Arsenal opened their Premier League weekend with a one-sided 3-0 victory over Nottingham Forest, as summer signing Martin Zubimendi struck twice.
The match also marked a difficult start for new Forest manager Ange Postecoglou, who began life at the City Ground with a heavy defeat to one of the league’s title contenders.
The Gunners took control early in the game when Zubimendi fired home a spectacular volley to put the visitors in front.
His dominance in midfield continued throughout the encounter, capped off with a well-timed header that sealed Arsenal’s third goal.
Martin Zubimendi scored a brace for Arsenal in the encounter – Credit: SunSport
Between his brace, Viktor Gyökeres, another high-profile addition for the Gunners in the summer, converted from close range to double the lead.
Zubimendi’s performance provides encouragement for Arteta, who has relied on him to adapt quickly following his arrival in north London.
Injuries remain a concern
While the scoreline showed Arsenal’s dominance, the encounter was not without a setback.
Captain Martin Ødegaard was forced off with an injury, adding to Arteta’s growing list of absentees.
Bukayo Saka and William Saliba were already unavailable, and the manager will now be anxiously awaiting updates on the Norwegian playmaker.
For Nottingham Forest, the game is a reality check for Postecoglou, who faces enormous task to reshape his side.
Although his team had some bright moments in possession, the visitors struggled defensively and could not cope with Arsenal’s continuous pressure.
The result leaves Forest searching for their first points of the campaign under their new boss.
Arsenal, meanwhile, now top the league, pending results by Chelsea who face Brentford later this evening, and Liverpool, who will visit Burnley on Sunday.