Inspired by Bukayo Saka and Gabriel Martinelli, Arsenal kickstarted their Premier League season in perfect fashion – dispatching of Nottingham Forest 2-1 in Saturday’s early kick-off at the Emirates.
Looking to go one better than last year’s second placed Premier League finish, Arsenal got their league campaign underway against Nottingham Forest in perfect fashion with a 2-1 victory.
Surprisingly, Gabriel Magalhaes was named on the bench rather than in the lineup, whilst Mikel Arteta’s three summer signings Declan Rice, Kai Havertz and Jurrien Timber all made their first league start for the club.
The Gunners started on the front foot, dominating possession and putting pressure on the Reds’ backline, but it was the visitors who had the first real sight at goal.
A loose ball at the back saw Brennan Johnson break in behind the hosts’ defence one-on-one with Aaron Ramsdale, however he snatched at the opportunity – sending his effort high and wide.
It was a regrettable miss too, as just minutes later Eddie Nketiah handed Arsenal the lead after some excellent trickery from Gabriel Martinelli down the left.
Oh wow, that was lovely Gabriel Martinelli! 😮💨
Eddie Nketiah finishes the move to put Arsenal 1-0 up!
📺 Watch live on TNT Sports & discovery+ pic.twitter.com/2XLtMTycQj
— Football on TNT Sports (@footballontnt) August 12, 2023
Already comfortably in front, with little to no pressure on their defence, it didn’t take much longer for the Gunners to double their lead.
Bukayo Saka cut in from the right-hand side and curled one past former Gunner Matt Turner into the top left-hand corner for his first goal of the season.
STOP THAT, BUKAYO SAKA! 🚀
📺 Watch live on TNT Sports & discovery+ pic.twitter.com/eC0BDyjrtP
— Football on TNT Sports (@footballontnt) August 12, 2023
The Gunners were dealt a blow towards the end of the first 45 though, as Timber looked to pull up with a leg injury, and after returning to the field for the second half – he lasted less than five minutes and was replaced by Takehiro Tomiyasu.
Comfortable for the majority of the second period, the Gunners were put under immense pressure late on. The introduction of Anthony Elanga inspired Steve Cooper’s side, as the Swede led a fantastic counter attack that saw Taiwo Awoniyi halve the deficit on the 82 minute mark.
Regardless, Arsenal were able to hold on – securing a vital three points to kick off the 2023/24 campaign.
Up next for Arteta’s men is a trip to Selhurst Park a week-on-Monday, as they take on Crystal Palace in their second league game of the season.
Arsenal Premier League Title Odds
- Manchester City @ 4/6
- Arsenal @ 9/2
- Liverpool @ 8/1
- Manchester United @ 10/1
- Chelsea @ 16/1
- Newcastle United @ 20/1
- Tottenham Hotspur @ 50/1
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