Arsenal underlined their title credentials with a convincing **3-0 victory** over Nottingham Forest at the Emirates, combining authority in possession with clinical finishing. Despite losing captain Martin Ødegaard early to injury, the Gunners controlled the match throughout and were rewarded with a brace from Martín Zubimendi and a goal from Viktor Gyökeres.
**First Half**
Arsenal began with intensity, pinning Forest back and dictating the tempo. Their movement in wide areas caused problems, while Forest struggled to escape their own half. The breakthrough arrived in the 32nd minute when a corner from Noni Madueke was half-cleared to the edge of the box. Zubimendi, perfectly positioned, struck a crisp volley that deflected past Matz Sels into the net.
The opening goal capped Arsenal’s dominance, but the half was overshadowed by the early withdrawal of Ødegaard. The captain landed awkwardly after a challenge and, holding his shoulder, was unable to continue, with teenager Ethan Nwaneri coming on in his place. Forest, meanwhile, offered little in reply. Their best efforts came from set-pieces, though David Raya dealt comfortably with any danger.
**Second Half**
Arsenal struck almost instantly after the restart. Riccardo Calafiori launched a precise ball forward that Eberechi Eze latched onto. The midfielder surged down the flank before squaring low for Gyökeres, who applied a composed finish from close range to make it 2-0.
Forest tried to mount a response and nearly pulled one back when Chris Wood controlled a cross on his chest and fired toward goal, only for Raya to produce a sharp stop. That was as close as they came, with Arsenal quickly reasserting control. Madueke’s direct running, combined with Eze’s creativity, continually stretched Forest’s defensive shape.
As the visitors pushed forward in search of a lifeline, spaces opened up for Arsenal to exploit. The decisive third goal arrived in the 79th minute from another set-piece. Leandro Trossard delivered an inviting cross, and Zubimendi rose highest to power home a header, sealing both the match and his personal double.
**Analysis**
The victory lifts Arsenal to nine points from their first four Premier League games, leaving them firmly in the early title conversation. Manager Mikel Arteta will be pleased with the cohesion shown by his new signings. Eze looked at home in midfield, Madueke provided consistent menace on the wing, and Gyökeres opened his league account with a striker’s finish.
Zubimendi was the clear standout, scoring twice from midfield and controlling possession with authority. Defensively, Arsenal also impressed, with Cristhian Mosquera and Calafiori ensuring Forest rarely created chances in open play.
For Forest, this result highlighted the challenge facing Ange Postecoglou as he looks to instill his philosophy. His side lacked composure in possession and rarely tested Arsenal’s back line, save for Wood’s effort. They will need time to adapt and improve if they are to avoid slipping into early relegation trouble.
**Conclusion**
This was a polished and professional display from Arsenal. They overcame the setback of losing their captain, showcased squad depth, and delivered the kind of performance that fuels belief in a sustained challenge. For Forest, it was a reminder of the gulf they must bridge against the league’s elite.
**DJ**