Arsenal emphatically reclaimed their place at the Premier League summit on Saturday evening, dismantling a hapless Nottingham Forest side 3-0 at the Emirates Stadium to restore their title credentials after last weekend’s disappointing defeat at Anfield.
The Gunners’ response to adversity was immediate and ruthless. Having seized control in the first half through Zubimendi’s thunderous volley, Mikel Arteta’s men delivered the knockout blow within seconds of the restart.
Eberechi Eze, operating with the freedom of a player reborn, glided through Forest’s porous defence before laying the ball on a silver platter for Viktor Gyökeres, who made no mistake with the simplest of finishes.
The Swedish striker’s goal epitomised Arsenal’s clinical edge throughout the encounter. While generating a modest 1.62 expected goals, the Gunners maximised their opportunities with surgical precision—a stark contrast to their profligate display on Merseyside seven days earlier.
Ethan Nwaneri continued to announce himself on the grand stage, coming agonisingly close to adding his name to the scoresheet alongside Gyökeres and Jurrien Timber. Ultimately, it was left to Zubimendi to provide the final flourish, the Spanish midfielder completing his brace with a towering header eleven minutes from time to put the result beyond doubt.
For Nottingham Forest and Ange Postecoglou, this was a sobering introduction to Premier League management. The Australian tactician, overseeing his first competitive match from the touchline, watched his side muster a paltry 0.22 expected goals. Only Chris Wood’s strike against the crossbar, from a Denis Ndoye delivery, offered any glimpse of attacking intent from a Forest team that appeared overwhelmed by the occasion.
The defeat saw Forest slip to 11th in the early-season standings—a harsh reality check for a club with loftier ambitions under their new Australian coach.
Arsenal, meanwhile, have emphatically answered their critics. Sitting atop the Premier League table on goal difference, their early-season statistics make for impressive reading: nine goals scored and just one conceded across their opening fixtures.
The manner of this victory, coming so soon after their Liverpool setback, suggests a mental resilience that could prove crucial in what promises to be another gruelling title race. For now, the Emirates faithful can once again dream of ending their long wait for Premier League glory, with their team firmly planted at the summit where they believe they belong.
