Arsenal ended their four-game Premier League winless streak in emphatic fashion, defeating Nottingham Forest 3-0 on Saturday to mark Mikel Arteta’s 250th game in charge.
Bukayo Saka, Thomas Partey, and teenage sensation Ethan Nwaneri found the back of the net as the Gunners achieved a historic milestone of 2,000 top-flight victories—becoming just the second team in English football history to do so.
The breakthrough came in the 14th minute when Bukayo Saka lit up the Emirates Stadium with a stunning goal.
Collecting a lofted pass from Jorginho, Saka combined cleverly with Martin Odegaard, surged past three defenders on the edge of the area, and rifled a superb shot past Matz Sels. The strike marked his third consecutive goal against Forest in as many meetings.
Arsenal nearly had a dream start just four minutes into the game when Jurrien Timber appeared to have scored from a rebound after Mikel Merino’s header, but the celebrations were cut short by a VAR-backed offside decision.
Nevertheless, Saka’s opener set the tone for a dominant performance as the Gunners controlled the game against Forest, who came into the match unbeaten in five away trips this season.
It was reported that Arteta’s tactical changes at halftime paid immediate dividends.
Thomas Partey, introduced at the break, doubled Arsenal’s lead just six minutes into the second half.
Once again, Saka was the architect, finding Partey in acres of space on the edge of the box. The Ghanaian took a touch before unleashing a powerful strike that sailed past Sels into the back of the net.
Forest struggled to trouble Arsenal’s defence, failing to register a shot on target as the Gunners maintained their dominance.
The victory was crucial for a team that had seen leads slip in recent weeks, most notably against Liverpool and Chelsea.
Nwaneri scores first EPL goal
In the 81st minute, 17-year-old Ethan Nwaneri replaced Gabriel Jesus, and just four minutes later, he made his mark.
Fellow substitute Raheem Sterling advanced down the right flank and cut the ball back to the teenager, who steered it expertly into the bottom corner. It was a moment of brilliance and composure from Nwaneri, who continues to showcase his immense potential.
The Gunners nearly conceded a late consolation goal when Jota Silva tucked home a Chris Wood knockdown, but the effort was ruled out for offside.
Arsenal’s clean sheet and commanding performance were a fitting conclusion to a historic afternoon.
What’s next?
Arsenal turn their attention to European competition with a Champions League trip to Portugal to face Sporting Lisbon on Tuesday.
They’ll return to Premier League action next Sunday with a trip to West Ham United before hosting Manchester United at the Emirates on 4 December.
This victory not only ends Arsenal’s recent struggles but also signals their intent to push for the top spots in the league as the busy winter schedule approaches.
