Arsenal faced Nottingham Forest as the Premier League returned after the first international break of the season.
Eberechi Eze made his first start for the Gunners since his summer move from Crystal Palace as Mikel Arteta gave the nod to Mikel Merino in midfield as Declan Rice dropped to the bench.
There was an early injury blow as Martin Odegaard went off with a recurrence of a shoulder problem, however, the Gunners recovered and took the lead thanks to a stunning strike from Martin Zubimendi.
Arteta’s men made another fast start to the second period when Eze timed his run perfectly behind the defence and squared it to find Viktor Gyokeres for his third goal of the season.
Zubimendi put the game beyond any doubt with a powerful header after Leandro Trossard stood the ball up at the back post.
An excellent win for the Gunners and Arteta will now turn his attentions to Spain as his side begin their Champions League campaign against Athletic Bilbao.
Winners from Arsenal’s clash with Nottingham Forest
Martin Zubimendi
Arsenal knew they were getting a silky midfielder when they signed Zubimendi this summer but they may not have been expecting him to contribute volleys from 25 yards.
Rodri is a huge fan of Zubimendi and the supporters were expecting a player that would sit in front of the back four and dictate play from deep.
However, the Spaniard was everywhere during his performance against Ange Postecoglou’s side and capped off an excellent display with a moment of magic before securing the victory with a thumping header.
The technique on the volley was to be admired and Arsenal fans now know they have a player that can be key for them in both boxes.
Noni Madueke
Arsenal fans lauded Noni Madueke for his first half performance where he picked up from where he left off while away with England.
Madueke gave Morato a torrid time at left back and was a constant threat with his direct running and trickery on the ball.
He was unlucky not to have a hand in an Arsenal goal but such positive signs from a player that divided the fanbase upon his arrival.
Eberechi Eze
From a dummy in the opening minutes of the match, Arsenal fans loved Eze’s flair and inventiveness on display.
The England international showed some exquisite flicks and tricks, however, he was diligent in his defensive work too.
He produced an assist for Gyokeres at the start of the second half with an excellent first time cross and as debuts at the Emirates Stadium go, Eze will be proud of his showing.
Cristhian Mosquera
With William Saliba’s return from injury unknown, Arsenal need a reliable figure alongside Gabriel Magalhaes and it appears Arteta has found that player.
Cristhian Mosquera impressed on his debut at Anfield and built upon that experience with a commanding performance at the back.
The young Spaniard was excellent in possession but made some crucial interceptions and headers to preserve the clean sheet for his side.
His aggression in the duels was striking and Arsenal supporters know already they have a player that is ready to challenge arguably the best centre back pairing in the world.
Losers from Arsenal’s clash with Nottingham Forest
Martin Odegaard
Odegaard was praised by Norway’s media for his exceptional performances during the international break and would have been hoping to hit the ground running for the Gunners.
However, after suffering a blow to the shoulder against Leeds earlier this season which forced him off, the captain fell awkwardly once again in the opening minutes.
He tried to play on but couldn’t play with his usual zip and was subsequently replaced by Ethan Nwaneri in the 18th minute.
Odegaard will now be hoping that the extent of the injury is not severe and that his obvious weakness in the area can be recovered from.
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