The Gunners roared back to winning ways in the Premier League to close the gap on leaders Liverpool
Arsenal ended their four-game run without a Premier League win in style as they swept Nottingham Forest aside at Emirates Stadium, cruising to a dominant 3-0 win.
Mikel Arteta sprang some surprises with his starting XI, bringing in Jorginho and Gabriel Jesus, with Thomas Partey and Kai Havertz left on the bench. Leandro Trossard was also preferred to Gabriel Martinelli, while Mikel Merino started ahead of Declan Rice.
But the changes led to a really bright start from the hosts and after Jurrien Timber had seen a goal ruled out for offside, Bukayo Saka crashed home a superb goal to open the scoring on 15 minutes.
The hosts dominated the rest of the first half but had to wait for a wonderful goal from Partey, who had been introduced at half-time to replace Jorginho, to double their advantage six minutes after the interval.
And another substitute, 17-year-old Ethan Nwaneri, put the gloss on a superb team performance when he slotted home his first Premier League goal four minutes from time.
GOAL rates Arsenal's players from Emirates Stadium…
AFPGoalkeeper & Defence
David Raya (6/10):
Barely had a thing to do, but swept up well whenever he was called upon.
Jurrien Timber (8/10):
Excellent. Got forward so well and linked up constantly with Saka and Odegaard. Always in the game.
William Saliba (7/10):
Real physical battle with Awoniyi, which he seemed to really enjoy. Solid.
Gabriel Magalhaes (7/10):
Showed no ill effects from the long trip back from Brazil. Good display.
Riccardo Calafiori (7/10):
Given some problems by the pace of Elanga, but stood up to it well. Good to see him back.
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Jorginho (8/10):
Back in the side and was one of the stand out players on the pitch. Controlled the opening 45 and was involved in Saka's goal, showing why he should have played more so far this season. Replaced at half-time after picking up a booking.
Mikel Merino (7/10):
Linked up well with Trossard down the left and showed a real determination to get into the box whenever Arsenal got forward. Decent display.
Martin Odegaard (9/10):
Outstanding. Showed everyone exactly what Arsenal have been missing in his absence. Set up Saka's goal and was involved in absolutely everything.
AFPAttack
Bukayo Saka (8/10):
Sensational goal to open the scoring early on and very unlucky not to get at least another one. The understanding he has with Odegaard is just so important to this Arsenal team.
Gabriel Jesus (6/10):
Surprisingly picked ahead of Havertz. Played his part, even if he didn't break his long run without a goal in the Premier League. Curled one effort just wide in the first half.
Leandro Trossard (7/10):
Much better performance after some under-par displays during the international break. He and Timber brought a nice balance to the left side.
AFPSubs & Manager
Thomas Partey (8/10):
Replaced Jorginho at half-time and marked his introduction with a fabulous goal just six minutes after the interval.
Oleksandr Zinchenko (6/10):
Introduced halfway through the second half to give the returning Calafiori a breather. Some nice touches.
Ethan Nwaneri (8/10):
On for the final 10 minutes to replace the tiring Odegaard, curled one effort just wide and then slotted home well to make it 3-0. Excellent impact.
Raheem Sterling (6/10):
A rare appearance from the on-loan Chelsea man. Replaced Saka late on and set up Nwaneri for his goal.
Jakub Kiwor (N/A):
On the final few minutes.
Mikel Arteta (8/10):
Was bold with his team selection and it paid off. His second-half substitutions all worked as well.