Arsenal vs Nottingham Forest LIVE: Premier League result, final score and reaction
Follow all the action from Emirates Stadium
Arsenal thrashed Nottingham Forest 5-0 at the Emirates on Sunday to return to the top of the Premier League, but the win may have come at a cost after Bukayo Saka limped off midway through the first half.
Saka’s replacement Reiss Nelson scored a brace to go with goals from Gabriel Martinelli, Thomas Partey and Martin Odegaard. But the injury to the winger will be a major concern for manager Mikel Arteta and his England counterpart Gareth Southgate three weeks ahead of the start of the World Cup in Qatar.
Arsenal move to 31 points from their 12 games, two ahead of Manchester City, while an outclassed Forest remain rooted to the bottom of the table with nine points having played a game more.
Saka was excellent in the opening minutes and it was his cross that was headed into the net by Martinelli for the opener, but he went down injured shortly afterwards after a challenge from Forest’s Renan Lodi. Saka tried to continue but came off after 27 minutes.
Arsenal should have been further ahead at halftime but made sure of the points within the first 15 minutes of the second period as Nelson scored twice in quick succession, before Partey netted a stunning fourth with a curling shot from outside the box. Odegaard later blasted into the top corner from close-range.
Arsenal’s next Premier League fixture is a trip across London to Chelsea next Sunday, while Forest host Brentford the day before.
Arsenal vs Nottingham Forest
Mikel Arteta will want to see a clinical edge from his team in the final third. The Gunners have not been prolific in their last few matches, and Jesus has been quiet. Arsenal will be out to kill off the game as early as possible in the second period.
Arsenal vs Nottingham Forest
Arsenal hold a 1-0 lead over Nottingham Forest in their Premier League clash at the Emirates Stadium. Gabriel Martinelli headed the Gunners in front in the fifth minute from Bukayo Saka's cross, but the home side were unable to build on their lead. Martinelli had an effort cleared off the line, while Gabriel Jesus fired wide of the post. Arsenal were dealt a blow when Saka was forced off which disrupted their rhythm down the right flank. As a result, Forest are still in the game at half-time.
Arsenal vs Nottingham Forest
Odegaard's free-kick is cleared into touch and the half-time whistle blows before the Gunners can take the throw-in.
Arsenal vs Nottingham Forest
Freuler brings down Jesus on the left flank, handing Arsenal one last chance to threaten in the half from the resulting free-kick.
Join our commenting forum
Join thought-provoking conversations, follow other Independent readers and see their replies
Comments