Arsenal delivered a commanding performance at the Emirates Stadium this afternoon, defeating Nottingham Forest 3-0 in front of their home crowd. The victory not only secured three important points but also reinforced the Gunners’ determination to stay close to Liverpool in the race for the Premier League title.
Martin Zubimendi emerged as the standout figure, scoring twice and showcasing his ability to impact matches from midfield. His contributions, alongside goalscoring support from Viktor Gyökeres, highlighted the strength and depth Arsenal have added to their squad.
Zubimendi’s Early Impact
Arsenal started the encounter with intent, pushing Forest back and forcing them into deep defensive positions. The hosts earned several early corners, and although Forest initially looked organised in defending them, the breakthrough eventually arrived. A headed clearance fell invitingly to Zubimendi, who produced a clean volley to put Arsenal ahead.
From that point onwards, the Gunners controlled possession and dictated the tempo. Forest struggled to mount any meaningful attacking threat, while Arsenal looked likely to extend their lead before the interval. Despite their dominance, the score remained 1-0 at half-time, giving Forest faint hope that they might regroup during the break.
New Signings Shine
If Forest had any ambition of getting back into the game, it was quickly extinguished after the restart. Within minutes of the second half beginning, Viktor Gyökeres found the net following a fine pass from Eberechi Eze. The combination of two summer recruits demonstrated the club’s effective transfer strategy, with the new arrivals immediately making their presence felt.
As the second half unfolded, Arsenal’s authority only grew. They moved the ball with composure and confidence, limiting Forest’s opportunities to keep possession. The visitors appeared overwhelmed by the pace and precision of Arsenal’s play, and a third goal soon arrived. Zubimendi completed his brace after a superb assist from Leandro Trossard, sealing the result and underlining his growing influence in Mikel Arteta’s side.
Arsenal comfortably managed the remainder of the match, ensuring there was no opportunity for Forest to stage a late recovery. The performance sent a clear message to Liverpool and the rest of the league that the Gunners remain firmly in contention and ready to challenge at the very top this season.
Great performance from Zubimendi and Madueke. Calafiori’s long pass to Eze was also very good
I bet Rice, Eze and Calafiori will be starters when we play against Athletic Club
@Gai, Yea you are right. But I bet you need to add Moquera to the equation. I don’t think Arsenal will get a clean sheet if not for Mosquera who performed well in the absence of Saliba. Zubimendi a very technical player. Glad we bought him
I am also happy for Gyokeres it’s obvious he is a clinical finisher with good link up play. His team mates will soon get used to his movements.
The signs are very clear Matinelli needs to step up his games else he will……
Yeah, Mosquera has been playing well. A great signing by Berta, because of the low price for a such talented young CB
Zubi might change our lives what a player. Mosquera hasn’t put a foot wrong. Our depth really showing that we can perform like this with no Saka/odegaard, and Rice didn’t even start.
No rice, saliba, saka and odegaard…. wow
Didnt see the match but seems like ALL our new signings who started were excellent.
The chaotic nature of Eze and Madueke really helps Gyokores. I said it a few times that he doesn’t suit our system but if we play like today he will thrive. Excellent performances from Zumbendi, Mosquera, Madueke and Eze all things considered.
Liam, how many times in past seasons have crosses been put into the box with nobody on the end of them?
Gyokeres showed the importance of a specialist centre forward, in postitioning and physicality to score from Eze’s first time low cross.
Nice 3 points.
Madueke will change lots of people’s minds. He is a baller.
Gyokeres with another goal. Eze with an assist.
Zubimendi two goals. Mosquera solid quality cover for Saliba.
Now unto Tuesday against Bilbao in the champions league. We move.
A good win at home. A massive shout out to the new players. All played very well. But very big shouts for different reasons to Madueke and Mosquera. Those Gonks (and you know who you are) who tried to spit their dummies out over Madueke signing. Shame on you!!!!!!
No simply asked what did you see that made you think he was very good , giving him the same praise as say a Zubimendi
There’s not a right or wrong answer
It’s an opinion
Just confused that your struggling to name more then he make 1 key pass lol.
I’m purely pointing out that especially with our academy players we make out that they have been better then reality
He was solid in my opinion but very good ?
Nah , many had better games / contributions then him
Nobody is doing anything of the sort. You are the one who is making out things that are not true. Again.
