Arsenal have momentarily moved six points behind Premier League leaders Liverpool after beating Nottingham Forest 3-0 at the Emirates Stadium on Saturday. Bukayo Saka, Thomas Partey and Ethan Nwaneri provided the goals to stop the rot for the Gunners, following a four-match winless run in the top flight.
Mikel Arteta's side rediscovered their mojo with a suffocating masterclass on the ball, condemning Forest to back-to-back defeats to sour an auspicious start to the season further.
Express Sport rates the Arsenal players on a hugely positive afternoon in north London.
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Arsenal player ratings vs Nottingham Forest
David Raya: 6
A fourth Premier League clean sheet of the season for last term's Golden Glove winner. He won't get many more easily after no shots on target from the visitors.
Jurrien Timber: 7
First-half goal disallowed and looked assured at right-back. Two fouls drawn, two chances created and a 94 per cent pass accuracy.
William Saliba: 8
Characteristically dominant at the heart of Arsenal's defence and crucial to the hosts build-up play, completing more passes than any other player.
Gabriel Magalhaes: 7
Five of seven attempted long balls found an Arsenal man and just as defensively prevailing as his partner.
A decent 67-minute showing before making way for Oleksandr Zinchenko. Won both of his ground duels.
Jorginho: 5
Unsurprisingly taken off at half-time. Won just one of his four ground duels and could never have replicated Declan Rice's impact. That could be a problem for Arteta he continues to go without Rice.
Mikel Merino: 7
Won more duels than any other player (six). Powered Arteta's engine room with six ball recoveries and three tackles.
Martin Odegaard: 9
Arsenal have dearly missed him. Created six chances - the most in the game - and notched the assist for Saka's opener.
Bukayo Saka: 9
Could've mistaken him for Arjen Robben for his superb goal. Caused havoc throughout the afternoon, taking six shots, making five ball recoveries and creating four chances.
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Leandro Trossard: 7
An absolute handful, winning the most duels and drawing the most fouls on the pitch.
Gabriel Jesus: 5
Won two of nine duels and lacked authority at the spearhead of Arteta's side. Arsenal need a natural No. 9.
Substitutes
Thomas Partey: 8
Sensational display after replacing Jorginho at the break. A stunning goal to double Arsenal's lead was followed by four tackles - the most in the match - and four successful duels out of five.
Oleksandr Zinchenko: 6
Didn't have much to do at all.
Ethan Nwaneri: 8
A first Premier League goal for the 17-year-old. It doesn't require repeating, but Arsenal have a fantastic talent on their hands.
Raheem Sterling: 7
Touched the ball seven times, and one of them was to assist Nwaneri.
Jakub Kiwior: N/A
Played two minutes.
