In the Premier League, the Gunners surged back to winning ways to cut the leader gap Liverpool

Arsenal blew Nottingham Forest away at Emirates Stadium, flying to a commanding 3-0 triumph, ending their four-game drought without a Premier League victory in style.
With Jorginho and Gabriel Jesus added to his starting XI and Thomas Partey and Kai Havertz left on the bench, Mikel Arteta delivered some surprises. While Mikel Merino began ahead of Declan Rice, Leandro Trossard was also favoured to Gabriel Martinelli.

But after Jurrien Timber had seen a goal ruled out for offside, Bukayo Saka smashed home a pretty great goal to open the score on 15 minutes. The hosts started rather brilliantly.Though they had to wait for a fantastic goal from Partey, who had been brought at half-time to replace Jorginho, to increase their advantage six minutes after the intermission, the hosts dominated the remainder of the first half.

And another replacement, 17-year-old Ethan Nwaneri, sloted home his first Premier League goal four minutes from time, adding the gloss to an outstanding team performance.AFP

Goalkeeper & Defence

David Raya (6/10):

Barely had a thing to do, but swept up well whenever he was called upon.

Jurrien Timber (8/10):

Excellent. Got forward so well and linked up constantly with Saka and Odegaard. Always in the game.

William Saliba (7/10):

Real physical battle with Awoniyi, which he seemed to really enjoy. Solid.

Gabriel Magalhaes (7/10):

Showed no ill effects from the long trip back from Brazil. Good display.

Riccardo Calafiori (7/10):

Given some problems by the pace of Elanga, but stood up to it well. Good to see him back.

Midfield

Jorginho (8/10):

Back in the side and was one of the stand out players on the pitch. Controlled the opening 45 and was involved in Saka’s goal, showing why he should have played more so far this season. Replaced at half-time after picking up a booking.

Mikel Merino (7/10):

Linked up well with Trossard down the left and showed a real determination to get into the box whenever Arsenal got forward. Decent display.

Martin Odegaard (9/10):

Outstanding. Showed everyone exactly what Arsenal have been missing in his absence. Set up Saka’s goal and was involved in absolutely everything.

Attack

Bukayo Saka (8/10):

Sensational goal to open the scoring early on and very unlucky not to get at least another one. The understanding he has with Odegaard is just so important to this Arsenal team.

Gabriel Jesus (6/10):

Surprisingly picked ahead of Havertz. Played his part, even if he didn’t break his long run without a goal in the Premier League. Curled one effort just wide in the first half.

Leandro Trossard (7/10):

Much better performance after some under-par displays during the international break. He and Timber brought a nice balance to the left side.

Subs & Manager

Thomas Partey (8/10):

Replaced Jorginho at half-time and marked his introduction with a fabulous goal just six minutes after the interval.

Oleksandr Zinchenko (6/10):

Introduced halfway through the second half to give the returning Calafiori a breather. Some nice touches.

Ethan Nwaneri (8/10):

On for the final 10 minutes to replace the tiring Odegaard, curled one effort just wide and then slotted home well to make it 3-0. Excellent impact.

Raheem Sterling (6/10):

A rare appearance from the on-loan Chelsea man. Replaced Saka late on and set up Nwaneri for his goal.

Jakub Kiwor (N/A):

On the final few minutes.

Mikel Arteta (8/10):

Was bold with his team selection and it paid off. His second-half substitutions all worked as well.