Arsenal, boosted by the return of several first-team stars, were firm favourites to get back to winning ways this afternoon. They were majestic against Nottingham Forest as the visitors had no answer to Bukayo Saka, Thomas Partey and Ethan Nwaneri’s stellar strikes. The time off has re-energized the Gunners who should revive their title challenge for the rest of the season.
Below are the Arsenal players rated in their 3-0 win against Nottingham Forest.
David Raya: 7
Was hardly tested between the sticks en route to securing a first league clean sheet since 15th September.
Jurrien Timber: 7.5
The versatile Dutchman slotted in as a right-back amid Ben White and Takehiro Tomiyasu’s injury absence. Managed the game well between attack and defence. Was unfortunate not to grab a goal as it got ruled out by VAR following a tight offside call. Was taken off for Jakub Kiwior for the final few minutes of the fixture.
William Saliba: 8
Another calm and composed performance from the French centre-back who dealt with Taiwo Awoniyi’s physicality and directness. Showed his ball-playing traits while building the game up from the back.
Gabriel Magalhães: 8
Was in the right place at the right time while partnering with Saliba in the heart of the backline. Forest posed little attacking threat which made the job easy for the Brazilian.
Riccardo Calafiori: 7.5
Found it difficult at times against the pace and flair of Anthony Elanga. But the Italian adjusted his game accordingly as he concentrated on the defensive work over marauding runs down the left-hand flank. Made way for Oleksandr Zinchenko midway through the second half.
Jorginho: 6
Looked off-paced at times. Was rusty with his challenges and the gaffer Mikel Arteta decided to take him off at the break in favour of Thomas Partey.
Martin Ødegaard: 8.5
The skipper showed his spark in the middle of the park. Registered an assist for Saka’s stunner and his relentless runs and swift one-twos caused menace in the Forest half. Made way for Ethan Nwaneri late in the game.
Mikel Merino: 7.5
Another impressive performance from the Spaniard who was a constant threat from set-pieces. Not only dominated the midfield game but also showed his creativity with frequent passes into the final third.
Bukayo Saka: 9
Back to his absolute best as he showed his mastery to drive across the Forest defence before slamming it past Matz Sels to find the net. Also, set it up for Partey who doubled the lead minutes into the second half. Was taken off for Raheem Sterling in the closing minutes of the contest.
Leandro Trossard: 7
Had a couple of on-target attempts. Was direct with his runs, one-twos and link-up play. Looked worn out after the break.
Gabriel Jesus: 6
Got the nod over Kai Havertz but failed to make the opportunity count with an uneventful performance.
Arsenal Subs vs Nottingham Forest
Thomas Partey: 8
Made an instant impact with his long-range strike which doubled the margin and sealed all three points.
Oleksandr Zinchenko: 6.5
Did not make any noteworthy contribution since replacing Calafiori.
Ethan Nwaneri: 7.5
The homegrown prodigy scored spectacularly to earn his side a 3-0 win late in the match.
Raheem Sterling: 7
Set it up for Nwaneri who beat past Neco Williams before curling his strike wide-left of Sels’ goal.
Jakub Kiwior: NA
Played too little to warrant a rating.
