Arsenal 3–0 Nottingham Forest — Zubimendi brace, squad depth on show (13 Sept 2025)
Arsenal produced a clinical display to see off Nottingham Forest 3–0 on September 13, 2025, with Martin Zubimendi the standout figure — scoring twice — and Viktor Gyökeres adding the other goal. From the opening exchanges Arsenal asserted control, dominating possession and territory, and they converted their chances with ruthless efficiency. Zubimendi’s first was an emphatic volley in the first half; his second came from a headed finish late on to seal the result and underscore his growing influence. Gyökeres’ strike came almost immediately after half-time and effectively extinguished Forest’s hopes of a comeback.
Tactically, Arsenal’s pressing and quick transitions stood out. Their midfield rotation allowed them to overload areas and recycle possession cleanly, while the front players pressed the Forest defence into errors. Nottingham Forest, under Ange Postecoglou, showed flashes of energy but were undermined by defensive lapses and a lack of cutting edge in the final third. Arsenal’s ability to create clear chances — and to finish them — contrasted with Forest’s struggle to sustain prolonged attacking spells.
Injury news from the match is significant: captain Martin Ødegaard suffered a shoulder problem during the game and was replaced early, which could have implications for Arsenal’s short-term Champions League planning. The way Arsenal coped with that setback spoke to their squad depth; summer recruits and fringe players stepped in and maintained performance levels. For Arsenal, the victory briefly placed them at the top of the Premier League table with nine points from four matches, a useful statement of intent early in the season.
From a managerial perspective, Mikel Arteta will take encouragement from the balance between defensive solidity and attacking threat. For Postecoglou, the result raises questions about defensive organisation and how quickly his side can adapt to the demands of the Premier League under his methods. Nottingham Forest’s season is still long, but they must arrest defensive inconsistency and find a reliable attacking pattern if they are to climb the table.
Key takeaways: Arsenal’s combination of pressing, quality finishing, and squad depth proved decisive; Forest will need tactical fine-tuning and defensive improvements. The match also leaves a watchpoint around Arsenal’s injury situation, which could affect selection for upcoming key fixtures.
