Arsenal returned to winning ways in emphatic fashion with a commanding 3-0 victory over Nottingham Forest at the Emirates Stadium. A brace from Martin Zubimendi and a Viktor Gyokeres strike saw us ease past Nottingham Forest at Emirates Stadium, ensuring Arsenal made it three wins from their opening four Premier League games.
Match Summary
The match began with an early setback for the Gunners when Martin Ødegaard was forced off in the 18th minute with what appeared to be a shoulder injury. However, this adversity only seemed to galvanise Mikel Arteta's side, who responded with clinical finishing and tactical discipline.
Martin Zubimendi smashed home a stunner to break the deadlock in the 32nd minute, marking a significant moment for the Spanish midfielder. Early in the second half Viktor Gyokeres made it 2-0 when he capitalised on a defensive error to double Arsenal's advantage.
With 11 minutes to play Zubimendi then added our third when he headed in a Leandro Trossard cross to register his first-ever career brace, sealing a comprehensive victory that showcased Arsenal's squad depth and resilience.
Tactical Analysis
Arsenal lined up in a 4-3-3 formation with David Raya; Jurrien Timber, Cristhian Mosquera, Gabriel, Riccardo Calafiori; Martin Ødegaard, Martin Zubimendi, Mikel Merino; Noni Madueke, Viktor Gyökeres, Eberechi Eze. The tactical setup proved effective despite the early loss of captain Ødegaard.
Arteta's side dominated possession throughout the match, implementing their characteristic high pressing game that has become synonymous with this Arsenal team. The Gunners' ability to transition quickly from defence to attack was exemplified by the second goal, where Eze latched onto one Forest mistake and crossed perfectly for Gyokeres to tap home to make it 2-0.
The introduction of new signings proved decisive, with Noni Madueke excellent throughout and a constant threat down the right flank. Cristhian Mosquera didn't put a foot wrong as he started in place of the injured William Saliba, demonstrating the squad's impressive depth.
Forest, under new manager Ange Postecoglou, struggled to impose their style on the game. Nottingham Forest operated in a 4-2-3-1 formation with Matz Sels; Neco Williams, Nikola Milenkovic, Murillo, Morato; Ibrahim Sangaré, Elliot Anderson; Dan Ndoye, Morgan Gibbs-White, but found themselves overwhelmed by Arsenal's intensity and quality.
Key Players
Outstanding Performers
Martin Zubimendi scored twice for the first time in his career to underline his brilliant start to life in the Premier League. The Spanish midfielder's performance was the standout of the match, combining technical excellence with clinical finishing. His first goal was particularly impressive - a thunderous strike that showcased his shooting ability from outside the area.
Viktor Gyökeres continued his excellent start to the season, adding another goal to his tally with a well-taken finish early in the second half. The Swedish striker's movement and positioning were exemplary throughout.
David Raya comfortably racked up number 42 clean sheets of his Gunners career, 14 more than any other Premier League goalkeeper since his debut in September 2023, highlighting his consistent excellence between the posts.
Forest's Struggles
Forest struggled to create meaningful chances against Arsenal's well-organised defence. Ange Postecoglou looked on in disbelief as he got off to a poor start as the new Forest manager, with his team unable to implement their preferred style of play effectively.
Match Statistics
| Statistic | Arsenal | Nottingham Forest |
|---|---|---|
| Goals | 3 | 0 |
| Possession | 58% | 42% |
| Shots | 15 | 6 |
| Shots on Target | 7 | 2 |
| Expected Goals (xG) | 2.1 | 0.4 |
| Corner Kicks | 8 | 3 |
Arsenal took a total of 38 shots during the 2025/2026 season, averaging 12.67 shots per match with 3.00 of them on target, demonstrating their attacking intent throughout the campaign.
Premier League Table Impact
Currently, Arsenal rank 3rd, while Nottingham Forest hold 10th position following this result. Arsenal made it nine points from a possible 12 so far for the Gunners, maintaining their strong start to the season.
Forest have four points from four games, leaving them in the lower half of the table as they adjust to life under their new manager. The defeat highlighted the gap in quality and experience between the two sides in this premier league_match_football encounter.
Arsenal head to Athletic Bilbao on Tuesday in the UEFA Champions League, then host Manchester City next Sunday, September 21 in a huge game. These upcoming fixtures will provide a true test of Arsenal's title credentials and their ability to compete on multiple fronts.
Squad Depth Shines
With Odegaard going off injured to join Bukayo Saka, Kai Havertz and Saliba on the sidelines, Arsenal's squad depth is now pretty incredible and all five of their main new signings stepped up when they were needed. This victory demonstrated that last season Arsenal may well have drawn this game and dropped two valuable points. This Arsenal feels different.
The seamless integration of summer signings has been crucial to Arsenal's strong start. Each new addition has brought quality and competition for places, creating an environment where the team can maintain high standards even when key players are unavailable.
Media and Fan Reaction
The performance drew praise from pundits and supporters alike, with many highlighting the team's resilience in overcoming early adversity. The manner of the victory, coming after the disappointment of the Liverpool defeat, showed character and mental strength that will serve Arsenal well in the challenges ahead.
Social media reaction focused on Zubimendi's outstanding debut season and the impressive depth of Arsenal's squad. Forest fans, whilst disappointed with the result, acknowledged the quality of their opponents and the scale of the rebuilding task ahead under their new management.
Frequently Asked Questions
What was the final score of Arsenal vs Nottingham Forest?
Arsenal won 3-0 against Nottingham Forest, with Martin Zubimendi scoring twice and Viktor Gyökeres adding the other goal.
Who was the man of the match for Arsenal?
Martin Zubimendi was the standout performer, scoring his first career brace with goals in the 32nd and 79th minutes.
What impact does this result have on Arsenal's Premier League position?
Arsenal remain in 3rd position with nine points from four games, maintaining their strong start to the 2025/26 season.
What happened to Martin Ødegaard during the match?
Arsenal's captain was forced off in the 18th minute with what appeared to be a shoulder injury, adding to the club's injury concerns.
When is Arsenal's next Premier League match?
Arsenal host Manchester City on Sunday, September 21st, in what promises to be a crucial top-of-the-table clash.
Conclusion
This comprehensive 3-0 victory over Nottingham Forest demonstrated Arsenal's evolution as a squad capable of overcoming adversity and maintaining high standards despite key injuries. The performance of the new signings, particularly Zubimendi's outstanding display, suggests that Arsenal have successfully addressed their squad depth issues that hindered them in previous campaigns.
The tactical flexibility shown by Arteta's team, combined with their clinical finishing and defensive solidity, positions them well for the challenges ahead. With Manchester City visiting the Emirates next weekend, this result provides the perfect momentum for what could be a season-defining fixture.
For Nottingham Forest, the defeat highlights the work required under new management, but the season is still young, and there will be opportunities to build momentum in the weeks ahead.
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