Arsenal 3-0 Nottingham Forest – PLAYER RATINGS: Who was the difference maker for the Gunners? Which star ‘oozes class’ and who lacked influence on the game?

Arsenal ended a four-match winless run with a thumping 3-0 win over Nottingham Forest. 

After a dominant start for the Gunners, Bukayo Saka opened the scoring with a thumping finishing after solo run inside the box. 

Mikel Arteta‘s men stayed on top and were rewarded seven minutes into the second-half through Thomas Partey, who had come on the pitch after the break to replace Jorginho. 

Teenage sensation Ethan Nwaneri then came off the bench to seal victory for Arsenal four minutes from time. 

Arsenal are now six points behind leaders Liverpool, who face Southampton on Sunday. 

Mail Sport’s ISAAN KHAN was at the Emirates Stadium to bring you our player ratings. 

ARSENAL (4-3-3) 

DAVID RAYA: 6.5

A quiet night’s work against a Nottingham Forest side who didn’t manage a shot on target.

JURRIEN TIMBER: 6.5

Thought he had a goal within five minutes, but that was ruled out for offside. Did well at bringing play higher up the pitch.

WILLIAM SALIBA: 6.5

Marshalled Taiwo Awoniyi well and ensured he would not be outmuscled by a Forest forward line relying on strength,.

GABRIEL: 6.5

Positioning was good, particularly when the opposition tried to break.

RICCARDO CALAFIORI: 6.5

Given the luxury to spent much time in the opposition half, more so after the first goal. Benefitted by not being caught in one-on-one defensive scenarios.

MARTIN ODEGAARD: 8

What a difference he makes to this team. Linked up exceptionally well with Bukayo Saka and played a slew of clever, intricate passes either into the box or to break up play.

JORGINHO: 6.5

An air of composure in the midfield and dictated the tempo. Replaced at half-time by Thomas Partey.

MIKEL MERINO: 6.5

His header set up Timber, whose goal was ruled out for offside. Some of the Spaniard’s decision making could have been better, but a decent display.

BUKAYO SAKA: 8.5

Match-winner. Set the game up for Arsenal with a finish oozing class, shimmying past a series of defenders to smash the ball home. Assisted Partey for his goal.

GABRIEL JESUS: 6

Would’ve liked to have influenced the game more. Showed touches of class on 26 minutes to curl the ball just wide after a couple of one-two passes.

LEANDRO TROSSARD: 7.5

A return to form after recent struggles. Benefited from playing on the left wing with Gabriel Martinelli having been dropped. Played clever balls through the channels and his link-up play was solid, too.

Substitutes 

THOMAS PARTEY: 7

Scored Arsenal’s second goal minutes after coming on to settle the match.

ETHAN NWANERI: 7

Looked hungry for a goal straight from coming onto the pitch on 82 minutes – and got one, four minutes later.

Another impressive cameo, and another reminder to his boss that he’s ready.

Manager 

MIKEL ARTETA: 6.5

Made a series of changes which was a risky move — including starting Jorginho and dropping both Gabriel Martinelli and Kai Havertz — but it paid off to a tee.

Referee 

SIMON HOOPER: 5.5

Made some questionable decisions. Consistency for both sides didn’t seem to be fully there.

NOTTINGHAM FOREST (4-2-3-1)

Sels 5.5; Aina 6, Milenkovic 5.5, Murillo 6, Moreno 5.5 (Williams 73, 6); Yates 6.5, Dominguez 6 (Sosa 63, 6); Elanga 6.5 (Silva 46, 6), Ward-Prowse 6, Hudson-Odoi 6; Awoniyi 5.5 (Wood 63, 6).

Booked: Aina, Yates.

Manager: Nuno Espirito Santo 5.5

Referee: Simon Hooper 5.5.