Arsenal vs Nottm Forest – 3-0 Result and Highlights

Arsenal secured a commanding 3-0 victory over Nottingham Forest at the Emirates Stadium on September 13, 2025, with Martín Zubimendi scoring twice and Viktor Gyökeres adding a third. The result propelled Mikel Arteta’s side to the top of the Premier League table after matchweek 4, while Forest remain with four points from their opening four fixtures.

Both goalscorers arrived at Arsenal during the summer transfer window, and their immediate impact was evident from the opening whistle. Zubimendi opened the scoring in the 32nd minute before Gyökeres doubled the lead early in the second half. Zubimendi completed his brace late in the match to seal Forest’s fourth consecutive defeat at the Emirates.

The fixture marked a challenging start to life at Forest for new manager Ange Postecoglou, who took charge during the international break. The visitors struggled to contain Arsenal’s attacking threat throughout the encounter, creating few clear-cut opportunities in front of goal.

What was the result of Arsenal vs Nottingham Forest?

Arsenal claimed all three points with a 3-0 win over Nottingham Forest in their Premier League fixture at the Emirates Stadium on Saturday, September 13, 2025. The victory represented Arsenal’s third consecutive home win against Forest, with the visitors yet to taste success at this venue since March 1989.

Key Insights from the Match

• Arsenal’s summer signings proved decisive, with both Zubimendi and Gyökeres finding the net
• Martín Zubimendi received a 9.4 match rating, the highest on either side
• Forest have now lost all four of their previous visits to the Emirates
• The result pushed Arsenal to the summit of the Premier League with nine points from four games
• Nottingham Forest’s tally of four points leaves them in the lower half of the table
• Noni Madueke created five chances and completed four take-ons during the encounter

Arsenal vs Nottingham Forest Highlights

The match unfolded with Arsenal asserting dominance from the opening minutes, creating the first clear opportunity when Mikel Merino’s shot tested the Forest goalkeeper in the seventh minute. Eberechi Eze also threatened with an effort on target at the 27-minute mark, setting the tone for an attacking display that would ultimately yield three goals.

First Half Drama

The breakthrough arrived in the 32nd minute when Martín Zubimendi capitalized on Arsenal’s sustained pressure. The midfielder’s finish initially appeared to drift wide but was confirmed as a goal following video review. Ethan Nwaneri had earlier tested Forest with efforts in the 23rd minute and would continue to threaten throughout the opening period. Forest’s best first-half opportunity came via their attacking players, though Arsenal’s defence remained solid.

Second Half Collapse

Forest emerged for the second half with renewed intent but were caught out within seconds of the restart. Viktor Gyökeres, operating in the final third, converted at the near post to double Arsenal’s advantage. The goal visibly deflated the visitors, who struggled to respond with any meaningful attacking play. Nwaneri continued his impressive performance with two further shots on target in the 52nd and 57th minutes, while Gyökeres also went close before halftime.

The contest was effectively settled when Zubimendi struck again in the 79th minute, this time finishing from a Leandro Trossard assist. The substitute had only just entered the field but made an immediate impact, delivering a pinpoint cross that Zubimendi converted with a composed header. Forest offered little resistance in the closing stages, with the match ending after a Forest corner was conceded by Gabriel Magalhães.

Arsenal vs Nottingham Forest Lineups

Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta named a strong starting XI featuring three summer signings in the lineup. The hosts lined up with David Raya in goal behind a back four of Riccardo Calafiori, Gabriel Magalhães, William Saliba, and Jurrien Timber. The midfield three comprised Mikel Merino, Martín Zubimendi, and captain Martin Ødegaard, with Eberechi Eze, Viktor Gyökeres, and Noni Madueke forming the attacking trio.

Arsenal Substitutes Used

• Myles Lewis-Skelly replaced Riccardo Calafiori (68′)
• Gabriel Martinelli came on for Noni Madueke (78′)
• Leandro Trossard replaced Eberechi Eze (78′)

Nottingham Forest Setup

Nottingham Forest, managed by Ange Postecoglou in what was described as his debut Premier League reality check under new ownership, fielded a lineup that included several attacking threats. The side featured Chris Wood, Callum Hudson-Odoi, Nico Williams, Elliot Anderson, and Morgan Gibbs-White, with the defensive line anchored by Nikola Milenković and the now-substituted Murillo, who left the field injured in the 37th minute.

