ARSENAL are top of the Premier League after dominating Nottingham Forest at the Emirates.
The Gunners picked up an impressive 3-0 win over Forest to pick up their third Prem victory of the season.
Arsenal dominated Nottingham Forest at the EmiratesStuart MacFarlane/Arsenal FC via Getty Images
Martin Zubimendi opened the scoring with a wondergoalEPA/ANDY RAIN
Viktor Gyokeres scored his first ever Arsenal goalSportimage Ltd/Alamy Live News
Zubimendi completed his brace almost 10 minutes before full-timeHENRY NICHOLLS/AFP via Getty Images
Martin Zubimendi opened the scoring with his first goal for the North Londoners after 32 minutes with an incredible volley that smashed the top left corner of Matz Sels’ net.
Viktor Gyokeres then scored his third goal thanks to a fine assist by fellow summer signing Eberechi Eze, who picked up a wonderful cross by Riccardo Calafiori.
And £51million signing Zubimendi completed his brace on 79 minutes with a clinical header after a crisp cross by Leandro Trossard.
But how did Mikel Arteta’s stars fare against Forest? Find out how SunSport’s Rob Maul rates each Arsenal player below:
David Raya – 7
It was a special day for the Spanish goalkeeper – his 100th Arsenal appearance – and he could not have wished for a quieter lunchtime in North London as Nottingham Forest, even with new management, offered very little in attack.
Jurrien Timber – 6
The Dutch full-back – playing with roll-downed socks and mini shinpads – defended solidly and had one chance to score from a set-piece on 28 minutes but could not direct his header goalbound.
Cristhian Mosquera – 7
On his first Premier League start, the Spaniard had the responsibility of dealing with man mountain Chris Wood but at 6ft 3in, he could at least look the New Zealander in the eye, and coped with the physical challenge.
Gabriel Magalhaes – 7
Another clean sheet for the Brazilian – who took the armband when Martin Odegaard came off injured – and like centre-back partner Cristhian Mosquera, he managed to cope with the presence of Wood at set-pieces.
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Riccardo Calafiori – 6
Took a chuck out of the sock of Dan Ndoye early doors and came off not long after being cautioned for a silly challenge – but his excellent pass which set up the second Arsenal goal meant it was not all bad.
Martin Odegaard – 4
The captain only lasted 18 minutes before he came off to a standing ovation from Arsenal fans – the Norwegian midfielder fell awkwardly on his right arm on seven minutes and struggled physically to play after appearing to pop a painkiller.
Martin Zubimendi – 8 (Man of the Match)
ZUPERB from the Spanish midfielder whose magnificent strike from outside the penalty area on the volley was worth the entry fee alone – one he will always remember – and he doubled his tally later in the second half.
Mikel Merino – 6
A solid display by the Spanish midfielder but in fairness, he should have scored on seven minutes, yet his strike hit the right armpit of Forest keeper Matz Sels.
Noni Madueke – 8
The Englishman was Arsenal’s second best player – his corner provided the assist for Martin Zubimendi’s stunner – and he was prepared to dribble down the flank with purpose and intent, beating Forest’s Morata every time he approached him.
Viktor Gyokeres – 7
The Swedish striker scored inside the opening minute of the first half – it was his third Arsenal goal – and this made amends for an anonymous first half where he lacked the service up top.
Eberechi Eze – 7
After a tentative first half in his first start for Arsenal at the Emirates, the England winger provided the left-wing cross for Viktor Gyokeres’s goal and avoided the offside glare of VAR as he timed his run to perfection.
Subs:
Ethan Nwaneri – 6 (on for Martin Odegaard, 18 minutes)
The teenager coped well with the responsibility of being introduced on 18 minutes for the injured captain Odegaard but did his duties admirably and did not let down the side.
Myles Lewis-Skelly – 6 (on for Riccardo Calafiori, 68 minutes)
The game was already won by the time the Englishman came on – he was a replacement for Riccardo Calafiori, a potential red-card risk – so perhaps he did not have much chance to prove his worth to boss Mikel Arteta.
Leandro Trossard – 7 (on for Eberechi Eze, 79 minutes)
Provided a delightful ball over the top for Zubimendi to score his second of the match and the Belgian, who played in TWO 6-0 wins for his country, showed he is a vital member of this Arsenal team.
Declan Rice – 6 (on for Viktor Gyokeres, 68 minutes)
It would have been unusual for him to have started on the bench – this was just the THIRD time in the Premier League for Arsenal he had been a sub – and he almost scored, inches away from converting a cross on the stretch like Paul Gascoigne in the Euro 96 semi-finals against Germany.
Gabriel Martinelli – 5 (on for Noni Madueke, 78 minutes)
The Brazilian is having to stay patient as he is not in starting XI favour right now and it was always going to be difficult to outdo the man he replaced, Noni Madueke, in this contest against weary Forest.