And twisting to make a lame argument.
Not arguing
Simply asked what you thought he did was very good as he wasn’t the first name that came to my mind
Was generally interested in what you saw
Reggie, after his recent performances for England and Arsenal, some people need to think about an apology to Madueke. Still early days but looking good.
Overall better strength in depth from new signings.
I’d say all the new signings have had an instant impact. What a squad we have in our hands! Nwaneri coming on and having such a wonderful game as well, moved the ball quicker, took on opponents, maybe should start vs city. And no more injuries please 🤞
We didn’t miss, Saka, Saliba or Odergaard.
Dare I say, not for the first time, we looked better balanced and quicker attacking without Odergaard.
I’ve been a big fan of Odegaard and due to commitments haven’t seen much of season so far. You have previously pointed out that he hasn’t been up to par. It will be interesting to see how it pans out. For all the talk that Arteta has his favourites, he’s also got his job to consider. From what I’ve picked up, the newbies have started well so competition will be intense and quality in all areas should bring about a more balanced Arsenal and one that can ring the changes.
It will be interesting Sue, to see how Arteta handles it but Odergaard and Martinelli are not performing and there are players who can do as much, if not more than them. I think Martinelli is a bench player now. Odergaard?
Reggie, Odegaard’s been with us for a good 3 years now. Please spell his name right.
Tell that to my predictive text. Anyway you know who I mean.
Your own spelling of Ødegaard could do with some work.
🤣🤣
Martinelli I think it’s pretty much over for. Unless he responds to the new challenge of trying to take back his spot from Eze. Hes had a free go at the LW for years now and hasn’t convinced so unfortunately not holding my breath
Despite misconceptions, I have always put Arsenal first. If Arteta is worth his salt, he’ll be watching very carefully. I don’t envy him having to make a big decision in Odegaard’s case especially as he’s captain and has been instrumental in getting us to the position we’re in now. Dog eat dog world and the manager is the first to go if it goes t”ts up. Im just relieved that the players have back up, and healthy competition. This is in no small part to Arteta, the coaches and of course, the working relationship with Berta and the board
That’s a concern of mine SueP,
Being Captain shouldn’t be a protection if your form is not good. It’ll be interesting to see if Arteta has it in him to do the right thing if necessary.
Derek, Odergaard has got away with murder so far, so I do not see much change.
From which point in time?
A very good all round performance, the entire team was a delight to watch, a typical aresenal style if play.
I can’t praise nwaneri, madueke, eze masquera and co enough,but merino caught my eye differently,he was the most composed and mature player on the field today.
I think something has changed about merino, he’s so assured on the ball, he’s confidence level is 100% .
These are good times to be a gunner
COYG
Well his hat trick for Spain would have given him that confidence
Great game all round.
Kudos to Berta & Arteta for the signings of Madueke and Mosquera.. under the radar but already showing their value
And have said before season started that Zubamendi is the man!
Great goals from Zubi. The combination of the cross from Leandro and the header from Zubi was a thing of beauty.
A transfer business of a player like Mosquera delights my heart. To get such a quality player, at such a young age and for such low price!
Absolutely correct reggie, odegaard and martinelli are in serious problem, the team is growing and leaving them behind, nwaneri is an obvious odegaard upgrade
I thought Nwaneri was very good and probably his big downfall, is he needs to work on his right foot. He looks too much to go left but looked good today.
What did he do that you liked ?
Never has a player had to do so little to get praise
????? And your problem?
Did we miss Odergaard, with Nwaneri coming on?
Now I’m asking what did he do that was
‘ very good ‘ ?
An assist ?
A goal ?
A tackle ?
Forcing a great save ?
What was ‘ very good ?’
Did we miss Odergaard?
Merino played well, did he do all you are asking?
Well It depends
If you wrote Merino did really well but couldn’t then name what he did really well
So I’ll try one more time , what did Nwaneri do that was really well ?
DOH! Play well.
I really do not get your problem. He is 18, has a great future in front of him. Is obviously thought highly of. And the post was about, how he came on and we didn’t miss Odergaard. Did we miss Odergaard?
I never mentioned Odegarrd .
You felt the need to single out Nwaneri for praise .
