Arsenal’s summer signings made an instant impact as Martín Zubimendi scored twice and Viktor Gyökeres added another to hand the Gunners a comfortable 3-0 victory over Nottingham Forest at the Emirates Stadium on Saturday. The result spoiled Ange Postecoglou’s first match in charge of Forest and marked a painful return to north London for the former Tottenham manager.
The build-up to the game was largely centered on Postecoglou’s surprising move to Forest only days before the fixture, and the Australian coach’s reunion with Arsenal carried plenty of intrigue. Yet any hopes of a dream start quickly faded as his new side were outplayed for much of the contest by Mikel Arteta’s men, who look determined to mount another Premier League title challenge.
Early Setback for Arsenal
Arsenal’s afternoon was not entirely smooth sailing. Skipper Martin Ødegaard lasted less than 20 minutes before being forced off with what appeared to be a recurrence of his shoulder problem. The Norwegian collided awkwardly with teammate Jurriën Timber and immediately signaled to the bench, leaving the pitch visibly frustrated. He was replaced by youngster Ethan Nwaneri, who was handed a valuable opportunity in the middle of the park.
Forest could have taken advantage of Arsenal’s disruption. Inside the opening 10 minutes, Mikel Merino—still brimming with confidence after scoring a hat-trick for Spain during the international break—saw a close-range effort clawed away by Arsenal goalkeeper David Raya. It was a warning sign, but it turned out to be Forest’s best chance of the game.
Zubimendi Breaks the Deadlock
The breakthrough arrived on the half-hour mark, and it was one for Zubimendi to remember. From a corner whipped in by Noni Madueke, Chris Wood attempted a clearing header but only succeeded in looping the ball to the edge of the area. Zubimendi met it with a crisp volley that swerved away from goalkeeper Matz Sels before nestling into the back of the net. Although there may have been a slight deflection on the shot, the Spaniard’s technique and timing ensured it would stand out as a quality strike.
Zubimendi, a key recruit from Real Sociedad in the summer, showed exactly why Arsenal were willing to invest heavily in him. Strong in midfield and clinical in advanced positions, his performance earned plaudits from the home support throughout the afternoon.
Gyökeres Doubles the Lead
Arsenal wasted no time in extending their advantage after the restart. Just a minute into the second half, Riccardo Calafiori lofted a precise ball over Forest’s defensive line to Eberechi Eze, another of Arsenal’s new signings. Eze timed his run to perfection before squaring for Gyökeres, who tapped home his first Premier League goal in an Arsenal shirt.
Forest nearly found a way back when Dan Ndoye’s delivery struck Wood in the chest inside the penalty area. The ball looped dangerously over Raya, but the goalkeeper managed to stretch and tip it onto the crossbar, keeping Arsenal’s two-goal cushion intact.
Madueke Shines Despite Criticism
Much of Arsenal’s attacking spark came from Noni Madueke, who arrived from Chelsea amid skepticism from sections of the fanbase. On the day, however, he proved his worth. The winger repeatedly tormented Forest’s defense with pace and trickery, creating multiple openings for his teammates. He nearly set up a second goal for Gyökeres with a clever no-look pass, only for the striker’s powerful effort to crash against the frame of the goal.
Madueke’s tireless display earned him a standing ovation when he was substituted with just over 10 minutes remaining. For Arteta, the 22-year-old’s performance will have been particularly satisfying, given the doubts surrounding the transfer.
Zubimendi Seals the Win
Moments after Madueke’s withdrawal, Arsenal put the result beyond doubt. Substitute Leandro Trossard delivered an inviting cross with his very first touch, and Zubimendi rose highest to head home his second of the afternoon. The Emirates erupted as fans chanted in celebration and mocked Postecoglou with chants of “You’re getting sacked in the morning” and “Are you Tottenham in disguise?”
For Arsenal, the victory was not just about three points but also a statement of intent. Arteta’s squad, bolstered by high-profile summer additions, looks hungry to finally end the club’s 22-year wait for a Premier League crown. The only dark cloud on the day was Ødegaard’s injury, which could prove significant if it sidelines him for an extended period.
A Tough Start for Postecoglou
As for Forest, the defeat highlighted the scale of the task Postecoglou faces. His players struggled to cope with Arsenal’s intensity and rarely tested Raya beyond Merino’s early chance. The Australian, who failed to win a north London derby during his Spurs tenure, now faces the challenge of lifting a squad that has not beaten Arsenal away from home in over three decades.
Arsenal fans, meanwhile, left the Emirates in high spirits. With Zubimendi, Gyökeres, Eze, and Madueke all making an impact, there is a growing sense that Arteta’s project may finally be ready to deliver silverware.
