New boys Shine as Arsenal Dominate Forest

Arsenal eased past Nottingham Forest 3-0 at the Emirates, and this one had everything: goals, character, and proof that the people calling out Noni Madueke didn’t know what they were watching. Martin Zubimendi scored a brace (first of his Arsenal career), Viktor Gyökeres netted again from an Eze assist, and Madueke stole the show despite not getting on the scoresheet.

Zubimendi Steps Up Big Time

• Zubi opened the scoring in the 32nd minute with a thunderous volley from outside the box that clipped a Forest defender and beat Matz Sels. That was his first goal for Arsenal. Reuters+1
• He made it 3-0 in the 79th minute with a well-timed header off a Leandro Trossard cross. That brace showed he can score from distance and in the box. Reuters+1

Gyökeres and Eze Link Up

• Right at the restart, Arsenal doubled their lead. There was a defensive mistake from Forest, and Eberechi Eze seized it — he provided a precise assist to Gyökeres for the tap-in. That’s Gyökeres’ third of the Premier League season. Reuters+1

Madueke: The Silent Thunder

• Even without a goal or assist, Madueke’s performance was loud. He consistently beat his fullback, got into good positions, delivered dangerous crosses, and caused Forest trouble out wide. The Guardian+1
• His dribbling, commitment to pressing, and movement off the ball showed Arteta and decision-makers were right to trust him—even after fan outbursts when his signing was questioned. The impact was visible. The Short Fuse+1

Depth & Dominance With Injuries Too

• Arsenal were missing key players: Bukayo Saka, Kai Havertz, William Saliba weren’t in the XI. Yet the squad showed its depth. The new signings like Zubimendi, Eze, Mosquera all stepped up. Reuters+1
• David Raya made his 100th appearance for the club and kept a clean sheet. Forest barely threatened — Arsenal limited them to 0.2 expected goals (xG) from about five shots. The Short Fuse

Final Word

Arsenal delivered a statement today: even with injuries, even under pressure, they can still dominate. Zubi’s brace gives them another dimension; Gyökeres keeps delivering; Madueke showed why critics quiet down. If they keep this up, the Gunners are going to be very dangerous.