Zubimendis double propels Arsenal to 3-0 win over Forest

Sign up now: Get STs newsletters delivered to your inbox

LONDON - Martin Zubimendis double and Viktor Gyokeress tap-in gave Arsenal a comfortable 3-0 home victory over Nottingham Forest in the Premier League on Saturday, condemning Ange Postecoglou to defeat in his first game as Forest boss.

Spain midfielder Zubimendis first Arsenal goal, a stunning volley in the 32nd minute, capped a dominant first half for the hosts, though captain Martin Odegaard was forced off injured after falling heavily on his right shoulder.

Arsenal doubled their lead within a minute of the restart, Eberechi Eze capitalising on poor defending by substitute Nicolo Savona to lay it on a plate for Gyokeres to score his third goal of the season.

Forest barely threatened until Chris Wood nearly scored with a chested shot goalward from Dan Ndoyes cross, but he was denied by a superb save from David Raya on his 100th Arsenal appearance.

The game was petering out when Zubimendi put it to bed in the 79th minute with a simple header from Leandro Trossards cross, prompting gleeful chants from Arsenals fans towards Postecoglou, former manager of their bitter rivals Tottenham Hotspur.

The Gunners victory briefly moves them to the top of the table, with nine points from four games, above champions Liverpool on goal difference having played a game more.

Forests second defeat of the campaign leaves them with four points from four games.

ARSENAL DOMINATE

Arsenal controlled the opening period and ought to have led inside seven minutes when a free kick into the box fell at the feet of Mikel Merino – who scored a hat trick for Spain against Turkey on Sunday – but he shot straight at Matz Sels.

Odegaards shoulder injury, after he was forced