Arsenal reaffirmed their Premier League title ambitions with a commanding 3-0 victory over Nottingham Forest at the Emirates Stadium. New signings Martin Zubimendi and Viktor Gyökeres, both heavily scrutinized since their summer arrivals, were the heroes of the day as they combined skill, work rate, and composure to deliver a performance that thrilled the Gunners’ faithful.
This wasn’t just three points—it was a glimpse of a future where Arsenal’s carefully assembled squad depth and tactical flexibility could allow them to challenge Manchester City’s dominance. For Nottingham Forest, however, it was another sobering reminder of the gulf in quality between mid-table battlers and elite sides.
Arsenal’s Line-Up A Blend of Old and New
Mikel Arteta fielded a starting XI that reflected Arsenal’s evolving identity. Aaron Ramsdale returned in goal, shielded by a back four of Ben White, William Saliba, Gabriel Magalhães, and Oleksandr Zinchenko. In midfield, Zubimendi lined up alongside Declan Rice and Martin Ødegaard, forming a technically gifted yet combative trio. Up front, Bukayo Saka and Gabriel Martinelli flanked Viktor Gyökeres, the powerful Swedish striker brought in to offer a more physical presence than Gabriel Jesus.
This balance of tactical steel and attacking flair set the tone for Arsenal’s dominance. The home crowd sensed intent from the first whistle, and their team did not disappoint.
First Half Zubimendi Opens His Account
From the opening exchanges, Arsenal controlled possession with their trademark fluid passing and positional rotation. Ødegaard dictated tempo, while Rice shielded the defense, allowing Zubimendi to push forward into advanced areas.
The breakthrough came in the 23rd minute. After a spell of sustained pressure, Saka slipped a clever ball into Gyökeres, who held off two defenders and laid it off for Zubimendi arriving late into the box. With remarkable composure, the Spaniard side-footed the ball into the bottom corner, leaving Forest goalkeeper Matt Turner rooted.
The Emirates erupted—not only because Arsenal had the lead, but because their new midfield anchor had scored his debut goal. Zubimendi’s reputation in Spain was built on his intelligence and defensive positioning, but here he showed he could contribute in attack as well.
Arsenal continued to dominate. Martinelli struck the post with a curling effort, and Ødegaard forced Turner into a sharp save from distance. Forest, by contrast, struggled to escape their half, their sporadic counterattacks snuffed out by Saliba’s anticipation and Gabriel’s aggression.
Gyökeres Doubles the Lead
If the first goal showcased Arsenal’s midfield balance, the second underlined the impact of their new No. 9.
In the 39th minute, White surged forward from right-back and delivered a pinpoint cross into the box. Gyökeres timed his run perfectly, rising above his marker and thumping a header into the net.
It was the kind of goal Arsenal have lacked in recent years: a classic centre-forward finish, born of strength, positioning, and aerial dominance. The Emirates crowd roared in approval, aware they were watching a striker capable of offering a new dimension to their attack.
By half-time, Arsenal led 2-0, and the scoreline fairly reflected their control.
Forest Struggle to Respond
Nottingham Forest entered the second half with more urgency, pushing higher up the pitch and attempting to disrupt Arsenal’s rhythm. But their midfield simply could not compete with the Rice-Zubimendi-Ødegaard axis.
Taiwo Awoniyi, Forest’s most dangerous forward, found himself isolated, chasing long balls with little support. Morgan Gibbs-White tried to inject creativity, but Zinchenko and Rice combined to neutralize his influence.
Arsenal’s defense remained untroubled, while their attack continued to probe. Arteta, however, urged his team not to settle for two goals. His demand for ruthlessness was soon rewarded.
The Third Goal Control Turned into Dominance
In the 67th minute, Arsenal put the result beyond doubt. A slick passing sequence involving Ødegaard, Zubimendi, and Martinelli sliced through Forest’s midfield. Martinelli burst down the left, cut inside, and squared the ball to Gyökeres.
Instead of shooting, the Swede unselfishly flicked the ball back into Ødegaard’s path. The captain didn’t hesitate, rifling the ball into the roof of the net to make it 3-0.
The unselfishness of Gyökeres drew particular applause. Strikers often crave personal glory, but his awareness and willingness to involve teammates highlighted his adaptability to Arsenal’s collective ethos.
Zubimendi’s Breakthrough Performance
Much of the post-match discussion centered on Zubimendi. Signed from Real Sociedad in a big-money move, he arrived in England with questions about whether his style would suit the Premier League’s physicality. Against Forest, he delivered the complete performance:
- Defensive Intelligence: Intercepted passes, cut off counterattacks, and shielded the back four.
- Passing Range: Completed over 90% of his passes, including several line-breaking balls.
- Attacking Contribution: Scored the opener with a perfectly timed run.
Arteta praised him afterward:
“Martin showed today why we wanted him. He understands the game in such a natural way. He gives us control, but also the bravery to step forward when needed.”
Gyökeres The Missing Piece
If Zubimendi brought balance, Gyökeres brought power. For years, Arsenal have been accused of lacking a traditional striker capable of bullying defenders and offering a focal point. Against Forest, Gyökeres provided exactly that.
His goal was classic centre-forward play, but beyond scoring, he pressed aggressively, linked up play, and created space for Martinelli and Saka to exploit. At 25, he is entering his prime, and Arsenal fans are already speculating whether he could be the final piece of the puzzle in Arteta’s quest for silverware.
Tactical Flexibility
Arteta’s use of Zubimendi and Gyökeres showed the tactical flexibility Arsenal now possess. Last season, the Gunners often relied on fluid, intricate build-up play, sometimes lacking a direct route to goal. With Gyökeres leading the line, they now have the option to go long or play through wide crosses.
Similarly, Zubimendi’s presence allows Rice to push forward at times without leaving gaps. The rotation in midfield confused Forest throughout, and Arsenal’s control never wavered.
This versatility could prove decisive in a title race where opponents will attempt to nullify Arsenal’s predictable patterns.
Forest’s Perspective
For Nottingham Forest, the defeat was chastening. They entered the game hoping to frustrate Arsenal, but their inability to retain possession doomed them. Defensively, they struggled to cope with Gyökeres’ physicality, while in midfield they were simply overrun.
Manager Steve Cooper acknowledged the gap:
“We knew it would be tough, but we have to compete better. Arsenal are an elite team, and we weren’t at the level required. The challenge is to regroup and take points against teams around us.”
Forest’s fight for survival will not be defined by results against Arsenal, but the ease with which they were dismantled raises concerns about their defensive resilience.
Fan Reactions
The Emirates crowd left the stadium buzzing. Social media was flooded with praise for the new signings:
- “Zubimendi is pure class. Finally, we have a midfield general who dictates play without fuss.”
- “Gyökeres is everything we’ve missed since Giroud left—strength, goals, and intelligence.”
- “This Arsenal team looks complete. City should be worried.”
For Forest fans, the mood was darker:
- “Same problems every week—no control, no plan B.”
- “If we defend like that, we’re in trouble.”
The Bigger Picture
Arsenal’s victory keeps them firmly in the title conversation. With Manchester City setting relentless standards, dropping points is not an option. Yet this performance suggested Arsenal are better equipped than last season to go the distance.
Their depth is stronger, their new signings are settling, and their tactical toolkit is more varied. If Zubimendi and Gyökeres continue to adapt at this pace, the Gunners will have solutions to problems that once derailed them.
For Nottingham Forest, survival remains the goal. Games against top-six sides may bring little reward, but their ability to pick up points against direct rivals will define their season. Cooper must tighten the defense and find consistency in attack to avoid slipping into relegation danger.
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