Arsenal secured a convincing 3-0 win against Nottingham Forest at the Emirates Stadium in the Premier League on Saturday, November 23. The result sees the Gunners move up to fourth place with 22 points from 12 games, while Forest remain sixth with 19 points from the same number of games.
The Gunners made a strong start to the contest, dominating possession and barely allowing Nottingham Forest a sniff in the first half. Martin Odegaard, who had recently returned from injury, was the focal point of this fluid play by the hosts. He provided an assist as Bukayo Saka put the hosts 1-0 up after 15 minutes.
Despite having 69% possession in the first half, Arsenal lacked clinicality in front of goal, attempting 11 shots but managing just five on target. Nottingham Forest, on the other hand, attempted just two shots and failed to hit the target in a subpar first-half showing.
Mikel Arteta made one change at the break, bringing on Thomas Partey for Jorginho. The Ghanaian made an instant impact, scoring a thumping effort just seven minutes after coming on. Saka provided an assist for that goal with a nice pass from the right flank.
As the game wore on, both Arteta and Nottingham Forest’s manager, Nuno Espirito Santo, resorted to making changes to their lineups. However, Arsenal had the last laugh once again, as substitutes Raheem Sterling and Ethan Nwaneri came off the bench to grab the third goal for the Gunners.
Arsenal’s players had varying performances throughout the game. David Raya, who played in goal, did not make a single save but played three long balls to open up the play for his team. Jurrien Timber and William Saliba were solid at the back, winning duels and making crucial clearances and blocks. Gabriel Magalhaes and Riccardo Calafiori also had composed performances.
Martin Odegaard had a great game in midfield, passing the ball with 90% accuracy and playing six key passes, including one assist. He also won four duels, completed two dribbles, and attempted one shot on target. Bukayo Saka had a great game as well, scoring the opening goal and playing one assist. He also played three other key passes, completed two dribbles, and won four duels.
The substitutes also made an impact. Thomas Partey scored a thumping goal and won four duels and made one interception. Ethan Nwaneri was electric in his cameo, scoring a goal moments after coming on and playing one key pass and winning one duel. Raheem Sterling assisted Nwaneri’s goal and Jakub Kiwior, who played less than 10 minutes, did not warrant a rating.
In the end, Arsenal’s convincing 3-0 win sees them move up the table, while Nottingham Forest drop to sixth place. The Gunners’ player ratings from this win ranged from 6.5 to 9/10, with Martin Odegaard and Bukayo Saka standing out.
