Arsenal took on Nottingham Forest at the City Ground on Tuesday evening.
The Gunners had the chance to go within two points of current league leaders Liverpool with a win against the Midlands outfit. However, the north London club have a dreadful recent record at the City Ground, which Mikel Arteta’s side needed to put right. Arsenal were able to do so with a 2-1 win against Nottingham Forest.
Arteta was able to name a strong starting XI, after Declan Rice and Gabriel Magalhaes passed late fitness tests. Emile Smith Rowe was also handed just his second Premier League start of the campaign so far.
Arsenal dominated the first half, monopolising possession and territory. However, despite spending virtually a full 45 minutes camped in the Forest half, the visitors were unable to break the deadlock. The hosts kept their shape well, were disciplined and focused in their defensive efforts, and were willing to put their bodies on the line to block a number of shots. Former Arsenal goalkeeper Matt Turner was never seriously tested in the first half.
The game opened up after the break, with Forest offering more of a threat on the break following the introduction of Taiwo Awoniyi. However, Arsenal were finally able to make a breakthrough in the 65th minute, as Gabriel Jesus cleverly prodded the ball between Turner’s legs at the near post. Only a few minutes later, Arsenal broke from a Forest corner and Bukayo Saka was able to find the bottom corner.
Awoniyi’s late goal set up a frantic finish, but Arsenal were able to see the match out.
A hard-fought victory for Arsenal, but one that Arteta will feel his side deserved on the basis of their dominance.
Arsenal player ratings v Nottingham Forest
David Raya – 7/10
David Raya was barely involved in the game until the final minutes, when he made some vital interventions. Couldn’t do much about the goal.
Ben White – 6.5/10
Got forward well, but his final ball was often lacking quality.
William Saliba – 5.5/10
William Saliba was tested at times by Awoniyi, who turned the Frenchman smartly for his goal.
Gabriel Magalhaes – 6.5/10
Solid, and did not look like he was carrying any kind of injury.
Oleksandr Zinchenko – 7/10
Played some neat passes in the final third.
Declan Rice – 7/10
Dominated the midfield zone for much of the match.
Martin Odegaard – 6.5/10
The Arsenal club captain did not have his shooting boots on but kept the ball moving around in the final third well.
Emile Smith Rowe – 6.5/10
Started brightly in his first league start since October, making smart runs into dangerous positions. However, much of the Gunners’ play seemed to go around Smith Rowe, rather than through him. Having been a bit-part player for so long, it will take the Hale End academy graduate some time to settle into the side if Arteta decides to given him an extended run in the team.
Bukayo Saka – 7.5/10
Good to see the winger get a goal, after netting just once in his previous seven Premier League outings.
Gabriel Martinelli – 6.5/10
Worked hard up against a dogged Forest defence.
Gabriel Jesus – 8.5/10
A goal and an assist from the £45 million Brazilian to silence some of his critics and the calls to see him replaced as Arsenal’s first-choice striker.
Substitutes:
Kai Havertz – 6/10
Leandro Trossard – 6.5/10
Eddie Nketiah – 6/10
Jorginho – 6/10
Jakub Kiwior – 6/10
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