What Mikel Arteta did in the 18th minute v Nottingham Forest speaks volumes about ‘world-class’ Arsenal star

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Arsenal returned to winning ways after the international break with an emphatic 3-0 victory over Nottingham Forest.

Arsenal fans were impressed with Noni Madueke and the winger played a part in the opening goal as his corner was headed out to Martin Zubimendi to fire a sumptuous volley past Matz Sels.

The Gunners doubled their lead just a minute into the second half as Eberechi Eze’s brilliant cross found Viktor Gyokeres and the striker fired his third goal in two games at the Emirates.

Zubimendi rounded off the win with a powerful header from Leandro Trossard’s cross, however, one Arsenal star will be left questioning his future after what Mikel Arteta did in the first half.

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

Mikel Arteta snubs Gabriel Martinelli for Ethan Nwaneri as Martin Odegaard replacement

Arsenal captain Martin Odegaard suffered another blow to his shoulder during the opening minutes of the match and the Norwegian was unable to continue.

The obvious change to most supporters would have been to move Eze into the number ten role and bring on Gabriel Martinelli on the left wing.

However, Arteta decided to make a straight swap and give the chance to Hale End star Ethan Nwaneri to show what he could do.

It proved to be the right choice as the Gunners cruised to victory but Martinelli must now be wondering where he sits in the Arsenal pecking order moving forward.

Arsenal fans have labelled Martinelli ‘world-class’ in the past, however, the 23-year-old has struggled for form in the last couple of seasons and at the start of this campaign.

Ethan Nwaneri justifies Mikel Arteta decision with performance v Nottingham Forest

Depending on the extent of Odegaard’s ongoing problem with his shoulder, it could open up an opportunity for Nwaneri to stake a claim for a regular spot in the side.

The 18-year-old was strong on the ball and always made himself available to receive the ball, even in tight areas.

Adrian Clarke thinks Nwaneri can play ‘anywhere’ and he certainly showed his versatility in the match as he popped up in different pockets of space all over the pitch.

Arsenal now turn their attentions to the Champions League opener against Athletic Bilbao and Nwaneri will be hoping to further enhance his already glowing reputation.