Arsenal kicked off their Premier League weekend with a commanding 3-0 victory over Nottingham Forest, as summer signing Martin Zubimendi stole the spotlight by netting a brace in the dominant performance at the City Ground.
The encounter also marked a challenging debut for new Forest manager Ange Postecoglou, who was unable to inspire his side against one of the league’s title contenders, beginning his tenure with a heavy defeat that will require immediate tactical reassessment.
Zubimendi shines in midfield
Arsenal asserted control from the opening minutes, with Zubimendi opening the scoring with a brilliant volley that sent the visiting fans into celebration. His composure, vision, and work rate in midfield dictated the pace of the game, and he remained a constant threat, combining technical skill with tactical intelligence throughout the match.
The Spanish midfielder’s influence was further highlighted when he rose above the defense to head home Arsenal’s third goal, effectively sealing the victory. Between his two goals, another summer addition, Viktor Gyökeres, capitalized on a close-range opportunity to double the lead, underscoring the Gunners’ attacking depth and cohesion.
Zubimendi’s stellar display provides encouragement for manager Mikel Arteta, who has relied on the midfielder to adapt quickly to the Premier League after his summer arrival. His ability to control the tempo, break up play, and contribute offensively demonstrates his potential to become a pivotal figure in Arsenal’s title ambitions this season.
Injuries remain a concern
Despite the resounding scoreline, Arsenal were not without challenges. Captain Martin Ødegaard was forced off with an injury during the second half, adding to Arteta’s growing list of absentees. Bukayo Saka and William Saliba had already been ruled out, and the manager will be anxiously awaiting updates on the Norwegian playmaker’s condition ahead of upcoming fixtures.
These injury concerns will test Arteta’s squad depth and ability to rotate players effectively as the season progresses, particularly given the intensity of the Premier League schedule and upcoming European commitments.
Forest struggle in transition
For Nottingham Forest, the result serves as a stark reality check under Postecoglou. Although the visitors had moments of possession and attempted to build attacks, they struggled to manage Arsenal’s constant pressure and high-tempo transitions. Defensive lapses and a lack of cohesion in key areas exposed vulnerabilities that the new manager will need to address quickly if the team hopes to compete consistently this season.
Postecoglou’s side now searches for their first points of the campaign, and the early setback underscores the significant task of reshaping the squad and instilling a competitive mentality under his leadership.
Arsenal remain title contenders
Meanwhile, Arsenal’s win consolidates their position at the top of the Premier League table, pending the evening’s results from Chelsea against Brentford and Liverpool’s visit to Burnley on Sunday. The Gunners have demonstrated both depth and resilience despite injury setbacks, and the performances of new signings like Zubimendi and Gyökeres indicate that Arteta’s squad is adapting well to the demands of the season.
The convincing 3-0 victory sends a strong message to the rest of the league: Arsenal are serious contenders for the title, capable of dominating matches and integrating new players effectively. For Nottingham Forest, the result is a prompt reminder of the work that lies ahead, and Postecoglou will need to find tactical solutions to stabilize his team before facing the next set of challenging fixtures.