Arsenal vs Nottingham Forest Review
Arsenal showcased their impressive form against the high-flying Nottingham Forest, delivering a commanding performance that led to a 3-0 win, which extends their unbeaten streak at home in the Premier League to nine matches dating back to last season. Eager to break a four-match winless streak in the league (with two draws and two losses) that threatened their title aspirations, Arsenal started strong against this season’s unexpected contender.
Before this match, only league leaders Liverpool had allowed fewer goals than Forest, but within five minutes, the visitors were put on notice when an offside call denied Jurrien Timber his first Premier League goal. Martin Ødegaard, returning to the lineup after missing a significant portion of the season, played a key role in Arsenal’s opening goal in the 15th minute, linking up with Bukayo Saka, who then skillfully maneuvered into the box and fired a powerful shot past a stranded Matz Sels.
As halftime neared, Sels made crucial saves, first denying a powerful shot from Leandro Trossard and then diving to deflect a curling attempt from Saka, keeping the score at a one-goal deficit that seemed unlikely to change after the break. Thomas Partey, who had played in every Premier League match this season, made a significant impact after coming on in the second half, scoring to double Arsenal’s lead in the 52nd minute. Saka, involved in much of Arsenal’s positive play, set up Partey, who struck a dipping shot that curled away from Sels’ reach.
It was another substitute from Arsenal who sealed the victory, as 17-year-old Ethan Nwaneri scored his first Premier League goal, ensuring all three points and marking the Gunners’ seventh win in their last eight league encounters. This win keeps Arsenal in fourth place in the standings, now six points behind league leaders Liverpool, although they have played one more game. For Nottingham Forest, they drop to 7th place after experiencing their first loss in eight away league matches dating back to last season.
