Mikel Arteta celebrated his 250th match as manager with a well-deserved victory as Arsenal triumphed over Nottingham Forest, thanks to goals from Bukayo Saka, Thomas Partey, and a debut Premier League strike from Ethan Nwaneri.
Arsenal began the match brightly, with Saka delivering a remarkable goal in the 14th minute, reminiscent of his performance in last season’s clash with Forest. Shortly after half-time, Partey, who had come off the bench, sent a powerful shot from 25 yards out to extend Arsenal’s lead. Nwaneri added the finishing touch to the victory just before the match concluded, marking a historic moment in both his young career and the club’s overall record, as this victory also saw Arsenal reach 2,000 wins in English top-flight history.
Despite Nottingham Forest’s strong start to the season, having not lost in their previous five away matches and positioned fifth in the league, Arsenal dominated the game. A close call came early when Martin Ødegaard’s effort was ruled offside after a VAR review, but the Gunners quickly asserted control. Saka’s creativity and skill were constant threats throughout the match, and he was crucial in setting up the second goal, underscoring his significant contribution with 12 direct goal involvements this season, second only to Mohamed Salah.
Forest, despite their decent run, struggled to break through Arsenal’s solid defense and ultimately failed to register a shot on target. This loss marked their first away defeat in eight Premier League matches, while Arsenal aimed to build momentum as they chase the league leaders.
Ethan Nwaneri’s late goal not only provided him with a memorable moment but also made him the second youngest scorer in Arsenal’s Premier League history. As the season progresses, Arsenal hopes to carry this positive momentum into their upcoming fixtures, including a Champions League match against Sporting Lisbon and a Premier League showdown against West Ham United.
This victory reinforces Arsenal’s position as a formidable force in the Premier League and serves as a hopeful indication of their resurgence this season. Fans will be eager to see how this winning streak continues as the winter fixtures approach, potentially paving the way for a strong title challenge.