Arsenal vs Nottingham Forest: Bukayo Saka’s curved goal was enough to give Arsenal their first win of the 2023–24 Premier League season.
The English star bent the ball into the net, with Nottingham Forest goalkeeper Matt Turner having no chance to save it.
The Arsenal team got their first goal from Eddie Nketiah after Gabriel Martinelli beat two Nottingham Forest defenders.
Arsenal goal came after an early goal scare from Nottingham Forest’s Johnson, who missed a Golden chance to take the lead.
The Nigerian International, Taiwo Awoniyi, who scored against Arsenal last season, scored another goal this season with a beautiful tap-in assisted by former Manchester United winger Anthony Elanga.
How Arsenal Defeated Nottingham Forest At The Emirates Stadium
In the early minutes of the first half, Odegaard lifted the ball into Saka’s path; the English winger wasted no time as he put the ball in the box, but it was cleared by Nottingham Forest defenders.
In the 10th minute, Nottingham Forest had a chance to score the first goal of the match with Johnson in a one-on-one situation with Arsenal’s Aaron Ramsdale, but Johnson put the ball over the goal post.
In the 21st minute, Nottingham Forest goalkeeper Matt Turner almost allowed Arsenal to score a goal after the goalkeeper shot was blocked by Eddie Nketiah.
Nketiah turned up in the absence of Gabriel Jesus with a beautiful kick to give Arsenal the lead in the 25th minute.
The chance was created by Brazilian winger Gabriel Martinelli, who went past two Nottingham Forest defenders.
Nottingham Forest Johnson failed to clear the ball on the left side of the defense, and he was dispossessed by Saliba.
The French center back gave the ball to Saka, who scored one of the best goals of the season against his former teammate Turner.
It was total dominance by Arsenal, who were under no pressure from their opponent.
Arsenal kept creating chances, with Nketiah coming close to making it 3-0 in the 38th minute, but he was stopped by a Nottingham Forest defender.
Declan Rice made an attempt in the 43rd minute, but it was stopped by Nottingham Forest’s Turner. It was a nice attempt from the former West Ham captain.
In the 69th minute of the match, Nottingham Forest’s Ola Aina came close, but it was not enough to give the Forest a goal.
He was later substituted for Neco William as Nottingham Forest looked forward to getting a goal against Arsenal.
New signing Declan Rice had a chance to score Arsenal’s third goal, but Matt Turner got a strong hold on it to save Nottingham Forest from conceding another goal.
In the 77th minute, Nottingham Forest Boly had his head on the ball from the corner kick, but it was an easy catch for Ramsdale.
Former Manchester United player Anthony Elanga came in and made an immediate impact. He assisted Taiwo Awoniyi in scoring his first goal of the season.
Nottingham Forest fouled Kai Havertz in the process of scoring, but referee Michael Oliver was not interested in stopping Nottingham Forest’s attack.
Arsenal vs Nottingham Forest: Why Arsenal kickoff Time Against Nottingham Forest Was Shifted From 12:30 pm to 1:00 pm
Arsenal’s opening match against Nottingham Forest was delayed for 30 minutes due to an e-ticketing issue. About 35,000 fans stood outside for 30 minutes before the match was moved to 1:00 p.m.
It was the first time Arsenal would be using E-ticketing for a Premier League game.
What Next For Arsenal And Nottingham Forest
Arsenal will face Crystal Palace on August 21, 2023, around 8:00 p.m. at Selhurst Park Stadium in London. The Gunners had a good performance against Crystal Palace last season and will continue to achieve success in the London Derby.
Nottingham Forest will welcome newly promoted Premier League side Sheffield United on August 18, 2023, at 7:45 p.m. Forest have been tipped to win the match with a 42% winning probability, and Sheffield United have a 30% probability.
