Eddie Nketiah and Bukayo Saka scored goals in the first half to give Arsenal a tense 2-1 home victory over Nottingham Forest to start their new Premier League season.
With a late goal, Forest’s Taiwo Awoniyi provided Arsenal with a heart-in-mouth moment, but the win brought the runners-up from the previous season even with Manchester City on three points, albeit they are still behind on goal differential after the champions defeated Burnley 3-0 on Friday.
Due to turnstile troubles at Emirates Stadium, supporters were unable to enter the stadium in time for kickoff, which caused a 30-minute delay. But as soon as the game began, Arsenal exploded into the scene, controlling possession and penetrating Forest’s defense.
Brennan Johnson was given the opportunity to run through on goal by an early gaffe by the home team’s defense, but the forward missed the goal, leaving manager Steve Cooper shaking his head.
When Gabriel Martinelli’s exquisite pirouette sent two defenders spinning and set up Nketiah to score past former Arsenal goalkeeper Matt Turner, Arsenal’s perseverance paid off and they ended Forest’s tenacious resistance.
Six minutes later, they increased their advantage when 21-year-old Saka got the ball at the edge of the box and curled a long-range shot into the net, leaving Turner helpless to stop it.
Martinelli showed incredible talent to get past. Being composed and obtaining that half-yard is key. Nketiah told TNT Sports, “I’m glad that went in.
“We are thrilled to have Saka on our team because we know he possesses that kind of quality.”
After suffering an injury soon before halftime, Jurrien Timber, who cost Arsenal 40 million euros ($43.78 million), staggered off the field gripping the back of his knee.
The club record acquisition for Arsenal, Declan Rice, almost scored in his league debut when he had two chances, but Turner stopped him both times. Rice cost Arsenal 105 million pounds.
When Forest attempted a counterattack following an Arsenal corner, they scored against the flow of play. As the defense scurried to recover, Anthony Elanga ran down the left and found Awoniyi in the box, who made it 2-1.
Both teams fought hard in the tense final minutes, but Arsenal managed to secure the three points.
They returned after hours and made some adjustments that were beneficial. Naturally, the outcome was a little tense, but we defended superbly and earned the three points, Nketiah continued.