Arsenal returned from the international break with a convincing 3-0 win over Nottingham Forest, a result that felt significant not just because of the three points but because of the players who made the difference. With Martin Ødegaard forced off early through another shoulder problem, the spotlight shifted to the wings. Noni Madueke and Eberechi Eze responded with performances full of intent, giving Arsenal’s attack a vibrancy that Forest could not handle.
The goals came from Martin Zubimendi, who struck twice, and Viktor Gyökeres, who added his third of the season, but it was Madueke and Eze who carried the game forward, stretching Forest’s defence and dictating the rhythm.
Madueke Grows Into the Shirt
For Madueke, this felt like something of a breakthrough afternoon. There have been questions about whether he could transfer his talent into consistency at Arsenal, and on this evidence the answer is moving in the right direction. From the start he was direct and fearless, driving at his marker and forcing Forest back into their own half.
It was from his corner that the opening goal arrived, Zubimendi catching a loose clearance sweetly on the volley. Madueke may not have got the assist on the stat sheet, but his delivery was the catalyst for the breakthrough. Beyond that, he linked up well with those around him, picking better moments to release the ball than in some of his previous outings.
After the game he admitted that confidence is high and competition is fierce. “Playing for a massive club like Arsenal, there’s always going to be competition but I don’t think about all of that too much, I just try and do the right things every day,” he told Stadium Astro. That mindset was reflected in the way he played, with an assurance that showed he is beginning to feel at home in an Arsenal shirt.
Eze Finds His Feet Immediately
On the left, Eberechi Eze looked like he had been part of Arsenal’s set-up for far longer than a few weeks. He was calm on the ball, intelligent in his positioning, and constantly searching for pockets of space to hurt Forest.
(Photo by David Price/Arsenal FC via Getty Images)
His defining moment came just after half-time when he slid the ball across for Gyökeres to score Arsenal’s second. It was a simple pass, but the weight and timing were perfect, and it highlighted the quality he brings. Eze himself was relaxed when asked about whether he preferred playing wide or central. “To be honest, I don’t really mind because you sort of work your way into positions to find space and wherever it is, you occupy that,” he told TNT Sports. That versatility gives Mikel Arteta options, and it showed today as Eze shifted seamlessly between roles.
Beyond the assist, he gave Arsenal a different gear in possession, carrying the ball forward under pressure and linking with Calafiori on the overlap. For someone making his first Premier League start for Arsenal, it was an impressively mature display.
Setting the Platform for Others
The wingers may not have scored, but they made life easier for their teammates. By pinning Forest’s full-backs deep and dragging midfielders wide, they opened up the central lanes where Zubimendi thrived. His first strike came from Madueke’s corner, albeit it was a moment of pure magic, while his second came after Arsenal once again pulled Forest out of shape.
Gyökeres, too, benefited from their work. The Swede was sharp in his movement and alive to every cross, and while he will be pleased with his goal, he owed much to the service provided from wide. His comment after the game about Zubimendi’s volley - “I haven’t seen Zubimendi do that in training!” - summed up the surprise and joy that Arsenal’s interplay produced.
Arteta’s Satisfaction
Mikel Arteta was understandably pleased with the way his players handled a tricky situation. International breaks often bring disjointed performances, and losing Ødegaard early could have unsettled his side, yet Arsenal never lost their control.
“The boys have been away for 10 days travelling the world, only one day to prepare the match with an early kick,” he told BBC Sport. “With those conditions, I think the team performed really well, a lot of new relationships on the pitch that you can start to see how they flourish. Three goals, a clean sheet, three points, overall very positive.”
The new relationships he referred to were visible in the way Madueke and Eze combined with those around them. This was not just individual brilliance but a sign of cohesion developing in areas of the pitch that have sometimes lacked depth.
Forest Struggle to Cope
For Forest, there was little to take from the game beyond effort. New manager Ange Postecoglou admitted his side were outplayed. “They’re a good side and at home, they’re a tough proposition,” he told TNT Sports. “We struggled to get a grip of the game and the second goal after half-time just allowed them to get away from us.”
Forest never truly threatened David Raya’s goal, and the 3-0 scoreline felt a fair reflection of the gulf between the sides.
Pundit Perspective
The pundits were unanimous in their praise of Arsenal’s new-look front line. Martin Keown called it “a real scary show of strength,” pointing to the quality that allowed Arsenal to cope without Saka and Havertz. Ray Parlour emphasised how important the second goal was in killing the contest, while Peter Crouch highlighted the impact of the wide players, saying Eze and Madueke were “at times unplayable.”
Those words will only add to the sense that Arsenal’s summer business has given them a different level of depth, particularly in the attacking third.
Conclusion: Wingers Light the Way
This was a game that showed Arsenal’s resilience and quality. Zubimendi and Gyökeres took the goals, but it was Madueke and Eze who lit up the Emirates. Madueke looked like a player growing into the shirt, mixing creativity with responsibility, while Eze offered composure and intelligence beyond his short time at the club.
If Arsenal can keep these two fit and in form, they will not just have depth in wide areas but genuine match-winners who can decide games. Against Forest, they did exactly that, and in doing so, they gave Arteta another reason to believe this squad is equipped for the challenges ahead.