Mikel Arteta would’ve loved what happened in the 79th minute vs Nottingham Forest more than anything

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Mikel Arteta will be a happy man after Arsenal’s 3-0 win over Nottingham Forest on matchday four.

The Premier League action returned after the September international break, with Arsenal’s Spanish midfielders stealing the headlines again. 

Mikel Merino scored a hat-trick on international duty to become the man of the moment, a title that has since been stolen by Martin Zubimendi. 

Zubimendi scored a brace against Nottingham Forest, and while his first-half volley will take the spotlight, Arteta might’ve loved the summer signing’s second goal even more. 

• READ MORE: Four winners and one loser from Arsenal’s clash with Nottingham Forest include Noni Madueke and Eberechi Eze

Mikel Arteta would’ve loved what Leandro Trossard did against Nottingham Forest

In the 79th minute, Arsenal rubbed salt into Forest’s wounds by extending the scoreline to three, with Zubimendi getting his second of the game with a header.

It wasn’t the fact that Zubimendi scored again that would’ve delighted Arteta, but that Leandro Trossard assisted the defensive midfielder. 

Trossard had only just come off the bench when he executed a perfect ball onto Zubimendi’s head, instantly impacting the game.

On a day that Arsenal’s squad depth was celebrated, with Arteta being able to rest Declan Rice, Trossard showed his manager that he can rely on those who aren’t named in the starting XI. 

It took the Belgian seconds to influence proceedings after coming off the bench, giving Arteta the chance to showcase the depth in quality his squad now possesses. 

The Arsenal manager made it so clear after the 2024/25 season that his squad needed more depth, something the boss has finally been granted.

Trossard reached an Arsenal milestone vs Nottingham Forest

The assist wasn’t only positive for the 30-year-old due to his instant impact from the bench, but also as a confidence booster.

Trossard was heavily criticised on international duty and returned to domestic action in the best way possible, recording an assist, which was his 50th goal contribution for Arsenal. 

Opta data editor Harvey Downes drew attention to Trossard’s goal contribution record at Arsenal, noting that only Bukayo Saka has contributed to more goals in all competitions since the Belgian’s debut in January 2023.

It was a moment of great significance for both Trossard and Arsenal, with Arteta’s options on the bench seeming to be endless after the summer transfer window.