Arsenal returned to action following the international break in style, beating Nottingham Forest 3-0 at the Emirates as new signings Martin Zubimendi and Viktor Gyokeres took centre stage
Arsenal’s new boys did the business on Saturday, as they thrashed Nottingham Forest 3-0 to get back to winning ways in the Premier League. Martin Zubimendi’s brace sandwiched a goal from fellow summer signing Viktor Gyokeres, as the Gunners made light work of their visitors at the Emirates.
It was the perfect restart following the international break, having suffered a bruising 1-0 loss at Liverpool. It’s a crucial period for Arsenal, too, as next up, they have three games in three different competitions.
The Gunners travel to Spain on Tuesday to begin their Champions League campaign against Athletic Bilbao. Then next Sunday, it’s a mouth-watering matchup at home to Manchester City, another early-season clash which could ramaifications on the league title race.
After that, Arsenal enter the Carabao Cup. Arteta’s side have been drawn away to League One side Port Vale in the third round of the competition.
Here’s a round-up of news from the Emirates.
READ MORE: Arsenal crowd reaction to Noni Madueke speaks volumes after brutal transfer petitionREAD MORE: Arsenal suffer injury blow with Martin Odegaard forced off against Nottingham Forest
Why Saliba didn’t play vs Nottingham Forest
William Saliba was back in training this week but the Arsenal defender watched from the stands on Saturday. Saliba, 24, pulled out of the France squad due to injury after rolling his ankle in the warm-up against Liverpool last month.
After returning to training, there was hope that the French centre-back would be available against Nottingham Forest. But Arteta revealed to TNT Sports pre-match: “He trained yesterday, but at the end of the session he wasn’t fully ready to start the game.”
Should William Saliba play on Tuesday? Have your say in the comments section.
Odegaard injury update
Mikel Arteta has confirmed that Martin Odegaard suffered a recurrence of his shoulder injury in the first half of Saturday’s win. After being caught up in a challenge between Jurrien Timber and Morgan Gibbs-White, 26-year-old Odegaard went flying and landed awkwardly on his right shoulder, the same one he injured in last month’s clash with Leeds.
“I think it was the same shoulder as last time,” Arteta said post-match. “He was too uncomfortable to continue. That’s a shame because he played with the national team.
“He was feeling good and, suddenly, something happened again. He’s going to be doing everything from now on to be ready for Tuesday. I guarantee that. But I don’t know.”
Gyokeres hails two ‘special team-mates’
Viktor Gyokeres heaped praise on both Eberechi Eze and Noni Madueke after Arsenal’s new front three started together for the first time. Eze provided the assist for Gyokeres’ goal while Madueke was outstanding on the opposite flank.
“Those two are amazing in their positions; they always do something special,” the Gunners’ No.14 told TNT Sports. “We definitely saw that today.”
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Sky Sports discounted Premier League and EFL package
Sky has slashed the price of its Essential TV and Sky Sports bundle ahead of the 2025/26 season, saving members £192 and offering more than 1,400 live matches across the Premier League, EFL and more.
Sky will show at least 215 live Premier League games next season, an increase of up to 100 more.
