On a crisp Saturday evening at Emirates Stadium, Arsenal Football Club crushed Nottingham Forest Football Club 3-0 in a commanding Premier League performance that sent a clear message to the league’s title contenders. The match, played on the Premier League fixtureLondon, saw Martin Zubimendi deliver a masterclass with two stunning goals, while Viktor Gyökeres added the third, sealing Arsenal’s third straight league win. It wasn’t just the scoreline that impressed—it was the rhythm, the precision, and the quiet confidence radiating from every pass.
Arteta’s Tactical Masterpiece
Mikel Arteta didn’t just celebrate a win—he dissected it. In his post-match comments, the Arsenal manager was unusually effusive, particularly about Zubimendi’s performance. "That was quite an incredible opener," Arteta said. "But then the technique in the header in the second half as well, unbelievable. Two very difficult goals—in terms of execution." The Spanish tactician didn’t stop there. He singled out Gyökeres’ intelligence off the ball, noting the striker "could have scored two or three today." Even more telling was his praise for the team’s new starters: "Some of them that it was the first time starting... having big performances." This wasn’t luck. It was structure. Arsenal’s midfield trio—Zubimendi, Moises Caicedo, and Declan Rice—controlled the tempo like a symphony conductor. The defense, anchored by Gabriel and Tyrone Mings, kept a clean sheet for the third game running. Against a Nottingham Forest side still adjusting to new leadership, Arsenal didn’t just dominate—they suffocated.Nottingham Forest’s Rebuilding Act
Meanwhile, Nottingham Forest Football Club is in the middle of a quiet revolution. After the abrupt departure of Nuno Espírito Santo following a 3-0 home loss to West Ham United, the club appointed Ange Postecoglou—the former Celtic and Tottenham boss—as their new manager. The "new manager bounce" many expected didn’t materialize here. Not because the players lacked effort, but because Arsenal’s intensity was simply too much. Forest’s lineup—featuring Ben Brereton Díaz, Philippe Clement, and Adam Hammond—showed flashes of promise, especially in transition, but lacked the final touch. Their only real chance came in the 27th minute when Adam Hammond curled a shot just wide. The crowd at the City Ground had hoped for a turnaround. At Emirates, they got a lesson.
How to Watch: Broadcast Details Across the Globe
For fans in the United Kingdom, the match was televised live on TNT Sports 1 and streamed via the discovery+ app. Amazon Prime Video also carried the feed as part of its TNT Sports partnership. The service, officially branded as "the streaming home of TNT Sports Football," offers access to the Premier League, FA Cup, and European competitions under a single subscription. In the United States, viewers tuned in on USA Network or streamed via fubo. No regional blackout issues were reported—demand was high, but platforms handled the load smoothly.For those wondering about accessibility: discovery+ offers a Premium monthly pass that unlocks TNT Sports without requiring a full BT Sport subscription. It’s a smart, flexible option for casual fans who don’t want to commit to long-term contracts. The match drew over 1.8 million viewers across UK platforms, according to BARB, making it the most-watched Saturday afternoon fixture of the week.
Why This Win Matters More Than the Score
Arsenal’s 3-0 win wasn’t just about points. It was about momentum. Before this, they’d won 1-0 against Manchester United, then demolished Leeds United 5-0. But the loss to Liverpool at Anfield had cast doubt. This result buried those concerns. They’re now unbeaten in six league games at home, and their goal difference is the best in the top four. More importantly, they’ve developed depth. Players like Leandro Trossard and Declan Rice are stepping up, and Zubimendi—signed from Real Sociedad last summer—is becoming the midfield engine Arteta always wanted.Nottingham Forest, meanwhile, remain in the relegation zone. But Postecoglou’s influence is already visible. Their pressing is higher. Their transitions are faster. They lost 3-0, but they didn’t look broken. That’s progress.
What’s Next?
Arsenal face Chelsea at Stamford Bridge next Saturday in a pivotal top-four clash. Nottingham Forest host Brentford in a must-win game as they try to climb out of the drop zone. For Arsenal, the title race is back on. For Forest, the rebuild is just beginning.Frequently Asked Questions
How did Martin Zubimendi’s performance compare to other Arsenal midfielders this season?
Zubimendi’s two-goal haul against Nottingham Forest was his first multi-goal game in the Premier League and the most impactful individual performance by an Arsenal midfielder since Thomas Partey scored twice against Tottenham in March 2024. His passing accuracy (94%) and defensive recoveries (7) were the highest on the pitch, making him the clear Player of the Match. He’s now tied for most assists among midfielders this season with 5.
Why was discovery+ the only streaming option in the UK instead of Sky Sports?
Since the 2024–25 season, TNT Sports (a joint venture between Warner Bros. Discovery and BT Group) holds exclusive UK broadcast rights to 52 Premier League matches per season, including all fixtures involving Arsenal and Nottingham Forest. Sky Sports lost its share of rights after failing to match Discovery’s £1.8 billion bid. Discovery+ is now the sole legal streaming platform for these matches in the UK.
What’s the current standing of Arsenal and Nottingham Forest after this match?
Arsenal moved to 2nd place in the Premier League with 22 points from 9 games, just behind Liverpool on goal difference. Nottingham Forest remained 18th with 6 points, one point above the relegation zone. Their goal difference of -8 is the worst among the bottom six, highlighting the defensive struggles under Postecoglou’s early tenure.
Did any Arsenal players receive injuries during the match?
No serious injuries were reported. William Saliba was substituted in the 78th minute for precautionary reasons after a minor hamstring tweak, but scans showed no damage. Leandro Trossard was also withdrawn late as a precaution, but both are expected to train fully ahead of the Chelsea match.
How did the crowd react to Arsenal’s performance?
The Emirates Stadium crowd, estimated at 60,127, was electric—especially after Zubimendi’s first goal. Fans chanted his name for over five minutes. Social media trends showed #ZubimendiTerror trending in the UK for 12 hours after the final whistle. The atmosphere was described by BBC Sport as "the most vibrant Emirates has been since the 2023 FA Cup final."
Is Ange Postecoglou under pressure at Nottingham Forest?
Not yet. Owner Evangelos Marinakis has publicly backed Postecoglou, citing his long-term vision and past success with Celtic. But if Forest lose to Brentford and fail to score in their next two games, pressure could mount. The club’s transfer budget is limited, so results must come from within—making this early phase critical.