Arsenal moved to the top of the Premier League table on goal difference with a composed 2-0 win over Nottingham Forest at the Emirates, their third victory in four matches. The result put them just ahead of Liverpool, who face Burnley on Sunday, and restored momentum after a setback before the international break.
A 1-0 defeat to the champions had briefly halted the optimism generated by successive wins against Leeds United and Manchester United, but this was a performance full of authority and control.
Noni Madueke was the standout on the night, delivering a virtuoso performance that underlined why Mikel Arteta sees him as central to Arsenal’s attacking plans.
His energy, creativity and end product lifted the atmosphere inside the stadium and offered a glimpse of what this Arsenal side can produce when their forwards are at their sharpest. Arteta’s belief that his team can stay in the title race was given further weight by such a display.
The only dark cloud was the sight of captain Martin Ødegaard leaving the field in the first half with what appeared to be a shoulder injury.
He now joins an already lengthy injury list that includes Bukayo Saka, Kai Havertz, Gabriel Jesus and William Saliba. Given Ødegaard’s importance in controlling Arsenal’s tempo and providing a link between midfield and attack, his absence could have significant consequences in the weeks ahead.
Arteta, however, preferred to focus on the positives, singling out his players for their commitment and adaptability. Speaking to Arsenal’s official website, he praised both Zubimendi’s influence and the resilience shown by Mosquera, one of the squad’s newer additions.
“He was unbelievable, the two goals are very difficult to score. Martin is bringing such a presence, composure and understanding of the game that makes the team flow and play better. And on top of that, he’s adding goals and assists, so that’s the trajectory we have to maintain with him.
He continued by praising €13m summer signing too
“It’s not easy to adapt to the league, to adapt to a new way of playing, but Mosquera is a great example. I think what he did against Liverpool, being thrown out there after three minutes at Anfield in your first exposure in the Premier League, is very difficult to do. I think he was superb again today.”
He went on to stress that the new arrivals are giving the squad plenty of information and fresh qualities to work with, insisting that Arsenal must use those lessons to improve further.
For Ange Postecoglou, it was an unhappy return to north London only three months after his abrupt dismissal by Tottenham, despite guiding them to a Europa League triumph that ended a 17-year wait for silverware. His Nottingham Forest side struggled to match Arsenal’s intensity and rarely threatened to spoil the evening for the home supporters.
By the final whistle Arsenal were back on top of the table, with confidence restored and belief growing once more. The performance suggested they are capable of sustaining a title challenge, though the sight of Ødegaard walking off injured served as a reminder of how fragile momentum can be when key players are sidelined.
