Martin Keown Was Impressed By Arsenal's Showing Against Forest at The Emirates Stadium

Martin Keown Lauds Arsenal’s Strength and Depth After Forest Victory

Sometimes the best way to measure a team’s progress is in the eyes of those who know the club inside out.

Martin Keown, a man who once marshalled Arsenal’s backline, watched his former side dismantle Nottingham Forest at the Emirates and came away convinced this version of Mikel Arteta’s team is built on firmer ground than before.

Keown described the display to TNT Sports as “a real scary show of strength,” pointing to the quality across the pitch even in the absence of big names like Bukayo Saka and Kai Havertz.

Last season, such gaps often disrupted rhythm, but against Forest replacements flourished. Noni Madueke tormented defenders, while Eberechi Eze brought invention on his full debut, feeding Viktor Gyökeres for the second goal.

• Arsenal Striker Viktor Gyökeres Insists They Were Keen To Bounce Back to Winning Ways.

For Keown, the forward line carried a sharper edge. Gyökeres’ instinctive finish early in the second half left its mark on him, calling the Swede “a real predator in the box.” It was a glimpse of the penalty-area ruthlessness Arsenal lacked at crucial moments last term.

Martin Zubimendi’s brace, including a well-placed header late on, further underlined a growing depth in midfield that allowed the Gunners to dominate proceedings.

Even at the back, Keown’s attention was drawn to fresh energy. Cristhian Mosquera, on his full debut, looked unflustered under pressure and earned praise for what Keown called an “outstanding” performance.

David Raya, celebrating his 100th appearance in Arsenal colours, enjoyed a largely quiet afternoon thanks to the collective stability in front of him.

The former defender was equally struck by the creativity in midfield. “Eze is starting to purr,” he observed, highlighting the flicks, touches, and the sense of control the newcomer added to Arsenal’s transitions.

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

For Keown, this wasn’t simply about winning, it was about sending a message that the squad’s evolution has given Arteta greater tools to compete across competitions.

“Above all else, you’re seeing a winning performance,” Keown concluded, framing the 3-0 result not as a standalone victory but as evidence that Arsenal are better equipped to handle the demands of a long season.

• Gabriel Martinelli Must Start Repaying the Faith Arsenal Boss Arteta Has Shown in Him.

Against Forest, the football flowed with assurance, and in Keown’s view, it carried the look of a team ready to take another step forward.