Welcome back, Gooners! After a frustrating international break, the lads were back at the Emirates, and they wasted no time in getting back to winning ways. In a commanding performance against a dogged Nottingham Forest side, we secured a comfortable 3-0 victory. This was the statement win we needed after the narrow defeat at Anfield, a performance that proved this squad has the depth and mentality to overcome setbacks and keep the pressure on at the top.
The Match: A Masterclass in Control
From the first whistle, Arsenal controlled the tempo of the game. Despite an early injury scare that saw Martin Ødegaard replaced by the promising Ethan Nwaneri, the team never lost its composure. We pinned Forest back, dominating possession and creating wave after wave of attacks. It was a game that felt like a matter of "when," not "if," we would score.
The breakthrough came just after the half-hour mark from an unlikely source. A corner was half-cleared to the edge of the box, and Martin Zubimendi, the Spanish maestro, unleashed a thunderous volley that flew through a crowded box and into the back of the net for his first goal in an Arsenal shirt.
The second half began with a lightning-fast goal that put the game to bed. Less than a minute after the restart, a fantastic long ball from Riccardo Calafiori found the surging run of Eberechi Eze, who squared it for Viktor Gyökeres to calmly tap home his third goal of the season. To top it all off, Zubimendi found the net again in the 79th minute, this time with a composed header from a Leandro Trossard cross, completing a stellar brace and a fantastic performance.
The Gaffer's Perspective
In his post-match press conference, Mikel Arteta praised his team's dominance and professionalism. "I'm really happy," he said. "The team showed a great energy and togetherness. They were dominant from the start, and it's a testament to the full squad that we could lose a player like Martin Ødegaard early on and still control the game the way we did." He also singled out the new signings for praise, highlighting their immediate impact and noting that they have "brought unpredictability and different qualities" to the squad. Arteta also confirmed that William Saliba was not fit enough to play, but was full of praise for Cristhian Mosquera stepping in. The manager was quick to emphasize the importance of having this kind of depth, stating it's necessary to sustain the intensity throughout the season, especially with the new Champions League format and an increased number of games.
Forest's manager, Ange Postecoglou, who was taking charge of his first game against us, acknowledged the gulf in class. His side struggled to create any meaningful chances, a reflection of Arsenal's solid defensive shape and midfield control.
Player Contributions: A Masterclass in Offense
While the entire team played brilliantly, a few players stood out. Martin Zubimendi was undoubtedly the Man of the Match, not just for his two superb goals but for his flawless control of the midfield. He dictated the tempo, broke up attacks, and was the creative hub of our offense.
Noni Madueke also had an excellent game, constantly tormenting the Forest defense with his direct running and sharp dribbling. He was a constant threat on the right wing. Eberechi Eze was another standout performer, showing his immense quality with a brilliant assist for Gyökeres's goal, along with some silky touches that got the fans on their feet. Cristhian Mosquera continued to impress at the back, looking calm and assured as he stepped in for the injured William Saliba.
A fun fact for you, Gooners: This is the first time in 13 years that the team has come back from an international break without a single new injury, a truly unbelievable stat.
This was the perfect response to our recent defeat. The team showed grit, quality, and a hunger to win, proving once again that they are ready to fight for the title. The season is a marathon, and we're back on pace.
Image Credits https://www.arsenal.com/