Arsenal ended a four-match winless streak in the Premier League with a dominant 3-0 victory over Nottingham Forest, with Bukayo Saka, Thomas Partey, and Ethan Nwaneri all finding the net in an impressive display at the Emirates.
The result was a much-needed boost, propelling the Gunners back into contention as they closed the gap to Premier League leaders Manchester City to six points.
Mikel Arteta made a surprise decision with his starting lineup, notably leaving Thomas Partey, Declan Rice, and Kai Havertz on the bench.
However, it was Martin Ødegaard, returning as captain for his first Emirates Stadium appearance since August, who made an immediate impact.
The Norwegian playmaker was central to Arsenal’s attacking rhythm and helped spark a brilliant opening goal just 15 minutes into the match.
Ødegaard combined superbly with Saka down the right wing. Saka latched onto a clever flick from Ødegaard, driving into the box before expertly curling the ball into the far corner, past Forest’s goalkeeper Matz Sels to give Arsenal the lead.
Paul Merson was quick to react to the stunning effort, praising Saka’s composure and finish that put Arsenal in control.
The Gunners continued to assert their dominance throughout the first half, with Forest unable to create any significant chances.
David Raya, Arsenal’s goalkeeper, had a quiet afternoon, largely untroubled as Forest failed to generate any meaningful attempts on goal.
Before the break, Gabriel Jesus came close to doubling the lead with a well-placed shot that curled just wide.
Meanwhile, Sels made crucial saves to deny both Saka and Leandro Trossard, keeping Forest’s hopes alive – albeit briefly. Arsenal recorded 11 shots in the first half, eight of which were either created by or directly involved Saka, who was instrumental in the team’s attacking setup.
Arsenal didn’t take their foot off the gas after the break, as Saka continued to be a key provider.
In the 53rd minute, he turned provider once again, playing a perfect pass to Thomas Partey, who fired in a stunning 25-yard strike to make it 2-0.
The Ghanaian’s effort from outside the box was a thing of beauty, capping a brilliant team move that emphasized Arsenal’s attacking fluidity.
As the match progressed, Forest struggled to make any headway in attack. Despite starting Taiwo Awoniyi in place of the injured Chris Wood and losing Anthony Elanga to a halftime injury, Forest lacked the cutting edge needed to trouble Arsenal’s defense.
Their best chances came from set pieces, but even then, Arsenal’s defense held firm. A late consolation for Forest, a shot from Jota Silva, was ruled out for offside, further emphasizing their attacking woes.
The final highlight came from Arsenal’s youngest star, Ethan Nwaneri, who scored his first Premier League goal.
Nwaneri, introduced as a substitute, latched onto a cross from fellow substitute Raheem Sterling and coolly slotted home to put the finishing touch on a clinical performance from the Gunners.
The victory, secured with ease, sent a clear message: Arsenal is far from out of the title race. Despite recent setbacks, Arteta’s side showed they still have the quality to challenge at the top.
With six points separating them from reigning champions Manchester City, Arsenal’s title hopes remain alive, and they will be determined to build on this performance as the season progresses.
