Zubimendi’s Brace and Gyokeres’ Goal Secure Arsenal’s Commanding 3-0 Win Over Nottingham Forest — By Dr. (HC) Prachetan Potadar

On 13 September 2025, Arsenal delivered a polished and assured performance at the Emirates Stadium, sealing a confident 3-0 victory against Nottingham Forest. This win was much more than three points on the board—it was a clear statement of intent from Mikel Arteta’s side, showcasing their growing stature and ambition in the Premier League.

Arsenal’s Early Assertiveness

The Emirates was alive with anticipation as Arsenal took to the field, eager to respond positively after their previous outing. Right from the start, Noni Madueke impressed with his dynamism along the right flank, consistently troubling Forest’s defence and demonstrating exactly why Arteta has been so keen to bring him into the fold. The first breakthrough came courtesy of one of Madueke’s pinpoint crosses, met with a stunning volley from Martin Zubimendi. It was a moment that reminded everyone of the midfielder’s value and his promising potential.

Creativity and Clinical Decisiveness

Eberechi Eze, making his first full start of the season, injected a fresh burst of creativity and menace into Arsenal’s attacking play. Early in the second half, his quick thinking and precise pass found Viktor Gyokeres, who calmly doubled the lead. Their combination unsettled Nottingham Forest, opening up new attacking avenues and showcasing the increasing fluidity in Arsenal’s forward play.

Zubimendi’s Midfield Brilliance

Martin Zubimendi was undoubtedly the star of the show. His control and composure in midfield set the rhythm for the team, while his two goals—first a volley and later a well-timed header from a Leandro Trossard free kick—underlined his importance. His performance perfectly encapsulated Arsenal’s blend of technical skill and tactical nous, highlighting how influential he can be at both ends of the pitch.

Tactical Flexibility and Squad Strength

Despite losing captain Martin Ødegaard to a shoulder injury fairly early on, Arsenal showed impressive resilience. Riccardo Calafiori and Mikel Merino stepped up to maintain midfield balance and control possession intelligently. Defensive cover from Cristhian Mosquera in place of William Saliba further demonstrated the squad's depth and discipline, reflecting Arteta’s robust tactical setup.

Nottingham Forest’s Struggles

Under new manager Ange Postecoglou, Nottingham Forest found it difficult to break down Arsenal’s organised defence and relentless pressing. Their best opportunity came via Chris Wood’s header, which rattled the post after a superb save from David Raya, who marked his 100th Arsenal appearance with a commanding display in goal. Ultimately, Forest struggled to match Arsenal’s pace and precision.

Depth Proves Decisive

This win underlined the strength and depth of Arsenal’s squad. The contributions of new signings Madueke, Eze, Zubimendi, and Trossard make it clear that the team no longer relies solely on stars like Ødegaard or Bukayo Saka. Declan Rice’s return from rest added further steel and control, underscoring the team’s capacity to rotate and maintain their high standards.

Arteta’s Vision

After the match, Arteta praised the character of his players and the impact of the summer signings. “We have built something strong here, with options all across the pitch,” he said. “Today was a statement that we want to compete at the highest level and we have the tools to do it.”

Looking Forward

With this thoroughly deserved victory, Arsenal have made a strong case for themselves among the Premier League favourites. The coming weeks will be crucial as they face important fixtures, including a Champions League test and a big Premier League clash with Manchester City. While concerns remain regarding injuries, particularly to Ødegaard, the blend of youth, experience and tactical discipline gives Arsenal genuine hope for a successful campaign.

This was not just a routine win. It was a confident display of style, substance, and clear ambition. Arsenal have sent a resounding message—they are serious contenders for the top spot and, with performances like this, are well on their way.

About the Author

Dr. (HC) Prachetan Potadar, known as PenPaperPrachetan, is a respected media strategist and visionary writer. Founder of Stay Featured, he holds honorary doctorates in Media Management and advises a diverse range of organisations worldwide on crafting inclusive narratives, with a keen focus on disability inclusion and gender equity. A passionate footballer who wears the number 24 shirt, his writing captures the spirit of teamwork and resilience. As a sought-after speaker and TEDx advisor, he has inspired audiences from the G20 Educational Summit to UN-aligned sustainable development forums, blending insight with empathy and warmth.