Nottingham Forest’s fourth league game of the season saw them in London for the second time this season as they faced Arsenal at the Emirates.
The big talking point this week was**Evangelos Marinakis’** decision to relieve Nuno Espirito Santo of his duties, with his departure being confirmed at 00:15 on Tuesday morning.
Former Tottenham manager Ange Postecoglou has arrived in Nottinghamshire as the replacement, meaning his first game would be in North London against his old club’s rivals.
Postecoglu won the Europa League with the Gunners’ rivals and will be hoping to repeat some of this success this season.
Martin Zubimendi would score a double for **Arsenalwith a thunderous volley and a headed effort, with [**Viktor Gyokeres](https://www.vavel.com/en/football/2024/09/06/arsenal/1195261-puzzle-piece-viktor-gyokeres.html) getting the other with a strike from close range.
Forest’s best opportunity would come through Chris Wood hitting the crossbar.
Matz Sels - 5
Was well beaten for the opening goal of the game, Zubimendi’s volley a strike that few goalkeepers would be able to save.
Made a good save at 0-0 to deny Mikel Merino from close range after the ball fell to the Spaniard following a free kick.
Matz Sels. (Photo by Justin Setterfield/Getty Images)
Neco Williams - 5
Was booked for a foul on Noni Madueke in the second half. Lost several duels but tried to make things happen with six final third passes. Outmuscled by Zubimendi for the third goal. Switched to left back when Savona was brought on.
Nikola Milenkovic – 5
Like the whole backline was under pressure throughout, and it was not the greatest of performances
Murillo - 7
Had a really good start to the game, making a couple of tackles and five clearances to thwart attacks. The first goal took an unfortunate deflection off him.
Tried to carry on but hobbled off with his injury, and Forest fans will be hoping that this is not a long-term problem.
Morato - 4
Really struggled playing at left back against Madueke and was brought centrally to play as the left centre back after Murillo’s injury, and was slightly better.
Morato of Nottingham Forest. (Photo by Catherine Ivill - AMA/Getty Images)
Ibrahim Sangare - 6
Fairly sound defensively, winning all of his duels, while the Ivorian also made a couple of recoveries and clearances.
Elliot Anderson - 7
A positive show in from the former Newcastle midfielder after having made his international debut during the break.
Composed in possession throughout, progressed the ball well and made numerous good passes.
Elliot Anderson and Martin Zubimendi. (Photo by Justin Setterfield/Getty Images)
Dan Ndoye - 6
Attempted to create by putting crosses into the area, but these were not always accurate. Defensively made a couple of recoveries.
Morgan Gibbs-White - 5
Did not really get into the game. This was the case for the Forest forwards as it took them the first 45 to register a touch in the opponent's box.
Callum Hudson-Odoi - 5
Was replaced on the hour mark after a quiet performance for new signing Arnaud Kalimuendo.
Callum Hudson-Odoi of Nottingham Forest. (Photo by Jack Thomas/Getty Images)
Chris Wood - 5
A quiet afternoon for the New Zealand striker. Did not receive much in the way of service as he only got 11 touches in the 60 minutes he played. Although he did have the tricky trees best chance of the game as he hit the woodwork with a chested attempt.
Substitutes
Nicolo Savona – 6
Replaced Murillo in the first half for his [**Premier League](https://www.vavel.com/en/data/premier-league)**debut after signing from Juventus in the transfer window.
The Italian had a solid game operating as the right back, winning three tackles, more than any other player.
Dilane Bakwa – 7
Positive off the bench. Some good defensive work with a tackle on Gyokeres and provided a spark off the bench.
Dilane Bakwa. (Photo by Ritchie Sumpter/Nottingham Forest FC via Getty Images)
Arnaud Kalimuendo-Muinga – 6
Two of Forest’s five shots came through the Frenchman. But both of these were blocked.
James McAtee – 6
Did okay when he came on and looked good on the ball.
Ryan Yates – 6
The captain did not really change the game when he came on and committed a couple of fouls.
Ryan Yates. (Photo by Catherine Ivill - AMA/Getty Images)