Martin Zubimendi scored two goals on his home debut to lead a dominant Arsenal to a 3-0 victory over Nottingham Forest, spoiling Ange Postecoglou’s first game as their manager.
Arsenal make it seven consecutive home wins against Nottingham Forest after a routine win against Ange Postecoglou's side.
A Martin Zubimendi double, including a thunderous volley, either side of Viktor Gyokeres' third Arsenal goal move Mikel Arteta's side top of the Premier… pic.twitter.com/0oYuaLgvR5
— The Athletic | Football (@TheAthleticFC) September 13, 2025
Martin Zubimendi scored a stunning brace on his home debut to fire Arsenal to a comfortable 3-0 victory over Nottingham Forest, handing new Forest manager Ange Postecoglou a defeat in his first match in charge. The Spanish midfielder broke the deadlock just before halftime, lashing a powerful volley into the net from a cleared corner. Arsenal doubled their lead immediately after the break, with new signing Eberechi Eze setting up Viktor Gyokeres for a simple tap-in. Zubimendi then sealed the win with a clever headed finish.
The Gunners dominated proceedings despite an early injury to captain Martin Odegaard. Noni Madueke was particularly impressive on the right wing, consistently tormenting the Forest defense and providing dangerous deliveries. Postecoglou, who has yet to secure a win against Arsenal boss Mikel Arteta after five attempts, saw his team offer little threat, with Morgan Gibbs-White missing their best opportunity.
Here is a summary of the performances of the Arsenal players:
David Raya – 6 A quiet afternoon for the keeper, who was rarely tested but showed his command of the box when needed. He secured his third clean sheet in four matches on a milestone 100th career appearance.
Jurrien Timber – 7 Seamlessly settling into his role, Timber displayed some beautiful touches and linked up particularly well with Noni Madueke. This budding partnership on the right flank looks increasingly promising.
Cristhian Mosquera – 8 Stepping in for the second time, Mosquera once again proved a more than capable replacement for William Saliba. He made a crucial challenge to thwart a certain goal and later showed brilliant defensive instincts with a stooping header to clear a dangerous attack.
Gabriel Magalhaes – 7 The Brazilian was solid at the back, highlighted by an excellent sliding block that prevented a cross from reaching a dangerous area. He also had an early headed chance from a Madueke corner that went just wide.
Riccardo Calafiori – 7 Any defensive concerns from last season appear to be a thing of the past. Calafiori looked like a player whose game has gone to a new level, contributing not just defensively but also with influential moments in the attacking half before being substituted.
Martin Zubimendi – 8 The midfield metronome proved to be a surprise goalscorer, granting the Gunners the lead with a stunning volley from outside the box. He later added a second with an unlikely headed finish, showcasing his newfound knack for goals.
Mikel Merino – 7 Deputizing for Declan Rice, Merino ran the midfield and showed his versatility by moving up front to finish the game. While his goalscoring form from international duty didn’t follow, he had an early chance that was saved by the keeper.
Martin Odegaard – n/a An unfortunate day for the captain, who was forced off with injuries to his shoulder and ankle after an ugly tangle. His bright start was cut short, leaving him unable to complete the first half.
Noni Madueke – 9 A constant menace on the right flank, Madueke was at the heart of Arsenal’s attack. His pace, skill, and precise deliveries—both from open play and corners—were mesmerizing at times.
Eberechi Eze – 8 Eze thrilled the home crowd with his dazzling skill and provided the crucial assist for the team’s second goal with a brilliant cut-back to Viktor Gyokeres just seconds into the second half.
Viktor Gyokeres – 8 Gyokeres once again proved his worth with a poacher’s goal, a simple tap-in that fans will hope to see many more of. He also hit the post with a powerful strike and was crucial in linking up play early in the match.
Substitutes Ethan Nwaneri – 5 Brought on early for Odegaard, Nwaneri looked a little rusty and struggled to make a significant impact on the game, missing a pass and skying a later shot into the stands.
Myles Lewis-Skelly – 6 A solid, no-nonsense performance from Lewis-Skelly, who came in for the booked Calafiori and held the defensive line perfectly, repelling every attack that came his way.