So let’s say a Gooner hadn’t watched that match they would have assumed by your comments that Nwaneri was the difference
Hence why I asked what did he do ?
Which you have failed to mention one thing
No, you didn’t answer the question?
Dan to be fair to the boy he did gave excellent touches and spread the ball nicely, and carried the ball with a couple or so runs. Also he was quicker with the passing might add. Did you watch the game though?
Yeah I did
He was fine
Wouldn’t say wonderful
To say based on that he should not start against Man City is a bit much ?
I thought we would have learnt our lesson from January
Nwaneri drove the ball forward quicker and made the midfield flow faster with more urgency.
Dan just has a problem with teenagers playing in the first team. I guess that’s your own perspective of the game.
Dan, what I liked about Nwaneri was his passing and especially not bottling out of tackles, which is what Odegaard has been doing lately.
Didn’t Odegarrd go off injured by not bottling out of a tackle ?
What pass did you like ?
Now you are being pedantic.
No, Odegaard went off due to the shoulder injury he got earlier in the game. Just before he went down for the second time he went for a tackle but bottled it. He then got subbed off
Yeah
And he got the shoulder injury due to a tackle he didn’t pull out of
This is the second game that Odeegard will go out, and we begin to play free-flowing football.
Nwaneri transitions the ball faster; he is young and is keen to impress, and with what I see, there is a connection between Nwaneri, Eze, and Noni. I have my suspicions why. lol
The trio all come from the Igbo tribe in Nigeria(just like I do).
I take it from your “Yeah” you agree that he bottled a tackle just before he went down the second time.
No I disagree
Yeah he correctly got out of that tackle as he should if he’s injured
But to say lately he’s been bottling tackles when that’s literally again why he went off again confirms my theory
This is the second time directly after a game you made something up
Last time it was …oh I got the man of the match wrong now our captain as been pulling out of tackles lately
I would watch the highlights mate and see how he hurt his shoulder
So a shoulder injury makes a player pull his left foot out of a tackle according to you 😂.
As for your ” This is the second time directly after a match you made something up”, pretty sure it was the day after the 2nd semi final game against PSG that I made the mistake, not directly after the game. I did admit that I got the MoTM wrong. Admitting to a mistake is something that is alien to you !
So a shoulder injury makes a player pull his left foot out of a tackle according to you ?
In a word .. yes lol
Wow 😲, that’s really wimpish.
Odegaard should take a leaf out of Lucy Bronze’s book. She played all of the Euro 2025 tournament with a fractured tibia.
HD, He had 49 touches of the ball, 88% pass success, one key pass and two shots. But his general play was very good and lije you say, he worked back as well. He was nowhere near MOM but I do not get Dans problem.
So to clarify he was very good because he had one key pass lol and 88 percent success rate lol
Can I ask why you have not say Trossard , Eze or Zubimendi has a very good game of that’s the bar
Surely a goal and an assist is better then ………1 key pass lol.
Doh! I said ALL the new signings played excellent. Stop making things up. You are embarrassing, yourself.
You know you can praise whoever you want from the team that played today Dan? Reggie said what he felt like saying and I don’t understand why you are being so petty. What’s your problem with Nwaneri if I may ask?
Of course
I was simply asking what it was that he thought was very good
Only because he wasn’t the first name can came to my mind
Love that saying
A leaf used to mean paper/ page so you are literally taking a page from that person’s book
I know exactly what it means, as it was often used in my younger days during the 60’s.
Reggie, it seems that because he didn’t score Dan has a problem with him.
It seems that the undermining narratives have already started. Nwaneri was Ok but did nothing exceptional. If Odegaard had put in the same type of performance he would have been slated.
There is a fair amount of dishonesty here as Odegaard has been singled out for criticism even when he had better stats than have been quoted here for Nwaneri.
They were several better players than Nwaneri in that game today. The narratives should really be about the performances of those players that were key to the win.
That’s my point mate
Nwaneri will only develop if we leave him alone and not over hype him
He was fine
Was he very good ?
Nothing special at all
David, I’m a big fan of Odegaard and what I’ve posted up above is not meant to slate him. He had his problems last season, but I backed him up on JA.
David but Dan made it about Nwaneri. He made something of nithing really.
Oh please shut up David ffs ,every post is about Narratives ,nobody wants to hear it buddy .
