EPL

Zubimendi, Gyökeres shine in Arsenal victory over Forest

Martin Zubimendi scored his first goals for Arsenal as the Gunners eased past Nottingham Forest 3-0 at the Emirates Stadium, condemning Ange Postecoglou to defeat in his first match in charge of the visitors.

The Spanish midfielder struck twice, either side of a Viktor Gyökeres finish, to ensure Arsenal returned to winning ways after their loss to Liverpool before the international break.

Former Tottenham boss Postecoglou had never beaten Mikel Arteta in four previous attempts, and that trend continued as Arsenal dominated for long spells. Noni Madueke, starting on the right in place of the injured Bukayo Saka, was electric throughout, constantly troubling Morato with his direct running and causing panic from set pieces. His inswinging corner led to the opener as Chris Wood’s clearance dropped to Zubimendi, who fired in a powerful volley that deflected off Murillo past Matz Sels.

Forest showed glimpses of attacking threat, with Morgan Gibbs-White spurning their best chance by shooting wide from inside the box after a quick counter-attack. But Arsenal tightened their grip on the game less than a minute into the second half when Eberechi Eze, making his first start for the club, teed up Gyökeres for a simple close-range finish.

Zubimendi completed the scoring midway through the second half, heading home from Leandro Trossard’s cross to seal the points. Arteta’s afternoon was slightly dampened by the sight of captain Martin Ødegaard being forced off with a suspected shoulder injury, though the performance will have pleased the Arsenal boss after recent criticism.

Madueke received a standing ovation when replaced late on, while Cristhian Mosquera impressed in defence in the absence of William Saliba. Goalkeeper David Raya marked his 100th appearance for the club with a clean sheet, his 42nd for the Gunners.

For Postecoglou, the challenge ahead was laid bare. Appointed only on Tuesday, the Australian had little time to work with his squad and his new side struggled to contain Arsenal’s movement and intensity. The defeat continued Forest’s poor record away to Arsenal, having now won just two of their last 17 meetings in north London.

Arsenal now turn their focus to Tuesday’s Champions League clash with Athletic Bilbao, while Forest will look to regroup quickly before their Carabao Cup trip to Swansea on Wednesday.

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