Player Performance Ratings

Martín Zubimendi’s man-of-the-match display earned him a 9.4 rating from statistical outlets, reflecting his decisive contribution with two goals. Viktor Gyökeres, despite an xG of 0.70 for his strike, showcased his predatory instincts with a clinical finish. For Forest, standout efforts were limited, with Chris Wood failing to convert his shooting opportunities into goals.

Where to watch Arsenal vs Nottingham Forest?

The match was available through multiple broadcast partners in the United Kingdom and internationally. The official Premier League website provided live updates and match statistics throughout the encounter, with Arsenal’s official channel publishing post-match content including goal highlights and player interviews.

Match Highlights and Replays

Full match highlights were available through various sports streaming platforms following the final whistle. ESPN’s coverage included video replays of all three goals and key incidents from the fixture. The official Nottingham Forest website also published a match report with analysis from the club’s perspective.

Upcoming Fixture

The two sides are scheduled to meet again during the 2025/26 season, with the return fixture at the City Ground planned for January 17, 2026. Historical data from Transfermarkt shows Nottingham Forest have historically performed better on home soil against Arsenal, though recent results suggest Arsenal will enter the return fixture as favourites.

Match Timeline and Key Events

The following chronological sequence captures the significant moments from the encounter at the Emirates Stadium.

1. 7′ – Mikel Merino shoots on target for Arsenal (saved)
2. 18′ – Ethan Nwaneri receives yellow card
3. 23′ – Nwaneri shoots on target (saved)
4. 27′ – Eberechi Eze effort on target (saved)
5. 32′ – GOAL: Martín Zubimendi scores (1-0 Arsenal)
6. 37′ – Nicolò Savona replaces Murillo (injury)
7. 45′ – Viktor Gyökeres shoots on target (saved)
8. 46′ – GOAL: Viktor Gyökeres scores, assisted by Eze (2-0 Arsenal)
9. 52′ – Nwaneri shoots on target (saved)
10. 57′ – Nwaneri shoots on target (saved)
11. 60′ – Bakwa and Kalimuendo replace Wood and Hudson-Odoi
12. 61′ – Riccardo Calafiori booked
13. 68′ – Myles Lewis-Skelly replaces Calafiori
14. 73′ – Sangaré and Gibbs-White substituted
15. 78′ – Nico Williams booked
16. 78′-79′ – Martinelli and Trossard enter; Madueke and Eze depart
17. 79′ – GOAL: Zubimendi scores, assisted by Trossard (3-0 Arsenal)
18. Full Time – Arsenal 3-0 Nottingham Forest

Shots on target from Arsenal players including Gyökeres and Nwaneri throughout the match highlighted the home side’s control of proceedings. Fouls and corners were distributed in Arsenal’s favour throughout the ninety minutes.

What we know and what remains unclear

Multiple independent sources confirm the fundamental details of the result, though some peripheral information requires clarification.

Head-to-Head Context and Historical Significance

Saturday’s result extended Nottingham Forest’s winless streak at the Emirates Stadium to over three decades. The visitors’ last victory at this venue came in March 1989, when goals from Neil Webb and Stuart Pearce secured a memorable away win during Forest’s promotion push. Since Arsenal moved to the Emirates in 2006, Forest have struggled to compete on equal terms.

The performance marked a stark contrast to Forest’s opening-day victory and suggested adjustments needed under Postecoglou’s new tactical approach. Arsenal’s dominance in this fixture reflects their recent ascendancy in the Premier League, with the north London club competing among the league’s elite in recent seasons.

Summer recruitment played a significant role in the outcome. Both Zubimendi and Gyökeres demonstrated why Arsenal invested heavily in their signatures, contributing directly to all three goals. Their ability to settle quickly into the Premier League provides Arteta with additional tactical options as the season progresses.

Sources and Official Reports

“Goal! Arsenal 3, Nottingham Forest 0. Martín Zubimendi…”

– Arsenal.com match report

“Two goals from Martín Zubimendi…”

– ESPN match coverage

Multiple outlets provided detailed coverage of the encounter, including ESPN’s comprehensive match report, official club statements from both Arsenal and Nottingham Forest, and statistical analysis from StatMuse and Fox Sports.

Summary

Arsenal’s 3-0 victory over Nottingham Forest at the Emirates Stadium on September 13, 2025, delivered a clinical attacking performance powered by the early impact of summer signings Martín Zubimendi and Viktor Gyökeres. The result moved Arsenal to the Premier League summit after four fixtures while leaving Forest with work to do as they adjust to life under new management. For comprehensive analysis of Premier League standings and upcoming fixtures, additional resources are available covering the full fixture list and head-to-head records.

Frequently Asked Questions