Arsenal ruin Ange Postecoglou’s Forest debut as Martin Zubimendi bags brace in 3-0 EPL win
Sign up now: Get ST's newsletters delivered to your inbox
Arsenal's Martin Zubimendi scores their third goal against Nottingham Forest.
PHOTO: REUTERS
Follow topic:
- Arsenal defeated Nottingham Forest 3-0, with Martin Zubimendi scoring twice and Viktor Gyokeres once, showcasing new signings' impact.
- Mikel Arteta praised Zubimendi and Noni Madueke's performances, highlighting the developing relationships within the team.
- Ange Postecoglou faced a tough debut as Forest manager, lamenting the team's inability to control the game, saying it was "a disappointing outcome".
AI generated
LONDON – Arsenal ruined Ange Postecoglou’s first game in charge of Nottingham Forest, as Martin Zubimendi’s double sealed a 3-0 Premier League win at the Emirates Stadium on Sept 13.
Gunners manager Mikel Arteta was full of praise for his new players, as Zubimendi bagged his first goals for the club following his close-season move from Real Sociedad.
The Spain midfielder opened the scoring in the first half and netted again in the closing stages, after fellow summer signing Viktor Gyokeres doubled Arsenal’s lead soon after the break.
“Certainly, he’s given us a lot of positive things, his presence and authority on the pitch,” Arteta said of Zubimendi.
“The new ones that started, five of them today. You can sense that there are new relationships developing there.
“Noni (Madueke) I thought he was exceptional. He’s very skilful and very unpredictable. He’s always trying things, you get that with the creative players.”
On the gelling of his new signings, he added: “I had no question about what we want in the dressing room from what we’re going to have, no problem.”
Arsenal’s third win in four games took them to the top of the table on goal difference ahead of Liverpool, who face Burnley on Sept 14.
A 1-0 loss to champions Liverpool in their last match before the international break had punctured Arsenal’s optimism, after successive wins against Leeds and Manchester United to start the season.
But this was the kind of confident display, highlighted by Madueke’s virtuoso performance, that Arteta believes will keep his side in contention for the title.
“We came back and we wanted to do a better performance than the last game (at Liverpool), I think we did that so it’s a great day. It feels amazing to score and get the win as well,” said Gyokeres.
The only dark cloud for Arteta was an injury to captain Martin Odegaard, who was forced off in the first half with what looked like a shoulder problem. He joins a lengthy injury list that already includes Bukayo Saka, Kai Havertz, Gabriel Jesus and William Saliba.
It was a frustrating return to north London for Postecoglou, just three months after he was sacked by Tottenham despite winning the Europa League last season to end the club’s 17-year trophy drought.
Postecoglou was hired by Forest this week following Nuno Espirito Santo’s dismissal.
The Australian did not win a north London derby as Tottenham boss and was unable to guide Forest to their first victory at Arsenal since 1989.
Arsenal’s set-piece excellence had tormented Postecoglou during his time at Tottenham, and it nearly paid off again when Jurrien Timber’s glancing header flashed just wide from Madueke’s corner.
Arsenal's Martin Zubimendi scores their first goal past Nottingham Forest goalkeeper Matz Sels.
PHOTO: REUTERS
It was no surprise when the Gunners took the lead from another dead-ball delivery in the 32nd minute, but Zubimendi’s strike was far from routine.
Meeting the ball on the volley, he blasted a brilliant strike from the edge of the area that took a slight deflection off Forest defender Murillo.
Gyokeres put Arsenal in complete control just 46 seconds after the interval.
It was a goal that showcased Arteta’s summer recruitment, as Eberechi Eze whipped in a low cross for Gyokeres to slot home with ease for his third goal since arriving from Sporting Lisbon.
Arsenal's Viktor Gyokeres scores their second goal.
PHOTO: REUTERS
Zubimendi administered the knockout blow in the 79th minute, rising to meet Leandro Trossard’s cross.
“Obviously a disappointing outcome for us. They’re a good side and at home, they’re a tough proposition,” said Postecoglou.
“Can’t fault the lads’ effort but we struggled to get a grip of the game and the second goal after half-time just allowed them to get away from us. Disappointing but can’t fault the effort.” AFP
