Back-to-back Premier League win in the bag for Arsenal as second-half goals from Gabriel Jesus and Bukayo Saka helped Mikel Arteta’s side secured a first away win since a 4-3 success at Luton at the start of December.
The Gunners side had gone four away games without a win but started the game on the front foot, knowing very well how difficult it has been for them in Nottinghamshire in recent times.
Arsenal had lost in each of their three previous trips to Forest, including one in the Premier League run-in last season, and with that in mind, they were desperate to make a good impression earlier on.
Nottingham Forest however resisted all the pressure mounted by the visitors as they kept their shape in defence, making crucial interceptions and putting their bodies on the line just to prevent their Goalkeeper being beaten.
They had success doing so in the first-half with Arsenal having nothing to show for their over 80 per cent possession and nine shots, of which just one found the target.
Arsenal showed more cutting edge after the break
Arsenal continued to push for the breakthrough after the interval and were presented a glorious chance to finally take the lead three minutes before the hour-mark, but Gabriel Jesus could only strike the from close range after being teed up by Martin Ødegaard.
The Brazilian finally broke the deadlock few minutes later in the 65th minute. The former Manchester City man received the ball from an Oleksandr Zinchenko throw and made his way into the box before firing through the legs of Matt Turner from almost an impossible angle.
Seven minutes later, Gabriel Jesus turned provider following an Arsenal counter. He covered a few ground after a pass from Martin Ødegaard and feeds Bukayo Saka, who drove at the defender before unleashing a right-footed that beat turner for the second time on the night.
Bukayo Saka’s goal sees him score in back-to-back fixtures against Nottingham Forest, as he also scored Arsenal’s second in a 2-1 home win in the reverse fixture on opening weekend of the season.
Half-time substitute Taiwo Awoniyi, who was marking his return after more than two months out with a groin injury, scored a late goal to set-up a nervous ending for Arsenal.
The Nigerian, also in the process scored in a third consecutive game against the Gunners, haven been responsible for all of the club’s goals in their three games against the visitors.
It finised 2-1 to Arsenal, who finally ended their poor away run ahead of the return of the UEFA Champions League next week, when they’ll travel to Portugal to face FC Porto in the round of 16.
Next for Arsenal after the Premier League win
It was not a convincing performance from Mikel Arteta’s side but it is a much-needed one. Forest stood no threat yet were able to make it very difficult for Arsenal and later on in the game appeared they could make away with something.
Arsenal did see off the win but there is still much to improve and it was evidence in the 90 minutes plus added time in Forest.
The result put Arsenal three points ahead of both Manchester City and Aston Villa, with the former playing host to Burnley on Wednesday while the latter has already lost 3-1 at home to Newcastle United.
Up next for Arsenal is a clash with Liverpool at the Emirates on Sunday, and Mikel Arteta will hope the likes of Gabriel Jesus, Bukayo Saka, Martin Ødegaard and Gabriel Martinelli find their scoring boots, to deliver what might be their most important Premier League win this season.
Thomas Partey is back in training but was not included in the squad at Forest last night. Arsenal and fans will hope the Ghanaian will feature against Liverpool as it will boost their chances of getting a positive result
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