Zubimendi hits double as Arsenal beat Nottingham Forest 3-0

Martin Zubimendi scored his first Arsenal goals as the Gunners comfortably beat Nottingham Forest 3-0, handing Ange Postecoglou a defeat in his first game in charge.

Postecoglou had failed to beat Mikel Arteta in their previous four meetings, with three losses and a draw, and that pattern continued as Arsenal controlled much of the match.

Despite some promising moments from Forest, Arsenal looked dominant throughout. Noni Madueke, starting on the right in place of the injured Bukayo Saka, caused constant problems for the visitors.

Madueke repeatedly got the better of Morato and delivered a series of dangerous inswinging corners. From one of these, Arsenal opened the scoring as Chris Wood’s header fell to Zubimendi, who volleyed home via a slight deflection off Murillo.

Forest’s best opportunity came when Morgan Gibbs-White shot wide from inside the box following a quick counter-attack.

Just one minute into the second half, Arsenal doubled their lead. Eberechi Eze, making his first start for the club, set up Viktor Gyökeres for a simple close-range finish.

Zubimendi added his second and Arsenal’s third with a header, meeting a pinpoint cross from substitute Leandro Trossard.

Mikel Arteta will be pleased with the display, especially with several key players missing through injury and captain Martin Ødegaard forced off in the first half with a suspected shoulder issue.