Arsenal Ease By Ange’s Forest In 3-0 Win | OneFootball

Arsenal Overpower Nottingham Forest in Premier League Opener

Zubimendi Steps Into Spotlight

Martin Zubimendi marked his arrival in the Premier League with his first goal for Arsenal as the Gunners eased past Nottingham Forest in a 3-0 victory. For Ange Postecoglou, in his first match as Forest boss, it was a harsh reminder of the gulf that still exists between his new side and the league’s elite.

Postecoglou has yet to find a way past Mikel Arteta in their managerial duels, and despite some flickers of promise from Forest, that streak never looked likely to change. Arsenal were sharp, inventive, and ruthless when it mattered.

Photo IMAGO

Madueke Shines in Saka’s Absence

With Bukayo Saka sidelined, Noni Madueke seized his chance to impress. Starting on the right, he tormented Morato before an injury to Murillo, his pace and directness repeatedly pulling Forest apart. His set-piece delivery proved decisive too, with one of his corners flicked out by Chris Wood only for Zubimendi to hammer a volley home, aided by a slight deflection from Murillo.

Madueke’s influence extended beyond that. Fresh from scoring for England, he played with the verve of a man growing in confidence, leaving Forest to shuffle Neco Williams across to contain him. When he was eventually replaced, he departed to a standing ovation, the home crowd chanting his name.

Arsenal’s Cohesion Despite Injuries

Arteta’s side entered this Premier League fixture under pressure, having stumbled against Liverpool before the international break. But with Eberechi Eze and Viktor Gyokeres handed their first starts together, Arsenal looked far more dynamic. Eze slipped a clever pass for Gyokeres to score just after half-time, before Zubimendi’s header from a Leandro Trossard cross sealed the win.

Even with captain Martin Ødegaard forced off with a shoulder injury and William Saliba still absent, Arsenal maintained control. Cristhian Mosquera impressed alongside Gabriel in defence, while David Raya marked his 100th Arsenal appearance with a clean sheet.

Forest Searching for Identity

For Forest, there were hints of what Postecoglou might eventually build. They pressed higher than under Nuno Espirito Santo and tried to play with more ambition. Yet the reality is stark: Forest have beaten Arsenal only twice in their last 17 meetings, both at home.