10 months ago
56 ARTICLE AD
Arsenal ran out 2-1 victors away at Nottingham Forest to win their opening two matches of a calendar year since 2014.
The Gunners scored twice in the second half at the City Ground to claim their first league win at the City Ground since 1999.
5
After back-to-back defeats at Forest in the last two seasons, Mikel Arteta knew his side had to claim all three points to keep the pressure on leaders Liverpool.
The result means they are now two points behind the Reds, who they welcome to the Emirates on Sunday.
But despite being in total control of the match against Nuno Espirito's side, Arsenal were made to work for their win.
They had 81 per cent of the possession in the first half, but failed to create any clear-cut chances as Forest frustrated the visitors.
It looked as though it might be one of those nights for Arsenal when Gabriel Jesus smacked the post from six yards out just before the hour mark.
But he made amends for his miss by firing in the opener through ex-teammate Matt Turner's legs from an acute angle in the 65th minute.
And Bukayo Saka then doubled Arsenal's lead after capping off a lightning quick counter-attack seven minutes later.
After Martin Odegaard was gifted the ball on the halfway line, he played in Jesus down the left, who in turn squared to Saka inside the box.
5
5
5
The England international then rifled a low strike into the bottom left corner to make it double digits in terms of goals [ten] and assists [13] this campaign.
In doing so, he has followed Aston Villa striker Ollie Watkins and Liverpool forward Darwin Nunez in achieving the feat.
Arsenal were then made to work for their win after Taiwo Awoniyi poked the ball home in the closing minutes.
And they were given a late scare when Awoniyi almost equalised in stoppage time, but David Raya reacted quickly to save his close-range attempt.
Arteta's side held on for the deserved victory, with Arsenal moving up to second ahead of Manchester City.
As for Forest, they have dropped down into 16th spot, and are now just two points above the relegation zone.
5
