Arsenal New Signings Fire Gunners to Victory

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Arsenal’s summer recruitment paid dividends as new arrivals dominated Nottingham Forest in a 3-0 victory at Emirates Stadium on September 13th. The match statistics revealed how £260 million in transfers has transformed the squad.

Martin Zubimendi scored twice in 47 minutes, registering his first career brace across 240 top-flight appearances. His opener came via a volley from outside the penalty area after Noni Madueke’s corner was cleared. The strike deflected off Murillo before beating Matz Sels. This marked Zubimendi’s first league goal from distance in his career.

The Spanish midfielder added a second on 79 minutes, heading home Leandro Trossard’s cross unmarked. At 5’9″, Zubimendi outjumped taller defenders to score just his third career header goal.

Viktor Gyokeres continued his home scoring record, netting 47 seconds into the second half. The Swedish striker converted Eberechi Eze’s cross from six yards after the winger beat the offside trap. Gyokeres has now scored in both Premier League home debuts, joining Marouane Chamakh (September 2010) and Alexandre Lacazette (December 2017).

Attacking Statistics Show Impact

The new front three of Madueke, Gyokeres and Eze started together for the first time. Madueke created three chances in the first half while taking on Forest’s left-back successfully on seven occasions. His corner deliveries produced four set-piece opportunities before the interval.

Eze became the first Englishman to record a goal or assist on his Arsenal Premier League debut since Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain versus Manchester United in January 2012. The former Crystal Palace player completed 89% of his passes and created two clear chances.

Gyokeres registered four shots, with one hitting the near post in the 67th minute. His movement created space for teammates, dropping deep 23 times to link play compared to an average of 15 for Arsenal’s previous striker options this season.

Set Piece Dominance Continues

Arsenal’s set-piece threat remained consistent despite personnel changes. They registered 1.5 expected goals from open play before this match, the second-lowest in the Premier League. However, their expected goals from set-pieces (2.3) ranked second-highest in the division.

Madueke’s corner kick delivery matched the precision of Bukayo Saka’s earlier performances. Four of Arsenal’s seven first-half shots came from dead-ball situations. Gabriel Magalhaes headed narrowly wide from one corner, while Mikel Merino forced a save from Sels via a free-kick.

The third goal originated from a free-kick routine, with Trossard finding Zubimendi unmarked at the back post. Arsenal have now scored 12 goals from set-pieces across their opening four Premier League matches.

Squad Depth Addresses Previous Issues

Martin Odegaard’s 18th-minute injury substitution tested Arsenal’s resources. Ethan Nwaneri replaced the captain and completed 94% of his passes in the remaining 72 minutes. The teenager signed a new contract last month after speculation about his future.

Declan Rice entered as a substitute for the second time this season, having started every league match in 2024 previously. His introduction maintained Arsenal’s pressing intensity, recording three tackles in 28 minutes compared to the team average of 2.1 per player.

Ben White and Piero Hincapie remained unused substitutes despite being regular starters last season. The depth allowed Arteta to rest players ahead of Tuesday’s Champions League fixture against Athletic Bilbao.

Forest managed just one shot in the opening 45 minutes under new manager Ange Postecoglou. Chris Wood’s chest-deflected effort in added time represented their clearest opportunity, with David Raya making a fingertip save onto the crossbar.

Defensive Solidity Maintained

Arsenal kept their third consecutive home Premier League clean sheet, the first time achieving this sequence since November-December 2021. Raya recorded his 42nd clean sheet in 67 Arsenal appearances, 14 more than any other Premier League goalkeeper in the same period.

Cristhian Mosquera made his first Premier League start, completing 96% of his passes and winning four aerial duels. The center-back partnership with Gabriel restricted Forest to 0.4 expected goals across 90 minutes.

Jurrien Timber operated as an attacking full-back, creating two chances from wide positions. His defensive statistics showed six interceptions and three tackles, matching his season average despite increased attacking responsibilities.

Postecoglou’s Debut Struggles

The match marked Postecoglou’s fifth Premier League meeting with Arsenal, extending his winless record to 0-1-4. Forest failed to register a shot on target until the 83rd minute, their poorest attacking display under the Australian’s management.

Morgan Gibbs-White managed just 23 touches in 90 minutes, receiving limited service from midfield. The England international created zero chances compared to his season average of 2.1 per match.

Forest’s passing accuracy dropped to 78% compared to their season average of 84%. Non GamStop Betting Sites have lengthened their odds for European qualification following this performance.

Statistical Comparison

Arsenal registered 2.6 expected goals compared to Forest’s 0.4, reflecting their territorial dominance. The hosts completed 547 passes to Forest’s 312, achieving 89% accuracy. Corner kick count favored Arsenal 8-2, with five coming from Madueke’s deliveries.

Possession statistics showed Arsenal controlling 68% of the ball, their highest percentage this season. They completed 34 passes in the final third compared to Forest’s 12, demonstrating sustained pressure in advanced areas.

The victory moved Arsenal level on nine points with Liverpool but ahead on goal difference (+7 versus +5). They have scored 12 goals in four matches while conceding just one, establishing the league’s best defensive record alongside Manchester City.

Zubimendi completed 76 passes at 92% accuracy while making four tackles. His heat map showed coverage from penalty box to penalty box, fulfilling the box-to-box role Arsenal lacked last season. The statistics confirm Arsenal’s summer recruitment has addressed specific tactical requirements while maintaining their defensive foundation.

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