Bukayo Saka reliable at the Emirates again as Arsenal beat Nottingham Forest to stop rot | OneFootball

Bukayo Saka was once again the man to rely on for Arsenal at the Emirates as they beat Nottingham Forest 3-0 in the Premier League.

Arsenal went into the November international break in poor form. The Gunners were winless in their last four league games, drawing two and losing two.

Only one of those results did come at home, a 2-2 draw with Liverpool at the Emirates which Arsenal led until both Gabriel and Jurrien Timber had to go off injured.

The Gunners drew with Chelsea before the international break, staying level on points with the Blues inside the top four. But with things so lose in the race for a top-four finish, Arsenal would have wanted to turn the tide quickly.

Nottingham Forest weren’t going to be pushovers, though. This was a team that has already beaten Liverpool at Anfield, while holding Chelsea at Stamford Bridge. They also sat level on points with Arsenal, just behind on goal difference.

Nuno Espirito Santo’s men went to the Emirates with a clear game plan. They tried to soak up the pressure with a view to hit Arsenal on the counter attack. It worked for them at Anfield. But Arsenal were ready for that.

The Gunners didn’t let off and were well worth their lead when Saka danced through the Forest box before beating Mats Selz. It was his fourth Premier League goal this season, all of which have come at the Emirates. He later set up Arsenal’s second, putting daylight between them at Forest.

And Saka has really been enjoying playing at home in the Premier League. Since the start of last season, Saka has been directly involved 20 goals in his 22 Premier League games at the Emirates. During that time, Saka has scored 11 with nine assists. Only three players have been directly involved in more home goals in the Premier League in that time — Cole Palmer (26), Erling Haaland (24) and Mohamed Salah (23). But Saka leads the way with his nine assists.

Saka has scored or assisted in 16 of his 22 home league appearances since the start of last season. During that run, Saka has scored AND assisted in three separate matches. Of course, the win over Nottingham Forest was the third instance.

He’s only blanked once so far in 2024-25, with Leicester City keeping him quiet. Last season, Sheffield United, Brighton, West Ham United, Brentford and Aston Villa shut Saka out. But that means he has a goal or assist against Manchester United, Tottenham Hotspurchel, Liverpool and Chelsea — missing the match against Manchester City last season.

And Saka’s a good luck charm. Arsenal are unbeaten in the 16 games Saka has been directly involved in a goal in, winning 13 and drawing just three. Two of Saka’s 11 goals have been the winner or point-rescuer for Arsenal, while the Englishman has assisted the winner or point-rescuer on three occasions.

Ethan Nwaneri put the gloss on Arsenal’s win, which is also Mikel Arteta’s 147th as Arsenal boss in what was his 250th match in charge across all competitions. It leaves Arsenal level on points with Chelsea, only trailing the Blues on goals scored.

*Using Bookmaker/Affiliate links on squawka.com may earn us a commission, at no additional cost to you. 18+ only. T&Cs apply. Please gamble responsibly. For more information, visit gambleaware.org.