Arsenal bounced back from a Europa League defeat by PSV Eindhoven on Thursday to return to the top of the Premier League table with an emphatic win over Nottingham Forest.
Gabriel Martinelli gave the Gunners an early lead before England’s Bokayo Saka – who set up the opener – was forced off through injury.
Saka’s substitute Reiss Nelson doubled the lead four minutes after the restart with his first Arsenal goal since November 2020 and quickly added his second.
Goals from Thomas Partey and Martin Odegaard added gloss to the scoreline as Arsenal restored their two-point lead over Manchester City at the summit, with Forest still relegated after their eighth defeat of the season.
Arsenal Rallied Despite Saka’s Injury.
Saka was on the end of a heavy challenge from Renan Lodi in the opening minute, and while he recovered to tie Martinelli, the 21-year-old needed treatment twice before being taken off in the 27th minute.
The sight of Saka heading straight down the tunnel after being substituted will haunt England fans just three weeks before the start of the World Cup, although Arsenal boss Mikel Arteta said the risk of the winger missing the tournament was “hopeful”. No” will be.
While Saka had looked bright before his withdrawal, Nielsen got his chance to shine in his first Premier League appearance since last season’s opener.
