Forget Zubimendi and Madueke, 41-touch star changed everything for Arsenal vs Nottingham Forest

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Martin Zubimendi wasn’t the only Arsenal player to impress against Nottingham Forest.

It was an afternoon to remember for Zubimendi, who scored his first two Premier League goals against Forest. 

A sublime long-distance volley and a second-half header capped off a brilliant performance from the midfielder, but he wasn’t the only one to have a strong influence on the game. 

Arsenal’s wingers were crucial to the game being won, with Noni Madueke being superb against Forest, as well as Emirates debutant Eberechi Eze. 

• READ MORE: Arsenal fans have had a lot to say about what Eberechi Eze did in the 5th minute against Nottingham Forest

Eberechi Eze was influential in Arsenal’s win against Nottingham Forest

Weeks after Eze was unveiled at the Emirates after signing from Crystal Palace, the 27-year-old stepped out as a member of the starting XI for the first time. 

Mikel Arteta named the Englishman as Arsenal’s starting left-winger, which was to be expected amid Gabriel Martinelli’s severe decline. 

It was a home debut to remember for the forward, who didn’t just mark his first start with an assist, but wreaked havoc whenever he was on the ball.

Eze had 41 touches on the ball and attempted as many as six dribbles, leaving the Emirates gasping on multiple occasions with his trickery.

The boyhood Arsenal fan would’ve undoubtedly liked to have scored, but both of his shots were blocked by Forest’s defence.

The playmaker did what he does best, however, putting the ball on a plate for Viktor Gyokeres to record his first goal contribution for the Gunners.

Gyokeres would’ve liked what he saw from Eze at Crystal Palace when the key creator linked with Jean-Philippe Mateta many times, and against Forest, Arsenal’s new attacking signings combined for their first goal. 

It was a moment to savour for Eze, who made quite the impression in his first start.

Eze has finally bolstered Arsenal’s left side

What was perhaps the most pleasing part of the £67m signing’s display was how he finally gave Arsenal some balance going forward. 

Due to Martinelli’s dipping form, the Gunners have spent the majority of the past year fusing their attacks down the right side.

What Eze did was add a worthy option to call upon on the left, linking well with Riccardo Calafiori and, of course, Gyokeres.

Arteta has finally bridged the gap between Arsenal’s danger on the right compared to the left, with the performance of Eze against Forest sending a warning sign to those who saw the Gunners’ left side as a point of weakness.