Arsenal ended a four-match winless run with a resounding 3-0 win over Nottingham Forest.
After a dominant start for the Gunners, Bukayo Saka opened the scoring with a thumping finish after a solo run into the penalty area.
Mikel Arteta's men stayed on top and were rewarded seven minutes into the second half through Thomas Partey, who came on to the pitch after the break to replace Jorginho.
Teenage sensation Ethan Nwaneri then came off the bench to seal the win for Arsenal four minutes from time.
Arsenal is now six points behind leaders Liverpool, who play against Southampton on Sunday.
Mail Sport's ISAAN KHAN was at the Emirates Stadium to bring you our player ratings.
ARSENAL (4-3-3)
DAVID RAYA: 6.5
A quiet night against a Nottingham Forest side who failed to get a shot on target.
JURRIEN HOUT: 6.5
Thought we had a goal within five minutes, but it was disallowed for offside. Did well to take the game higher up the pitch.
WILLEM SALIBA: 6.5
He set up Taiwo Awoniyi well and ensured he would not be outmatched by a Forest forward who relied on strength.
GABRIEL: 6.5
The positioning was good, especially when the opposition tried to break.
RICCARDO CALAFIORI: 6.5
Given the luxury of spending a lot of time in the opponent's half, especially after the first goal. Benefited by not getting caught in one-on-one defensive scenarios.
MARTIN ODEGAARD: 8
What a difference he makes to this team. He linked up exceptionally well with Bukayo Saka, playing a range of clever, intricate passes, either into the penalty area or to break up play.
JORGINHO: 6.5
An atmosphere of calm in midfield dictated the pace. Replaced by Thomas Partey at half-time.
MIKEL MERINO: 6.5
His header set up Timber, whose goal was disallowed for offside. Some of the Spaniard's decision-making could have been better, but it was a decent performance.
BUKAYO SAKA: 8.5
Competition winner. Set the game up for Arsenal with a finish that oozes class, weaving past a series of defenders to drive the ball into the goal. Assisted Partey for his goal.
GABRIEL JESUS: 6
I would have liked to have had more influence on the game. Showed class in the 26th minute and curled the ball just wide after a few one-twos.
LEANDRO TROSSARD: 7.5
A return to form after recent struggles. Benefited from playing on the left wing while Gabriel Martinelli was dropped. Played smart balls through the channels and his link-up play was solid too.
Substitutes
THOMAS PARTY: 7
Scored Arsenal's second goal minutes after coming on to settle the match.
ETHAN NWANERI: 7
He looked hungry for a goal when he came onto the pitch in the 82nd minute, and got one four minutes later.
Another impressive cameo and another reminder to his boss that he's ready.
Manager
MIKEL ARTETA: 6.5
Made a series of changes that were a risky move – including starting Jorginho and dropping both Gabriel Martinelli and Kai Havertz – but it paid off.
Referee
SIMON HOOPER: 5.5
I've made some questionable decisions. The consistency for both sides didn't seem to be fully there.
NOTTINGHAM FOREST (4-2-3-1)
Sels 5.5; Aina 6, Milenkovic 5.5, Murillo 6, Moreno 5.5 (Williams 73, 6); Yates 6.5, Dominguez 6 (Sosa 63, 6); Elanga 6.5 (Silva 46, 6), Ward-Prowse 6, Hudson-Odoi 6; Awoniyi 5.5 (Wood 63, 6).
Booked: Aina, Yates.
Manager: Nuno Espirito Santo 5.5
Referee: Simon Hooper 5.5.
Comments