Spurs Deliver Harsh Defeat as Ange and Forest Shocked by Contender for Goal of the Year

Arsenal secured a decisive 3-0 victory against Nottingham Forest, marking a challenging debut for Ange Postecoglou as the new manager of Forest. Martin Zubimendi scored twice, with Viktor Gyokeres adding another goal for Arsenal at the Emirates Stadium.

Zubimendi, who joined Arsenal from Real Sociedad during the close season, opened the scoring in the first half and added a second goal late in the match after Gyokeres had doubled the lead shortly after halftime.

This win represents Arsenal's third victory in four matches, propelling them to the top of the league table on goal difference ahead of Liverpool, who are set to face Burnley.

Prior to this match, Arsenal had experienced a setback with a 1-0 defeat against reigning champions Liverpool, which had dampened the team's early-season optimism following wins against Leeds and Manchester United.

Despite the victory, Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta faced a setback with the injury of captain Martin Odegaard, who left the field in the first half due to a shoulder issue. Odegaard's injury adds to an existing list that includes Bukayo Saka, Kai Havertz, Gabriel Jesus, and William Saliba.

Postecoglou's return to north London was marked by disappointment, coming just three months after his dismissal from Tottenham, where he had led the team to a Europa League title. He was appointed by Nottingham Forest following the departure of Nuno Espirito Santo, who had a strained relationship with the club's owner, Evangelos Marinakis.

Marinakis has placed expectations on Postecoglou to challenge for major trophies, despite the manager's previous struggles in north London derbies. Nottingham Forest has not won at Arsenal since 1989.

Arsenal's Eberechi Eze made his first start since joining from Crystal Palace, while Declan Rice began the match on the bench. Arteta faced criticism for his previous tactical choices, but the team demonstrated their attacking prowess with Zubimendi's impressive volley from a set piece in the 32nd minute.

Gyokeres extended Arsenal's lead shortly after the second half began, showcasing the effectiveness of Arteta's summer signings. Forest nearly responded immediately, hitting the crossbar, but Arsenal maintained control of the match.

Zubimendi sealed the victory with a header in the 79th minute, prompting chants from the home fans directed at Postecoglou's former club, Tottenham.