The most pleasant Premier League surprise did not stand a chance at Emirates against Arsenal’s barrage! Behind Saka’s first-half effort and the two subs, Partey and Nwaneri’s second-half goals, the Gunners brushed aside tricky rivals Nottingham Forest and noted a victory after three winless PL games – 3-0.17 – At 17 years and 247 days, Ethan Nwaneri is now Arsenal’s second youngest Premier League goalscorer, behind only Cesc Fàbregas against Blackburn in August 2004 (17y 113d). Prodigy. pic.twitter.com/VQPzJhoKhi— OptaJoe (@OptaJoe) November 23, 2024 Mikel Arteta sprung a few surprises in the XI for the duel against Nottingham Forest, opting for Gabriel Jesus as the centre-forward instead of Kai Havertz. Interestingly, Jesus’ last Premier League goal came against today’s rivals back in January.The Gunners started the game passionately, keen on breaking the three-match winless run. Their first goal, scored by Jurrien Timber after a free-kick combination, was disallowed due to Mikel Merino’s offside in the fifth minute, but ten minutes later, there was no mistake! Bukayo Saka received a good pass from his captain, Martin Odegaard, and, after a skilful solo run, placed a bomb into Matz Sels’ net for 1-0!Despite the early opener, Arsenal did not stop, going for the second, while Forest barely left their penalty area. Still, the Gunners’ barrage over Odegaard, Saka, Timber, and Leandro Trossard failed to find the net due to good blocks, Sels’ excellent stops, and Nikola Milenkovic’s goalline clearance. Hence, despite the immense pressure, the home team was only one goal up at the break.What the Faes! Belgian’s deplorable defending awards Chelsea with an away winGiven that three of his boys were booked – Saka, Jesus, and Jorginho – the latter was replaced by Thomas Partey during the break. And the Ghanaian repaid Arteta for his trust almost instantly! Seven minutes after the ref’s first whistle in the second period, Partey made it 2-0 after Saka once more played a vital role in the attack, assisting the midfielder’s long-distance bomb!That goal seemed to have sealed the Trees’ fate, although Nuno Espirito Santo’s boys refused to give up. Still, Arsenal’s experience prevailed, as the Gunners managed to persist and keep the lead while waiting for the chance to make the final strike.They finally awaited it in the 86th minute, when the duo of subs, Raheem Sterling and Ethan Nwaneri, combined for the third goal in Sels’ net, with the first assisting and the latter scoring his first Premier League goal – 3-0!This victory reduces the gap between Arsenal and the leaders Liverpool to five points, although the Reds face Southampton tomorrow. Nottingham, on the other hand fell to the sixth spot, but their season is still terrific, despite today’s tough defeat.ENGLISH PREMIER LEAGUE – MATCHDAY 12SaturdayLeicester City – Cheslea 1-2 (0-1)/Ayew 90+4 pen – Jackson 15, Fernandez 75/Arsenal – Nott.Forest 3-0 (1-0)/Saka 15, Partey 52, Nwaneri 86/Aston Villa – Crystal Palace 2-2 (1-2)/Watkins 36, Barkley 77 – Sarr 4, Devenny 45+1/Bournemouth – Brighton 1-2 (0-1)/Brooks 90+3 – Joao Pedro 4, Mitoma 49/Everton – Brentford 0-0Fulham – Wolverhampton 1-4 (1-1)/Iwobi 20 – Cunha 31, 87, Gomes 53, Guedes 90+5/20:30: (1.55) Man.City (4.20) Tottenham (5.90)Sunday17:00: (9.50) Southampton (5.90) Liverpool (1.28)19:30: (5.40) Ipswich (3.80) Man.Utd. (1.65)Monday22:00: (1.52) Newcastle (4.20) West Ham (6.25)***odds are subject to change***