David, I agree with regard to Nwaneri & Odegaard.
Such a great team performance today, and it’s left you so miserable Dan. So so sad.
Maddy has brought such exceptional pace and dribbling into our squad. I start shouting every time he gets a one on one, it’s so exciting. Where Saka comes inside, for a shot for himself, Maddy is going outside to give someone else a goal.
Timber was man of the match today.
Califiori was awful. He’s not a left back.
I think Calafiori been our best player so far this season.
Nah buzzing mate
Was just simply asking as he wasn’t the first name that came to mind
Ethan did well when he came on, he also worked hard
defencesivly.. he raises the tempo as öde slows it down !!
a solid three points
Just arrived back from the game and couldn’t be more satisfied with what I saw.
Excellent play out from the back, with a defence that never looked like conceding.
A midfield that covered every blade of grass, while creating chances for both wingers and down the middle.
The two wings were dangerous all the time.
Any back passes made, were in order to draw out Forest and it was done to perfection.
Three superb goals and it could have been more.
The substitutions saw not a drop in our dominance of Forest and to see the likes of Rice, Nwaneri, Martinelli, Skelly and Trossard coming off the bench, shows what a great squad we have and that’s without Saka, Saliba Havertz and Jesus!!
I watched as the Chelsea reject we never should have bought (😂) perform as good as Saka has in the recent pass and my MOTM wa Gabriel on the pitch and Mikel Arteta off the pitch for assembling such a potent squad.
.
A real shame for Odegaard, but, apart from that, not one negative to moan about
Do you think the zero goals or assists have now justified the price tag lol ?
Dan, you obviously got out of bed on the wrong side this morning!!
Trying to pick a fight with others is pretty pathetic after such a dominant win.
. I was talking about today’s gane and how our “chelsea reject” played, not about his transfer fee etc etc.
Every corner he took was dangerous, he took on his marker at every opportunity and we attacked from both flanks.
Why you seem to want to be so negative I can’t imagine…unless, of course, today’s performance, both individually and as a squad, is the complete opposite of what you’ve been bleating about since the Liverpool game!! LOL!!
Nah I’m all good
Just took exception to the word exceptional
Think he had a good game
Some might say he was the one exceptional player out there today, such was his overall performance.
Don’t get bogged down in what others may use Dan, just enjoy an exceptional performance by one and all.
And I didn’t think it’s bad to then ask what did he do that was exceptional
You can’t say …he is exceptional but can you please ignore his lack of end product
He had a very good game but not exceptional
In your opinion, I differ, as I saw him light up the game every time he got the ball and the crowd were out of their seats.
But hey, I’m not letting anyone spoil what went on today, as I sit here with a glass full of praise and lovely Merlot!!
That is cool mate
After certain events this week
It’s important we all have own opinions
If would be boring if we all thought the same
Ken, I hope its a good Australian Merlot?
I could recommend a few from the Hunter Valley, where I used to work, although the Vineyards are more renowned for Shiraz and Semlllion.
OG, I will only drink Australian Shiraz, but not so fussy with Merlot or ANY white wine!
Dan,
It depends on said poster’s definition of the word exceptional.
It’s obviously different to yours’s, but not to them. It doesn’t make you right or them wrong or vice versa. 🤷♂️
I agree mate
Never said I was correct
If you notice it’s the same gang trying to change my opinion
Eg I must be … Just because I disagree lol
He is an exceptional player and worth his price tag so far I think, but he is a level below Saka. He is not a finished product.
So far I haven’t seen the end product of all his efforts (which are not lacking).
Bit early to say exceptional mate
We had the morons who signed the petition
Now he’s exceptional with 0 goals or assists
Like most things , true in middle
Give him time
It is great credit to him that Saka absence hasn’t been felt at all. That is not a small ask.
Regarding goals and assists it is too early to raise it as a concern. It might be a significant issue if he does not deliver on those, but it is too early to tell.
Hasn’t been felt at all ?
You mean this one game ?
At Anfield it was felt
There’s no concern
I like him but very early to say he’s an exceptional player
So happy to read your report Ken1945. Let’s keep it going!
Madueke, no goal, no assist, but great take ons, pin point crosses, tracked back, full of energy all round, my man of the match.
