Arsenal’s new-look squad made an emphatic statement at the Emirates on Saturday as summer arrivals Martín Zubimendi and Viktor Gyökeres combined to fire the Gunners to a commanding 3-0 victory over Nottingham Forest.
The win marked a strong start to the Premier League season for Mikel Arteta’s men but a forgettable debut for Ange Postecoglou, who took charge of Forest just days earlier following his midweek appointment.
Zubimendi, signed from Real Sociedad, introduced himself to the Arsenal faithful in style with the opening goal midway through the first half.
The Spanish midfielder latched onto a loose ball on the edge of the box and rifled a sweetly struck volley that clipped a defender on its way beyond goalkeeper Matz Sels.
The Emirates crowd erupted, sensing they were watching the start of something special from their new recruit.
Forest, however, rarely offered a response, with Arsenal dominating possession and probing relentlessly.
Shortly after the restart, Eberechi Eze, another headline summer signing, slipped a clever pass into Gyökeres, who finished clinically to double the advantage.
The Swedish forward’s composed strike underscored the sharpness of Arsenal’s attacking additions, leaving the visitors further on the back foot.
Zubimendi wasn’t finished. With just over ten minutes remaining, he ghosted into the box to meet a pinpoint delivery and powered home a header to seal the contest at 3-0.
The brace capped off a dream debut for the Spaniard and highlighted Arsenal’s depth of quality as they look to mount another serious challenge for the Premier League crown.
Yet, amid the celebrations, concern lingered for Arteta. Captain Martin Ødegaard was forced off in the 18th minute, visibly in pain after appearing to aggravate a shoulder problem that has troubled him in recent weeks.
The sight of their skipper walking gingerly down the tunnel tempered an otherwise resounding afternoon for Arsenal, whose focus now shifts to ensuring their midfield talisman recovers swiftly.
