Arsenal’s depth affirmed

September 13, 2025 Emirates Stadium, London

Back from the international break, Arsenal’s squad did not return drained but sharpened. Merino struck four in two games for Spain, Ødegaard orchestrated Norway’s 11–1 demolition of Moldova, and Madueke and Rice both scored for England.

Nottingham Forest, now led by Ange Postecoglou  —ex Tottenham—  inheritor of Nuno Espírito Santo’s rigid defensive lines, but already reshaping them into something more expansive. 

Forest began disciplined, their lines compact, their resistance stout. Arsenal pressed and probed, fullbacks advancing, midfielders tightening the screws, yet still Forest endured. Even an early free-kick for Merino — tipped aside by Sels — carried the sense of Arsenal’s persistence meeting Forest’s resolve.

The breakthrough came on the 32nd minute, a corner cleared badly fell to Martín Zubimendi on the edge of the area. The volley was raw, but the ball flew true, clipping Murillo and deflecting past the goalkeeper. Yet, the Emirates was hushed, once again, when Ødegaard limped off before halftime. Old fears resurfaced — memories of Wilshere, Rosický, Cazorla. But this Arsenal did not collapse. Nwaneri stepped in, composed beyond his years.

Seconds into the restart, Calafiori’s long ball sent Eze surging through. The debutant squared for Gyökeres to finish coldly: 2–0, drilled and decisive. Forest wobbled further, Chris Wood nearly catching Raya off guard, only for the goalkeeper to tip onto the bar. In the ensuing scramble, Mosquera, making his home debut, threw himself at Hudson-Odoi’s feet. It proved their only real chance. By the 79th, fatigue broke Forest entirely. Trossard’s cross found Zubimendi again, improbably rising highest to score his first career header goal. 

Madueke dazzled, Eze impressed, and Trossard marked his 50th direct contribution in Arsenal colours. Gyökeres, too, wrote himself into club history: only Chamakh and Lacazette had scored in both of their first two Premier League home games. Raya, on his 100th appearance, collected his 42nd clean sheet. These were not isolated acts, but a system functioning with rhythm and trust.

Forest showed spirit, but Arsenal showed maturity. Injuries tested, depth answered. Pressure built, goals arrived. Three goals, three points, a clean sheet.

Arsenal 3 – 0 Forest

(M. Zubimendi ‘32, ‘79, V. Gyökeres ‘46)