Arsenal Cruise Past Nottingham Forest with Zubimendi's Double and Gyökeres Goal

Mikel Arteta's Gunners Breeze Through Nottingham Forest

Sometimes results don’t do as much justice to the rhythm of a contest as the scoreline suggests.

With the international break gone, Premier League match day four started off at the Emirates, where Arsenal showcased both authority and composure, brushing aside Nottingham Forest 3-0 in front of over 60,000 fans.

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It was a performance that underlined both depth and intent, as Mikel Arteta’s side showed little sign of hesitation despite absences and an early injury setback.

Martin Zubimendi provided the breakthrough in emphatic fashion midway through the first half. Stationed at the edge of the area, the midfielder connected with a loose ball after a corner had been partially cleared, his strike flying past goalkeeper Matz Sels with the aid of a slight deflection.

That goal, his first in Arsenal colours, came at the perfect time, just as Forest had looked to settle into a rhythm, giving the home side the control they rarely relinquished afterwards.

The tempo carried straight into the second half. Within a minute of the restart, Arsenal doubled their lead, demonstrating fluid attacking movement.

Eberechi Eze, handed a full debut in red and white, carved through Forest’s back line before laying on an unmissable chance for Viktor Gyökeres, who calmly tapped home. The Emirates roared, sensing the points were already secured with nearly an entire half left to play.

Zubimendi’s influence continued to grow as he capped his afternoon with a well-timed header, meeting substitute Leandro Trossard’s precise delivery to put the result beyond doubt.

A two-goal haul in one outing marked a milestone in his career and cemented his role in Arsenal’s midfield evolution under Arteta. The Spaniard’s composure and positioning not only yielded goals but also provided the balance his side needed to dictate the contest.

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Noni Madueke, deputising for the injured Bukayo Saka, offered Arsenal a lively presence down the right flank. Time and again, he ran at his marker, delivering dangerous balls and unsettling Forest’s shape.

His set-piece deliveries, particularly the corner that led to the opening goal, underlined his technical quality. By the time he made way late on, the Emirates faithful rose to their feet in recognition of an inspired performance.

Despite injuries that forced reshuffling, captain Martin Ødegaard’s early withdrawal with a shoulder issue among them, Arsenal’s defensive resilience was undisturbed.

Cristhian Mosquera partnered with Gabriel with assurance, while David Raya, making his 100th appearance for the club, recorded another clean sheet to mark the occasion. The sense of stability at the back allowed the attack to flourish without restraint.

For Nottingham Forest, the afternoon offered limited positives. New boss Ange Postecoglou, barely days into his tenure, faced an unenviable task.

His side began with ambition, pressing high in the opening exchanges, but soon found themselves retreating under the weight of Arsenal’s relentless pressure.

Morgan Gibbs-White came closest to providing a lifeline, yet his chance went wide, and with it faded any realistic hope of a comeback. Supporters had arrived aware of Forest’s poor record in north London, and the pattern repeated.

Postecoglou’s hallmark expansive approach remains a work in progress, and while flashes of intent were visible, they were soon drowned out by the quality and tempo of the hosts.

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The Australian coach will demand patience, with fixtures coming thick and fast, including a midweek cup tie that leaves little time to reshape his side. In the end, Arsenal emerged not only with three points but also with a renewed sense of momentum.

After criticism following their 1-0 defeat at Liverpool, Arteta’s men responded with authority, with a blend of experienced names and new signings knitting together seamlessly.

The Emirates crowd left satisfied, knowing that this display hinted at a side capable of pushing past setbacks and setting a standard for the weeks ahead.