Arsenal vs Nottingham Forest LIVE: Premier League result, final score and reaction
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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
Gibbs-White floats a free-kick into the box for Kouyate to attack, but the offside flag is raised as Awoniyi attempts to attack the second ball.
Arsenal vs Nottingham Forest
CHANCE! White has to make a great last-ditch to block Lingard's strike after the forward latches on to a loose ball from Gabriel playing out from the back.
Arsenal vs Nottingham Forest
Saliba uses his strength at the back to bundle Awoniyi off the ball following good work from Gibbs-White to steal possession from Tomiyasu.
Arsenal vs Nottingham Forest
Pressure from Cook forces a corner for the visitors down the right flank. The resulting cross from Gibbs-White pinballs around the six-yard area before Xhaka clears it away before Awoniyi can react.
Arsenal vs Nottingham Forest
Despite Arsenal's dominance, the home side have not been able to take control of the game. Forest will be satisifed that they have limited the damage after the Gunners' strong start.
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