of the box which proved too powerful for Matz Sels.
Viktor Gyokeres scored yet again at the Emirates Stadium after he slotted away Eberechi Eze’s cross at the start of the second half. Eze’s first goal involvement for the club.
Arsenal dominated the game and weren’t caused any real issues by Nottingham Forest. A difficult start to life for Ange Postecoglou as Forest manager.
STORY OF THE MATCH:
Arsenal settled quickly at the Emirates and almost struck inside the opening ten minutes. A well-worked free kick routine saw the ball drop to Mikel Merino, whose close-range effort was kept out by Matz Sels.
The Gunners were then dealt a blow on 17 minutes when captain Martin Ødegaard was forced off through injury, replaced by teenager Ethan Nwaneri. Despite that setback, Arsenal controlled possession, with Nwaneri having a shot blocked and Eberechi Eze seeing an effort charged down after being found by Martin Zubimendi.
Sustained pressure brought its reward just after the half-hour mark. Noni Madueke drove to the byline and saw his cutback blocked, before his corner moments later was cleared only as far as Zubimendi, who met the dropping ball with a thunderous first-time volley into the top corner. The midfielder almost repeated the feat minutes later but fired over. Nottingham Forest enjoyed a brief spell of possession late in the half, with Morgan Gibbs-White combining with Chris Wood, though his shot was tame and wide. At the break Arsenal deservedly led by a single goal.
The second half began perfectly for Mikel Arteta’s side. Within a minute of the restart, Eze skipped free down the left and picked out Viktor Gyökeres in the box, the striker finishing clinically to double the lead. Forest almost found a way back shortly afterwards when Wood’s looping header was tipped onto the bar by David Raya, but Arsenal soon reasserted their control. Gyökeres struck the post with a fierce effort after linking neatly with Madueke, underlining their dominance.
The result was sealed on 79 minutes with a well-rehearsed corner routine. Leandro Trossard’s delivery found Zubimendi, who rose to head home his second of the game and Arsenal’s third. From there, the hosts cruised to the final whistle, cementing a commanding victory.
Arsenal continue their fantastic home record as of late against Forest. Since they were promoted in 2022, they have only scored once at the Emirates Stadium and have conceded thirteen times. A real dominance from Mikel Arteta's team.
Ange Postecoglou still remains winless against Arteta after five games between them now.
A superb display from Martin Zubimendi this afternoon. He was composed and intelligent on the ball and continually cut open the Forest defence with his accurate passes. Defensively he was solid yet again. Prevented Forest from creating any meaningful attacks. Ultimately his two goals proved most damaging for the visitors. The first was a lethal volley which will be rewatched by Arsenal fans all weekend and the second was a clinical header to finish a well crafted corner routine. Instrumental performance from the Spainiard.