You can’t give a wide Midfielder man of the match for 0 goals or assists lol
That’s his job
I can give whoever I want man of the match and I would not tell you or anyone else what to think. Anyway I didn’t give a wide midfielder man of the match, I was talking about our right winger🤫.
A player can impact a game greatly without giving a goal or an assist.
Busquet used to make Barcelona’s midfield good without always giving a goal or an assist.
I still rate Saka higher than Madueke though.
Saka has a better end product than Madueke but with consistency and hardwork Madueke’s end product will improve.
Our squad depth is obviously better than previous seasons with the addition of the new players.
Let’s hope every single player of ours perform well and we win a trophy this season.
Busquet was a DM mate
You can’t say a wide attacker has been exceptional if he has yet to score or assist
That is true. Gyokeres didn’t play particularly well but he scored a goal.
Eze gave an assist.
Madueke just dribbled and kept their left back very busy which is still good though.
Hopefully he works on his end product and he will become a very good player.
Didn’t the first goal come from Madueke good corner kick and the shot that Gyokeres hit the post was from him and should he be punished that it didn’t go in. The same can be said about Nwaneri and Merino who played well during the game but with no assist or goal
I said:
1. He is exceptional.
2. He is justifying his price tag.
3. But his end product is lacking.
4. It will be a significant issue if he does not improve on it.
5. But its too ealry to raise it as a concern.
Funny you have clinged to only the exceptional word mate.
Not really mate
I covered point 1 , 2 , 3 and 5 lol.
I said it after the Liverpool game that Mosquera was a gem and it’s true. However, I saw a moment of madness at the back that shows Mosquera as good as he is, is not yet at Saliba’s level. I enjoyed Eze’s brilliance and Madueke’s troublemaking. I only wish Madueke can improve on his end product coz for all the flashy moments he produced he didn’t score a goal or make an assist.
Anyway, it was a good game but we need to see how we do away from home under a lot of pressure.
Madueke had a pretty good game but not a brilliant 1 IMO
If you looked solely at defenders beaten and being difficult to deal with he’d get a 10/10 no doubt but what i really dont like it how long it takes to get the ball in the box after beating his man…that and the multiple feigned crosses before the real 1 is actually played. It makes it extremely difficult for attacking players to make runs with the right timing. If you watched players like Eze and Gykores while Madueke has the ball they make brilliant runs just after hes beaten his man but the cross doesn’t come, then they have go try reset and make another 1 or 2 runs in the same play, they were both frustrated. Commentators picked up on it multiple times too.
Compare to Ezes cross to Gykores…
If you’ve played football before you’ll understand 100%. No im not hating on Madueke at all as some excitable people will suggest, just thinking that releasing the ball at the right time against better opposition may be the difference between a draw and a win! To me that’s the only real difference between him and Saka currently.
All that said, a very good game from him and co!
People decide to knit pick what they want. Eze was also holding on to the ball in the first half. The first goal was as a result of a well taken corner by Madueke which was cleared to Zubi but Stats will not say that. Nwaneri also played well although stats may not say so
You are spot on on that.
I was watching him do it a lot and a funny clip of Berbatov talking about Nani came to mind.
He should have gotten couple of assists if others finish up the chances he created. Merino should have scored from his lay down the same with Timber, Rice and Timber but they couldn’t which denied him well deserved assists. Fact is he created six chances with no assist while Eze created one chance and registered on assist. See the irony?. The only flaw I noticed is he doesn’t cut outside to his stronger foot to take a shot like Saka.
and Gyokeres, I mean not Timber
That’s more like it boys. The football played was faster and with more intent. The second goal summed it up perfectly, nice ball over the top for Eze to get onto, followed by first tie cross to Gyokeres and the back of the net was found with ease.
And I believe the post that Gyokeres hit is still shaking😂.
And what a strike from Zubimendi and the header wasn’t to shabby either. He must have been inspired by his Spanish team mate Merino’s goals in the International break.
I hope that his is a sign of better things to come. 👍
Swoon🥳
The other interesting thing that came out of this game, was the retention of the ball by backward or sideways passes.
No one has complained about it, as far as I am aware and I believe it’s obvious why not.
One could actually see our defence and midfield inviting Forest to come at them and it worked a treat.
Pin point and fluid passes resulted from this and we mounted attacks time after time from the back.
It was a clinical display, orchestrated by a complete understanding of what each player was doing on and off the ball.
