Ange Postecoglou’s return to north London ended in defeat as Arsenal beat Nottingham Forest 2-1, with Martín Zubimendi scoring twice on a difficult afternoon for the new Forest manager. The former Tottenham boss was subjected to taunts from the home fans as his side struggled to contain an Arsenal team that controlled large parts of the game.
Zubimendi, a summer signing, opened the scoring with a stunning volley from the edge of the area after a corner was only half-cleared. The midfielder added a second early in the second half with a header, slapping his forehead in disbelief as he celebrated. Viktor Gyökeres pulled one back for Forest, but they could not find an equaliser.
Noni Madueke was a constant threat for Arsenal, tormenting Forest left-back Morato before being given a standing ovation when substituted. The winger’s performance helped compensate for the absence of Bukayo Saka, who was injured. Mikel Arteta’s side showed greater depth, with Declan Rice starting on the bench and Mikel Merino keeping his place in midfield.
Forest had few chances, with Morgan Gibbs-White shooting wide in stoppage time of the first half. Postecoglou made only one change to the lineup he inherited from Nuno Espírito Santo, but his side struggled to impose themselves. The defeat leaves Postecoglou with much work to do as he looks to instil his ideas at the City Ground.
Arsenal’s win was marred by an injury to Martin Ødegaard, who was forced off early with a recurrence of his shoulder problem. Ethan Nwaneri replaced him as Arteta’s team moved into second place in the Premier League.
