Arsenal got their Premier League campaign off to a positive start after defeating Nottingham Forest 2-1 at the Emirates Stadium on Saturday afternoon.
Premier League
Result: Arsenal 2-1 Nottingham Forest
Date: 12 August 2023
Venue: Emirates Stadium
Declan Rice, Jurrien Timber and Kai Havertz were handed their league debuts for the Gunners, while Nottingham gave a debut to goalkeeper Matt Turner just days after he left the Emirates Stadium.
The Gunners dominated in the early stages, but Forest should have taken the lead on 11 minutes when Brennan Johnson slipped through on goal, but the Welsh forward blazed over with only Aaron Ramsdale.
After waves of attack, the Gunners got the opening goal in the 26th minute when a superb piece of skill from Gabriel Martinelli slipped in Nketiah, who carved out some space before firing past Turner.
The lead was doubled in spectacular fashion six minutes later when Bukayo Saka collected pass from William Saliba before finding the top corner with a superb strike from distance.
The Gunners were dealt a blow at the start of the second half when Timber was forced off with an injury and replaced by Takehiro Tomiyasu five minutes into the second stanza.
With the Gunners still comfortably leading, Forest coach Steve Copper responded with a double change as Danilo and Olufisayo Aina made way for Taiwo Awoniyi and Neco Williams.
The changes paid off as Forest pulled a goal back in the 82nd minute as Anthony Elanga embarked on a fine solo run before teeing up Awoniyi for the close-range strike.
Forest did push for a late equaliser but the Gunners defended well to hold out for opening-game victory on home soil.
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