Arsenal spoiled Ange Postecoglou’s debut as Nottingham Forest boss as they breezed to a comfortable 3–0 victory over their Midlands visitors in the Premier League on Saturday.
The Australian new manager bounce was nowhere to be seen during the first half at the Emirates Stadium as Arsenal overpowered their visitors, earning their deserved one-goal advantage at the break via Martín Zubimendi’s thunderous volley.
Viktor Gyökeres swiftly added to Arsenal’s lead after the halftime whistle and Zubimendi managed to secure his brace late in the game with an impressive header that put the the icing on the cake for the Gunners.
Arsenal suffered an early setback at Anfield before the September international break as their overly cautious approach haunted them in defeat to reigning champions Liverpool. Already three points behind their title foes, slipping up at home to Forest was never an option.
The Gunners played with the swagger they had lacked on Merseyside, dominating possession and moving the ball quickly through the lines. Intricate passing sequences unlocked Forest’s rearguard, but it was a corker from Zubimendi that offered them breathing room at the break.
Hearts sank when Bukayo Saka suffered a hamstring injury in Arsenal’s first home game of the season and he was sorely missed at Anfield. But the forward’s creativity was effortlessly replaced by summer recruits Noni Madueke and Eberechi Eze against Forest.
Madueke, who looked bright in spurts against Liverpool, immediately set about tormenting Morato, the Brazilian central defender starting the match as Forest’s left back. He was typically brave in possession, showcasing both his ability to cut inside on his preferred left foot and glide to the touchline.
Eze was similarly brilliant on the other flank, underscoring his versatility by drifting into a wider position than he usually played for Crystal Palace. He grabbed the assist for Arsenal’s second of the afternoon following a quick sprint and accurate first-time cross, exuding impressive confidence on his first start for his new employers. He was a constant livewire, running through his pocket of tricks and flicks.
Arsenal seems to have bolstered their depth in wide areas having lacked cutting edge on the flanks without Saka last season. Saturday’s attacking performance is hugely encouraging for Mikel Arteta moving forward.
Injuries have been the prevailing theme of Arsenal’s campaign and their issues were aggravated against Forest. The Gunners entered Saturday’s fixture without Saka, William Saliba, Kai Havertz, Gabriel Jesus and Christian Nørgaard, with Martin Ødegaard adding his name to an extensive list of absentees after just 18 minutes.
Arsenal’s captain initially soldiered on after a hefty fall jarred his shoulder, but he was eventually replaced by his deputy Ethan Nwaneri. The Norwegian suffered a similar injury against Leeds United in his second outing of the season, adding an extra layer of concern as he trudged off at the Emirates Stadium.
Fitness issues are not a new occurrence for Arsenal, with their treatment room having been regularly packed to the brim in recent years. Arsenal must address their injury issues if they’re to usurp Liverpool at the summit this season. Forest didn’t punish them on Saturday, but other teams might.