In a flawless performance Arsenal beat Nottingham Forest at home at the Emirates 3-0 to go to the top of the EPL table with 9 points. Martin Zubimendi scored a brace while Viktor Gyökeres, the Swede, scored his 3rd goal of the EPL this season to become joint highest scorer with Erling Haaland.
Nottingham Forest under new Manager Ange Postecoglou did not impress at all. The team which was the toast of the EPL last season under Nuno and had performed extremely well, appeared a pale shadow of itself.
In the entire match the Tricky Trees had only a single shot on goal and could manage only 3 corners during the game. To do away with Nuno and to bring Postecoglou who had a torrid time with Tottenham last season, may not be that wise a decision.
Arsenal were brilliant at the back with Jurrien Timber being outstanding. The midfield though belonged to Zubimendi while the forwards Madueke, Gyökeres and Eze were sprightly and enterprising.
Zubimendi’s stunning volley in the 32nd minute to get the Gunners going was the highlight of the contest. A strike from outside the box curling away from the keeper was hit with great power. Though it took a feeble deflection, it was a tremendous kick.
Gyökeres doubled the tally through an Eze assist in the 46th minute before Zubimendi made it 3 in the 79th, to give Arsenal a comprehensive win.
The fact that the victory came in the absence of regulars like Bukayo Saka, Declan Rice and Saliba, must have made Arteta a very happy man. No wonder Arsenal look pretty enough to give Liverpool a good run for their money.
For Postecoglou, he has started with a loss which will put him under some serious pressure going forward in the competition.