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

There’s something special about returning to the Emirates after an international break. The anticipation builds, the crowd is hungrier, and the players know this is the moment to set the tone again. On Saturday, Arsenal welcome Nottingham Forest – a side under the new stewardship of Ange Postecoglou – but make no mistake, this is a match the Gunners must seize to keep their title challenge on track.

Bouncing back after Liverpool

The defeat at Anfield stung. Not because Arsenal played poorly, but because it was a reminder of just how high the bar is at the top of the Premier League. You can dominate long spells, you can create chances, but if you switch off for a moment, the game slips away. That’s the reality of chasing trophies.

Arteta’s men have no time to dwell. Forest arrive with the new-manager bounce, but Arsenal have the advantage of being at home and having already shown glimpses of devastating form this season – just ask Leeds after that 5-0 dismantling. The Emirates faithful will expect a response, and the players know they have a point to prove.

Injury setbacks and opportunities for others

It wouldn’t be Arsenal without a few injury concerns.

William Saliba’s absence is a huge blow. His calmness, his positioning, the way he organises those around him – irreplaceable qualities. Bukayo Saka, too, misses out. For years he has been the heartbeat of this team, and without him the right flank feels unfamiliar.

But Arsenal are not short of options. This is where depth matters.

• Noni Madueke has been electric when given the chance, and with Saka sidelined, this is his moment to step into the spotlight.
• Eberechi Eze could make his full debut. Arsenal fans are desperate to see him unleashed from the start, bringing flair and unpredictability to the left side.
• Viktor Gyökeres, powerful and relentless, offers a different kind of threat up front, one that Forest’s defence might struggle to contain.

And let’s not forget: Cristhian Mosquera who came in and performed so well in place of Saliba against Liverpool. Every setback opens a door for someone else, and Saturday feels like one of those occasions.

Forest under Postecoglou

Ange Postecoglou’s Forest will not come to sit deep and soak up pressure. That’s not his style. Expect them to press high, push their full-backs on, and try to play on the front foot. It’s a bold approach, but it also leaves them exposed.

This is where Arsenal must be ruthless. Catch Forest high up the pitch, play through the first line of press, and suddenly there’s space to exploit. The Emirates pitch will feel enormous if Arsenal move the ball quickly enough.

Forest will fight, no doubt. A new manager brings belief and energy. But belief only takes you so far when you’re up against a side with Arsenal’s firepower.

Forest will come to play, but Arsenal should have too much quality, too much control, and too much firepower. Expect moments of tension, especially if Forest press well early, but the Gunners’ attacking depth should shine through.

Prediction: Arsenal 3-0 Nottingham Forest

Eze to mark his first full start with a goal, Madueke to dazzle, and Gyökeres to bully his way onto the scoresheet.

This is the kind of game Arsenal must win if they want to be champions. And with the Emirates behind them, expect nothing less than a strong response.

DJ