A standard has been set and I don’t envy MA when he has a fully fit squad to choose from.
All our new signings Madueke, Zubimendi, Eze, Mosquera and Gyokeres did shine in the game.
Maueke, WOW, what a signing, full of energy and delivered more excellent passes that should have been assists (Merino should have scored). Madueke was my MOTM, for sure. Eze and Zubimendi were excellent as well. Importent for the coming games, we do now have high quality players on the bench. Key players can play more positions.
There was a lot to like about yesterday’s win, particularly the patches of free flowing football,which suggests better things to come. Thought Nwaneri was fine, he allowed the came to flow across the park.and we didn’t miss Odegaard at all. Nothing outstanding from Nwaneri, but he will grow.
Is Dan joking, well you should stop coz it’s not funny when u ask what nwaneri did today, blind eyes can tell the lad was awesome. Please Were you using your ears to watch the match?
Yeah it’s just words, what was awesome ?
In my opinion
Our back 4 , Zubimendi, Madueke , Eze , Gyokeres, Trossard as a sub all contributed more
So I was simply surprised he was singled out
Again , don’t misunderstand, he had a gidi game but awesome?
Like watch this …..tell me what he that was awesome ….he made one key pass
Dan, I disagree with you on this. Nwaneri performed very good all round. This is why almost every fan thought we didn’t miss Odegaard. This is the same as when we say we didn’t miss either Saka or Saliba. Am sure no one had said that Madueke and Mosquera were better better than Saka and Saliba. Nwaneri, Madueke and Mosquera made us not to have missed any of our star players. On that premise, they performed very very well.
Nice one henson.
But to dear Dan, nwaneri should not be dropped again for his ball distribution and our defence ofcourse propelled the team to perform seamlessly .
I cant remember the last time we played this smooth.
Odegaard should join martinelli in the bench although he is not as awful as martinelli, well nothing can be more awful than martinelli, not even sterlin😂😂
Nwaneri’s 1v1 should be lauded too, something our captain obviously lack.
It’s only a matter of time now, coz the club has become ambitious and players who can’t match that ambition shall be discarded.
Again it’s a good time to be an arsenal fan
COYG!
It’s opinions and I’m happy we won but I think we are getting a bit carried away
We beat Forest at home lol
Noni Madueke for Arsenal vs. Nottingham Forest:
◉ Most crosses (14)
◉ Most touches in opp. box (12)
◉ Most duels won (9)
◉ Most chances created (5)
◉ Most successful take-ons (4)
◉ Most tackles (3)
◉= Most fouls won (2)
If this performance is not exceptional, then I don’t know.
End product would make it exceptional
Well he created chances and they were not converted. My only concern with him is taking shots himself, maybe that’s what you mean?
No I mean most of the time he beat his man and his cross was either blocked or didn’t find his man
That’s not exceptional
Exceptional to me is Thierry Henry scoring 4 against Leeds United
A 48 million winger beating left back and cross hitting a defender is not exceptional in my opinion.
Zubimendi’s performance was exceptional.
Dan,
For me I hear what your saying regards end product and the need to find your player in the box. But that said if as Madueke was doing and beating his left back and getting crosses in, I would also put the onus on the forwards in the box to anticipate better at times.
Sometimes it’s not possible to find said player in the box directly, so playing the ball into an area is a good option. But that’s only a good option if said player anticipates where the ball is going to end up.
For me if our wide players beat their opponents enough times and gets the ball in the box, he’s doing what’s asked of him.
As I said it’s not just down to the wide player, better anticipation from the front players is needed also.
So while I wouldn’t use the word exceptional in Madueke’s case regards scoring a goal or getting an assist, he did to a large extent do what was expected of him. And if he can keep doing it on a regular basis, his goals and assists will come.
Spot on Derek.
I agree mate
Maybe that’s not what I saw
I don’t recall him creating lots of chances and Forest keeper making lots of chances or Arsenal making bad misses
I saw a rm take on and beat his man and have lots of energy
He had a good game just not exceptional
Unfortunately as a fan base we do this
Me too feel finishing touch is one area madueke can improve on but after the cool display he had last afternoon , u can tell the lad is on a upward skill trajectory,he will surely improve.
he was really having fun yestday together with eze and nwaneri