The Community Shield won against Manchester City, Arsenal started their Premier League season with confidence. For their return to the Emirates Stadium, the Gunners had to do without Jorginho, Jesus and Zinchenko. Mikel Arteta then decided to line up an Nketiah-Havertz-Martinelli attack to face Forest d’Aurier. But we still had to confirm the good last season and stay in the race for the title, like last year.
The start of the match was however balanced and Forest also got a big chance, but Johnson, alone against Ramsdale, completely missed his shot (14th). The Gunners were gradually gaining strength and began to impose their game. But the London attack was struggling to be found and the new recruit Havertz was too discreet. Following a corner, it took a gesture of genius from Martinelli to find Nketiah. His shot on the ground from the right, deflected, took Turner on the wrong foot (1-0, 26th).
Bukayo Saka delighted
In difficulty since the opener, Nottingham Forest then conceded the goal of the break in stride. Served on the right side, Saka could release a superb curled shot to put his team away (2-0, 30′). Two very nice goals scored before half-time and Arsenal were heading straight for victory. After the break, Arsenal’s domination intensified and Rice, who came on during the game, saw his shot being stopped by Turner’s post (76th).
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But on a huge breakthrough from Elanga, just entered, the London defense was disturbed. The ex-Mancunian could infiltrate without the surface and serve Awoniyi for the reduction of the score (2-1, 82nd). The end of the match promised to be very long for Arsenal, but the Gunners held on. All was not under control at the end of the match, but Arsenal ensured their first success of the season before their first trip of the season to Crystal Palace.
