Mikel Arteta celebrated his 250th match in charge of the team with a convincing victory over Nottingham Forest, thanks to goals from Bukayo Saka, Thomas Partey, and Ethan Nwaneri, who netted his first Premier League goal.
Saka opened the scoring with a spectacular goal in the 14th minute, marking his third consecutive strike against Forest. Just six minutes after coming on as a halftime substitute, Partey extended the lead with a powerful shot from 25 yards. Nwaneri, introduced in the final moments of the match, added to the tally, sealing a comfortable 3-0 win. This victory was particularly significant as it marked the club’s 2,000th win in English top-flight history and ended a four-match winless streak in the league.
Despite Nottingham Forest having an unbeaten record in their previous five away games and sharing the same points as the team, the home side dictated the pace and style of the match from the outset. A potential early goal was disallowed by an offside call after a lengthy VAR check, but Saka quickly turned the momentum in the team’s favor with his brilliant individual effort.
The second half saw the introduction of Partey, who made an immediate impact, reinforcing Arteta’s strategy to bolster the lead. Nottingham Forest struggled to respond offensively, failing to register a shot on target, while the team continued to press forward for more goals.
Nwaneri made headlines as he became the second-youngest Premier League goalscorer in the club’s history, showcasing the promising talent within the squad. As Nottingham Forest faced their first away defeat in eight games, the match highlighted the team’s determination to rise in the league standings.
Looking ahead, the team is preparing for a Champions League clash against Sporting Lisbon and subsequent Premier League matches, with a sense of optimism following this landmark victory.
The win not only boosts the team’s confidence but also provides a stepping stone for further success, demonstrating the resilience and skill of the players under Arteta’s guidance. This positive momentum can be crucial as they navigate through the winter fixtures, aiming to close the gap on the league leaders.