Mikel Arteta celebrated his 250th match in charge of the club with a convincing victory against Nottingham Forest, featuring goals from Bukayo Saka, Thomas Partey, and a first Premier League score for teenager Ethan Nwaneri. The win ended a streak of four league games without a victory, giving the team a much-needed boost as they aim to keep pace with the league leaders during this critical winter period.
Saka opened the scoring with an impressive goal just 14 minutes into the match, showcasing his exceptional skill and close control. The momentum continued in the second half when Partey, who was substituted in at halftime, scored a stunning long-range shot just six minutes after coming on. Nwaneri, who joined the action late in the game, rounded off the evening with a goal nine minutes from the end, sealing a memorable victory.
The team performed strongly throughout, despite Nottingham Forest entering the match with an unbeaten run in their last five away games. They created numerous chances and kept their opponents’ defense under constant pressure. Notably, Forest failed to register a single shot on target, which reflects the dominance of Arteta’s side.
In terms of statistics, Bukayo Saka continues to shine, being directly involved in 12 Premier League goals this season, a tally surpassed only by Mohamed Salah. Additionally, this victory marks the 2,000th win in the club’s history in English top-flight football, placing them second in all-time victories behind Liverpool.
As they look ahead, the team prepares for an upcoming Champions League match against Sporting Lisbon, followed by a challenge against West Ham United in the Premier League. These matches provide an opportunity for the team to build on their recent success and seek further victories as they strive for a strong finish this season.
Overall, this match not only highlights the talent emerging within the squad, particularly among younger players like Nwaneri but also reinforces the team’s resilience following a tough period. With renewed confidence, fans can look forward to a promising run of form in the upcoming fixtures.