Martin Zubimendi celebrates Arsenal’s mysterious goal. (Photo: Getty.)
Arsenal destroyed Anges Post Ecogle’s return to north London as Gunner placed Nottingham Forest on the sword in a 3-0 victory. Three points at home ensured that, at least instantaneously, Mikel Arteta’s side would move to the top of the Premier League table. Chelsea and Liverpool are one of the teams that can pass them again this weekend.
Martin Zubimendi scored with a stunning volley from the edge of the box, sealing his first Arsenal goal in some style and showing off a great technique to beat Mats Selz with pure force.
The hosts returned from the gate after halftime and saw a long ball to Everach Eze watched England International and in his full debut, Victor Gyoker laid the ball to tap the house from inside the six-yard box. Zubimendi got a second, second header to seal all three points.
If Martin Odegaard hadn’t been injured, it would have been a perfect afternoon.
Here, Express Sports sees the Arsenal stars in the forest…
Arsenal Player Rating vs Nottingham Forest (4-3-3)
Goalkeeper
David Raya-6
Chris Wood gave him a horrifying day when he accidentally hit the bar after the cross was fired into the chest.
defense
Julien wood – 5
The confusion in Jurrien Timber’s own box gave Callum Hudson-Odoi a great chance to score in the second half, but Dutchman was bailed out by Cristhian Mosquera.
Christian Mosquera-8
Mosquera was wearing the big shoes he had stepped in for William Saliba, but he looked at the house with Gabriel. With the summer acquisition, Mikel Arteta was impressed by his thorough reading of the game and had no heart to take part in the physical battle with Chris Wood.
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Shooting from Martin Zubimendi range. (Image: Getty)
Gabriel-7
Addressing the forest threat, he insisted on his dominance on a safe backline, especially with some crunch tackles in the second half.
Riccardo calafiori -6
It required just five touches and launched an 80-yard attack that ultimately led to Gyoker’s goal, but otherwise had a quiet afternoon. Perhaps more external threats should be provided to allow Eze to move infield. Booked an hour later and was replaced by Myles Lewis-Skelly.
Middle
Martin Zubimendi-9
How to open an Arsenal account. Zubimendi’s best technique was one of the reasons why Mikel Arteta was ready to pay £60 million for his signature, but it is mainly used in the middle of the pitch.
Instead, Spanish International carefully watched the corner of Noni Madueke heading, but with only a 25-yard Zubimendi, they put in an effort past Seltz.
His second was not a huge hit, rising to his highest level from six yards to his return home, but Zubimendi was equally pleased to insist on his first brace in professional football.
Mikel Merino-7
After scoring for Spain, his confidence sparkled with some neat touches around the woods box, given his unusual start in the midfield with Declan Rice on the bench. He was rejected by a stunning save from Matt Seltz at close range and was comfortable.
Martin Odegaard -n/a
After a tough landing on my shoulder, I had to pop some painkillers early on, but couldn’t continue and was replaced by Ethan Nuwaneri after 17 minutes. Another big concern for Arteta if his captain is facing another spell on the bystander.
attack
Noni Maduke -9
The summer signature from Chelsea continued to show off his inspiring skills, spending it over and over again past the makeshift left back morat. He was dangerous throughout the contest, and the defender was ultimately given a reprieve and moved to centre back after Murillo’s injury.
When I took off in the second half, I received the obvious standing ovation.
Viktor Gyoker- 7
A tidy afternoon proved a handful for a very capable centre-back. There were some smart touches before doubled Arsenal’s lead. He perfectly timing his run and finish, and was where the elite strikers expected. Gunners’ Marquee signature has three goals from his first four games.
Eberechi Eze -7
In Arsenal’s complete debut, the £67.5 million man returned and placed Neco Williams behind him with great skills in just 15 minutes of the game. Just seconds after halftime, Eze competed for the long ball, playing a perfect low cross for Gyoker to tap the house. I hope to move forward more centrally, but it is a very positive start to my life in North London.
Noni Maduke continues to be impressed on behalf of Bukayo Saka. (Image: Getty)
Alternatives
Ethan Nwaneri (17′)-6
The 18-year-old has a flash of promise and apparently has a bag of talent, but was often featured by Elliot Anderson and Ibrahim Sangalé.
Declan Rice (68′)-6
A rare outing from the bench approached the end of a low cross on the back post, but the goal was gaping, but he was out of reach.
Myles Lewis -Skelly (68′)-6
A solid cameo from the bench.
Gabriel Martinelli (78′)-6
Although they could not convert a promising counterattack, there was only a small chance of extending the scoreline.
Leandro Trossard (78′)-7
Zubimendi played a fun cross to attack and score just seconds after Zubimendi joined the action.
