Martin Zubimendi score im first-ever career brace as Arsenal waka past Ange Postecoglou Nottingham Forest 3-0 for Emirates on Saturday early Premier League kickoff.
First 30 minutes, na same old story wey dey vex Gooners – dem hold ball, but no get sharp attack, and dem even lose Martin Odegaard to another shoulder injury. But as one Martin drop, another Martin rise. Summer signing Zubimendi burst net with sweet volley just after half-hour mark to open scoring.
Forest wahala worsen as defender Murillo commot with injury, and less than one minute into second half, Arsenal take advantage. Eberechi Eze and Viktor Gyokeres combine well as Gyokeres slot home number two. Later, Zubimendi nod better header for the third goal wey seal the win.
With that result, Arsenal don jump back on top of Premier League table on goal difference above Liverpool, while Forest slide go 11th place.
TPB VERDICT
Welcome back to Premier League, Postecoglou. But na Arsenal wey shine full time. Dem suffocate Forest, hold ball with confidence, and display plenty individual brilliance.
Noni Madueke torment defence all game, Zubimendi announce himself with class goals, Eze dey lively, and players like Raya, Mosquera, and Merino show star quality. Even without Saliba, Saka, Havertz, and Jesus, Arsenal bench still get depth – clear sign say dem dey serious for title chase.
Arsenal vs Nottingham Forest Highlights
Zubimendi Goal (31’): Madueke corner clear but land for Zubimendi. The Spaniard no waste time – sweet volley, ball kiss net. Goal of the season contender already!
Gyokeres Goal (46’): Calafiori launch long ball, Eze control and whip low cross, Gyokeres smash home. Direct and deadly.
Zubimendi Goal (79’): Rice and Trossard combine for set piece delivery. Zubimendi rise highest, nod header into top corner. Brace complete!
Man of the Match – Martin Zubimendi
No contest. The Spaniard shine from start to finish. The volley alone worth highlight reel, but the header crown am. £60m well spent already.
Match Stats
- Possession: Arsenal 54% – 46% Nottingham Forest
- Shots: Arsenal 16 – 5 Nottingham Forest
- Shots on Target: Arsenal 5 – 1 Nottingham Forest
- Corners: Arsenal 8 – 3 Nottingham Forest
- Fouls: Arsenal 8 – 10 Nottingham Forest
What Next?
Arsenal dey travel Spain for Champions League opener vs Athletic Bilbao on Tuesday before dem face Manchester City next weekend for Emirates. For Postecoglou, na EFL Cup test against Swansea, then Burnley away for Premier League.
