Second-half goals from Gabriel Jesus and Bukayo Saka gave us a deserved win at Nottingham Forest on Tuesday night.
In truth, Mikel Arteta’s side controlled proceedings throughout but had to display plenty of patience before eventually taking the lead through Jesus’ clever near-post finish 20 minutes after the break.
Our No 9, who had previously struck the post shortly after the restart, was heavily involved in our second goal too, picking out Saka to double the lead with a crisp, right-foot finish shortly after.
Substitute Taiwo Awoniyi ensured a nervy finish when stabbing home from close range shortly before full-time, but we saw out an important victory that takes us within two points of Premier League leaders Liverpool, who host Chelsea on Wednesday evening.
Purposeful Smith Rowe
Mikel Arteta’s side showed two changes from the 5-0 win over Crystal Palace last time out.
Gabriel Martinelli’s fine two-goal cameo in that match saw him rewarded with a start, with Emile Smith Rowe brought in for his first league start since October 28, 2023.
Our No 10 looked sharp on his return - first, seeing his inviting cross hacked just over the crossbar by the retreating Murillo and then firing over from 20 yards having picked up possession in a dangerous area.
We dominated the ball throughout the first half but struggled to create clear-cut opportunities against the well-drilled hosts.
Jesus, Odegaard and Saka all saw close-range shots blocked before the former’s header was touched over by former Gunner, Matt Turner, as we went into the break goalless.
Re-invigorated after the break
While the first half was tight and with chances few and far between, the second started in an altogether more open manner.
Martinelli saw a cross just about cleared away at one end before William Saliba was called upon to make a key interception when Morgan Gibbs-White tried to thread through half-time substitute Awoniyi.
We continued to look dangerous as the half went on - Saka drawing a fine save from Turner before combining well with Odegaard to free Jesus, who cannoned a shot against the near post.
Jesus makes the breakthrough
There was a growing sense that a goal was coming. It duly arrived 20 minutes after the restart thanks in part to quick thinking from Alex Zinchenko.
Our left back’s sharply-taken throw caught the home defence out, allowing Jesus to race clear. There was still plenty for the Brazilian to do with the angle tight - but he expertly poked the ball through Turner’s legs.
Saka doubles the lead
Five minutes later, Jesus turned provider after a flowing counter-attack. Gonzalo Montiel lost possession inside the centre circle, allowing Odegaard to shift the ball wide to our No 9. He advanced towards goal before switching the ball to Saka, whose right-foot effort nestled inside the far corner.
Awoniyi ensures tense finish
Substitute Leo Trossard’s fierce shot whistled narrowly over as we hunted a third - but Awoniyi ensured a nervy finale late on when stabbing home from close range after he’d brought Montiel’s header across the penalty area under his control.
Forest poured forward in search of a dramatic late leveller - but with the exception of one half chance for Awoniyi, Arteta’s side comfortably held out to secure a vital three points on the road.
Facts and stats
We have taken 20 points from away matches in this season's Premier League - the third-highest total in the division
Gabriel Jesus has scored against 29 of the 31 teams he's faced in the Premier League
Bukayo Saka has become the first player to record 10+ goals and 10+ assists in all competitions in two consecutive seasons for us since Alexis Sanchez did so three times running from 2014-15 to 2016-17
What's next
We're back at Emirates Stadium this weekend, with Liverpool the visitors on Sunday afternoon. Kick-off is at 4.30pm (UK time)
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