Arsenal will be hoping to challenge for the Premier League title and they got of to the perfect start after beating Nottingham Forest 2-1 at the Emirates Stadium. First half goals from Eddie Nketiah and Bukayo Saka got the North London side over the line despite a late goal by Forest substitute Taiwo Awoniyi.
Mikel Arteta handed new signings Jurrien Timber, Kai Havertz, and Declan Rice their first league starts since arriving in the capital this summer. Brazilian defender Gabriel was left on the bench despite being a key figure in Arsenal's title charge last campaign. Steve Cooper gave two of his three new signings their first start. Matt Turner, who arrived from Arsenal on Wednesday, started between the sticks and Ola Aina started at left wing back. £15 million man Anthony Elanga got a place on the substitute bench. There was also a spot on the bench for midfielder Lewis O'Brien following his loan at DC United last season.
It was the visitors who had the first big chance of the game. A header from Willy Boly looped over the Arsenal defence and set Brennan Johnson through on goal but the young forward could only put his shot wide. The Welshman keen to push on after a successful first season in the top flight and was close to opening his account.
The hosts then took the lead after 26 minutes. Gabriel Martinelli was causing Forest problems down the left side and he was involved in the goal. The Brazilian managed to spin away from two Forest players on the left side of the box while passing across to Nketiah in one move for the Englishman to convert into the far corner. The academy graduate opening his account for the new season and was stepping up in the absence of Gabriel Jesus.
It was 2-0 just six minutes later and it was another academy graduate in Saka who made it two. Morgan Gibbs-White gave away the ball in the corner of the Forest half and the ball was passed across to Saka who curled the ball into the top corner from the edge of the box. The England international looking to improve his tally of 14 goals in the league last season and he got underway in the perfect way. Seems Forest have not got out the habit of capitulating once conceding a first.
New signing Declan Rice came close to making it 3-0. The former West Ham captain had time and space on the edge of the box so he had a go but was denied by recently departed teammate Turner. Forest really struggling to even get out their own half as Arsenal were seeing a lot of the ball.
That was it for the first half and it was looking like it was going to be a long afternoons for Steve Cooper's men. Arsenals relentless pressing causing the Reds to go long which ultimately lost them the ball. Arsenal seemingly not losing their touch from last season and their new signings looking like they have been at the club for ages.
The second half was fairly quiet until the 80th minute and Turner made a brilliant save to deny Rice again. Saka's cross bounced all the way through to him and his volley was brilliantly saved by Turner up high to his left. The USA international doing really well to keep the score down against his former side.
Forest then opened the game up by scoring their first goal of the season. Substitute Elanga was subbed on for his debut and ran the length of the pitch with the ball before pulling the ball across to fellow substitute Taiwo Awoniyi to convert from close range. The Nigerian scoring the Reds first goal of the season for a second straight season and giving Arsenal a nervy end.
Despite Forest mounting pressure on in the late stages, Arsenal hung on and got their first victory of the season. A big improvement in performance from Forest in the second half with Elanga impressing the travelling support on his debut. Arsenal will be disappointed that they was not able to build on their lead and to keep a clean sheet. A clean sheet was not as easy to come by last season as you would of thought with the club finishing second. Next up for the Gunners is a trip to Selhurst Park to face Crystal Palace in an evening kick off in South London. Forest will be hoping to get a few incomings over the line before they host Sheffield United on Friday night with the club seemingly interested in bringing in a centre half. Elanga will be looking to start following his impressive end to the game at the Emirates.
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