Key takeaways from Arsenal giving Forest a bruising at the Emirates

In partnership with

Just Arsenal News

·13 septembre 2025

Key takeaways from Arsenal giving Forest a bruising at the Emirates

Arsenal needed a response after that 1-0 defeat to Liverpool, and they delivered emphatically, thrashing Nottingham Forest 3-0 as Mikel Arteta and Ange Postecoglou renewed their touchline rivalry at the Emirates on Saturday afternoon.

It was a rude welcome for Postecoglou, and a timely reminder of Arsenal’s firepower ahead of a looming clash with Manchester City.

Vidéos OneFootball

New boys Martin Zubimendi and Viktor Gyökeres both found the net, with Zubimendi bagging a brace in a performance that oozed redemption.

Madueke proves Arsenal have depth without Saka

Arsenal’s No. 20 picked up right where he left off following his man-of-the-match display in England’s 5-0 win over Serbia. He didn’t score, but Madueke was a constant menace down the right flank.

He mirrored Saka’s trademark threat, giving makeshift left-back Morato a torrid afternoon. Every time he received the ball, he looked to drive at Forest’s defence and deliver dangerous balls into the box.

On corner duties, it was a clearance from one of his well-taken deliveries that led to Arsenal’s opener.

Fan’s gave Madueke a standing ovation after his Forest masterclass (with stats)

The ex-Chelsea man did everything right. Saka wasn’t missed.

(Photo by Jack Thomas/Getty Images)

Zubimendi, Mosquera and key takeaways

Zubimendi’s display against Liverpool left some underwhelmed. But against Forest, he looked determined to remind everyone of his quality.

He opened the scoring with a technically brilliant strike from a corner clearance, nearly repeated the feat moments later, and eventually sealed his brace by heading home a Leandro Trossard cross. With two goals already for Arsenal, he has surpassed his tally from last season at Real Sociedad.

Beyond the goals, Zubimendi was purposeful and aggressive in midfield. He rarely wasted a touch, and his off-the-ball movement was just as slick.

On Friday, when Arteta hinted that William Saliba might return, some feared Mosquera’s full debut would be delayed. But Arteta resisted the temptation and handed the young Spaniard his first start, and it proved a masterstroke.

Mosquera backed up his eye-catching cameo against Liverpool with another assured performance. He was rock-solid at the back and composed on the ball, with direct distribution that Arsenal crave. Andrea Berta’s £13 million deal for him already looks like daylight robbery. His numbers against Forest speak volumes:

4 clearances
2 interceptions
2 tackles
93 touches
76 passes
100% ground duels won

No Saliba? No problem. Arteta has Mosquera.

The Forest boss remains winless against Arteta in the league. Saturday’s defeat makes it five meetings without a win, four losses and a draw.

Other takeaways:

Arsenal’s squad depth is now undeniable. Regardless of who plays, the level remains high.
The Liverpool loss looks more like a blip than a concern; this Arsenal side is built to bounce back.

As Arsenal now turn their attention to Athletic Club in the Champions League, what did you take away from this performance?

Daniel O

__________________________________________________________________________________________ ADMIN COMMENT

So here are some simple rules which I must insist commenters follow….

You agree not to give any personal abuse to other Arsenal fans. Everyone is allowed to hold their own opinions even if you disagree with them. It COSTS NOTHING TO BE POLITE TO OTHER ARSENAL FANS.

CALLING ALL ARSENAL FANS! Anyone who would like to contribute an Article or Video opinion piece on JustArsenal, please contact us through this link…