Arsenal Cruise to 3-0 Win Over Forest as Nwaneri Makes History

Arsenal marked Mikel Arteta’s 250th match as manager with a commanding 3-0 victory over Nottingham Forest on Saturday, highlighted by Ethan Nwaneri’s historic first Premier League goal.

Bukayo Saka orchestrated the Gunners’ dominant performance, opening the scoring in the 15th minute with a skilful individual effort. After receiving Martin Odegaard’s clever flick, Saka drove across the box before rifling the ball into the right-hand corner.

The home side doubled their advantage seven minutes after half-time through Thomas Partey, who curled a precise finish into the far corner following Saka’s assist. The victory was sealed when 17-year-old substitute Nwaneri combined with Raheem Sterling to score at the near post, becoming Arsenal’s second-youngest Premier League scorer.

Forest’s aspirations of competing at the Emirates Stadium were quickly dampened as they struggled to create meaningful opportunities. The visitors’ difficulties were compounded when Anthony Elanga was forced off at half-time due to injury, though his replacement Jota Silva saw a late goal disallowed.

“I think we started really well. The sense I was getting in the last 48 hours after the international break, the boys coming together and were all at it,” said Arteta, praising his team’s performance and the impact of his substitutes.

The result sees Arsenal draw level with Chelsea on 22 points, maintaining fourth place, while Forest slip to seventh after consecutive league defeats. Forest manager Nuno Espirito Santo acknowledged his team’s shortcomings, stating, “Arsenal were the better team. We have to improve because we did a lot of bad things – especially with the defending.”