Arsenal produced an excellent performance to bounce back from defeat to Liverpool and cruise past Nottingham Forest.
Ange Postecoglou’s appointment added some extra intrigue for the visit of his Forest side but Arsenal showed their strength in a dominant display.
Martin Zubimendi opened the scoring with a magnificent volley, before Eberechi Eze teed up Viktor Gyokeres at the start of the second half to make it two.
Zubimendi powered a header past Matz Sels to put the gloss on the victory and one Gunners star has now given Mikel Arteta a real headache moving forward.
READ MORE: Mikel Arteta would’ve loved what happened in the 79th minute vs Nottingham Forest more than anything
Mikel Merino produces stunning midfield display in victory over Nottingham Forest
It may have been the likes of Zubimendi and Noni Madueke grabbing the headlines for their performances, however, Mikel Merino produced a fine display in the middle of the park.
The Spanish media lauded Merino after scoring a hat trick for his country in their FIFA World Cup qualifier against Turkey and the Spaniard took that confidence into the clash at the Emirates Stadium.
Merino began the game alongside Zubimendi, breaking up play and then moving the ball quickly through the lines to set up attacks.
| Arsenal v Nottingham Forest match statistics | Mikel Merino |
| Minutes played | 90 |
| Touches | 48 |
| Passing accuracy | 81% |
| Dribbles success rate | 100% |
| Ground duels won | 3/5 |
Arteta then chose to move Merino into a false nine position and he showed his versatility by holding the ball up and looking to bring substitutes Gabriel Martinelli and Leandro Trossard into play with their fresh legs.
It was a performance full of confidence from Merino and a reminder that he will remain an important part of the squad this campaign.
Mikel Merino’s partnership with Martin Zubimendi gives Mikel Arteta a decision over Declan Rice
Declan Rice was rested for the clash with Nottingham Forest after his exploits with England over the international period.
It is a nice problem for Arteta to have with Merino performing so well alongside his compatriot Zubimendi.
All three midfielders were used at Anfield, however, they lacked a creative spark between them that will be needed to guide the team to a trophy this season.
However, each player is more than capable of playing a number of midfield roles and it gives Arteta real fluidity in that area of the pitch.
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