Arsenal 3-0 Nottingham Forest: Gunners' Player Ratings as Saka and Odegaard run riot at the Emirates in a convincing win | Premier League 2024-25
Arsenal secured a convincing 3-0 win against Nottingham Forest at the Emirates Stadium in the Premier League on Saturday, November 23. The result sees the Gunners move up to fourth place with 22 points from 12 games, while Forest remain sixth with 19 points from the same games.
Arsenal made a strong start to the contest as they dominated possession and barely allowed Nottingham Forest a sniff in the first half. Martin Odegaard was the focal point of this fluid play by the hosts as his return from injury a couple of weeks ago has given the Gunners a boost. The Norwegian provided an assist as Bukayo Saka put the hosts 1-0 up after 15 minutes.
With 69% possession in the first half, Arsenal clearly had the upper hand but lacked clinicality in front of goal. They attempted 11 first-half shots but managed just five on target as they were met with resistance from Nottingham's defence. The visitors, on the other hand, attempted two shots and failed to hit the target in a subpar first-half showing.
The Gunners carried a narrow 1-0 lead into the interval.
Mikel Arteta made one change at the break as Jorginho made way for Thomas Partey. The Ghanaian made an instant impact as he got on the scoresheet with a thumping effort just seven minutes after coming on. Saka provided an assist for that goal with a nice pass from the right flank.
Both Arteta and Nuno Espirito Santo then resorted to making changes to their lineups as they brought on substitutes. However, Arsenal had the last laugh once again in the end as another substitute scored their third goal. This time Raheem Sterling set up Ethan Nwaneri as two players came off the bench to grab the third goal for the Gunners.
Having secured a comfortable 3-0 win and moved up the table, while the visitors drop down one spot into sixth place. On that note, let's take a look at the Gunners' player ratings from this win.
Arsenal Player Ratings
David Raya - 7/10
Raya was not required to make a single save for Arsenal but played three long balls to open up the play for his team.
Jurrien Timber - 7/10
Timber had a solid game on the right flank as he won three duels at the back, and also played two key passes for his team.
William Saliba - 7/10
Saliba was solid in defence for the Gunners as he won four duels, making three clearances and one block. He also passed the ball with 98% accuracy.
Gabriel Magalhaes - 7/10
Gabriel won four duels in defence, making two clearances and one tackle. He also played five long balls to spread the play for Arsenal.
Riccardo Calafiori - 7/10
Calafiori won three duels at the back, making two clearances and one interception in a composed performance on his return from injury.
Martin Odegaard - 8.5/10
The Norwegian maestro had a great game in midfield as he passed the ball with 90% accuracy, playing six key passes, including one assist. He also won four duels, completed two dribbles and attempted one shot on target.
Jorginho - 6.5/10
He played the first half and put in a subpar performance, resulting in him being subbed off at the break.
Mikel Merino - 7/10
Merino passed the ball with 83% accuracy, winning six duels and making two interceptions as well.
Bukayo Saka - 9/10
Saka had a great game for Arsenal as he scored the opening goal and also played one assist. The winger played three other key passes, completed two dribbles and also won four duels as well.
Gabriel Jesus - 6.5/10
Jesus started the game up front for the Gunners but failed to make an impact in a subpar performance.
Leandro Trossard - 6.5/10
Trossard had a below par game for his team as he could not impact their attacking play positively.
Substitutes
Thomas Partey - 7.5/10
Partey came off the bench and scored a thumping strike to make it 2-0 in the second half. He also won four duels and made one interception.
Oleksandr Zinchenko - 6.5/10
ZInchenko was brought on to minimize the load on Calafiori and the Ukrainian played well.
Ethan Nwaneri - 8/10
Nwaneri was electric in his cameo for the Gunners as he scored a goal moments after coming on. He also played one key pass and won one duel.
Raheem Sterling - 7/10
Sterling came on and assisted Nwaneri's goal in the second half.
Jakub Kiwior - N/A
Kiwior played less than 10 minutes and hence does not warrant a rating.
