Arsenal delivered a commanding performance at the Emirates Stadium today, defeating Nottingham Forest 3-0 in the Premier League. Goals from Martin Zubimendi (a brace) and Viktor Gyokeres sealed the win. (Reuters)
First Half: Zubimendi’s Spectacular Start
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Arsenal began the match strongly, applying pressure through possession and sharp attacking play. (The Score)
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In the 32nd minute, Martin Zubimendi opened the scoring with a stunning volley from the edge of the box. The strike came after Forest failed to clear a corner properly, and Zubimendi smashed the ball on the volley, which took a small deflection off Forest’s Murillo and flew past the goalkeeper. (The Score)
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Arsenal’s captain Martin Ødegaard suffered a shoulder injury around the 18-minute mark after an awkward fall, and was eventually substituted. (The Score)
Second Half: Gyokeres Doubles the Lead & Zubimendi Nails It
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Less than a minute into the second half (around 46 seconds), Arsenal struck again. Eberechi Eze, making full use of space down the left, received the ball and squared/sent in a low cross, which Viktor Gyokeres converted with relative ease to make it 2-0. (Sky Sports)
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Nottingham Forest nearly responded immediately: Chris Wood had a flick from a cross which forced a fine save, hitting the top of the bar via a deflection. (Sky Sports)
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Then, in the 79th minute, Zubimendi scored his second of the match, heading home from a well-placed cross by Leandro Trossard off a free-kick routine. That made it 3-0 and effectively sealed the game. (The Score)
Key Players & Tactical Observations
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Martin Zubimendi: His first goals for Arsenal, showing real composure. The first was a volley of high quality, the second a precise header. (The Score)
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Viktor Gyokeres: Took his opportunity well, with a good run down the left by Eze, finishing calmly. (The Score)
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Eberechi Eze: Played a significant part in the second goal, and contributed creatively. (The Score)
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Defensive solidity: Arsenal kept a clean sheet; Forest rarely troubled them meaningfully after going behind. (Sky Sports)
Implications & Context
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The win sees Arsenal move to 9 points from 4 games and temporarily top the Premier League table on goal difference. (Reuters)
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Nottingham Forest, under new boss Ange Postecoglou, had a difficult debut at Arsenal. There were signs of disorganisation in defence, especially around set-piece clearances. (The Score)
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Injury concern for Arsenal: Ødegaard’s shoulder issue is worrying, given their already stretched squad. (The Score)
Headlines & Take-Homes
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Zubimendi’s brace (volley + header) made him the star of the day. (Sky Sports)
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Gyokeres continues to deliver when called upon. (Sky Sports)
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Strong set-piece execution by Arsenal paid off. (The Score)
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Forest will need time to settle under new management. Arsenal showed signs of being better drilled and more cohesive.
Useful Links for Reference
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Arsenal’s official match report: Arsenal.com – Arsenal 3-0 Nottingham Forest (Arsenal)
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Sky Sports version: Arsenal vs Nottingham Forest match report & highlights (Sky Sports)
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Reuters summary: “Zubimendi’s double propels Arsenal to win over Forest” (Reuters)