Arsenal analysis: Who were the standout performers against Nottingham Forest? Cristhian Mosquera, Martin Zubimendi and more
Arsenal marked the end of the international break with a 3-0 demolition job of Nottingham Forest in the Premier League.
Martin Zubimendi hit a brace, including a thunderous volley in the first half, as Viktor Gyokeres bagged his third goal of the season.
Forest never really laid a glove on the Gunners in former Tottenham Hotspur boss Ange Postecoglou’s first game in charge.
The North Londoners needed to bounce back from their loss against Liverpool with a strong performance, and they did just that.
But who were the key difference makers for Mikel Arteta & Co?
MORE AFC ANALYSIS: Arsenal analysis: Who was Mikel Arteta’s best summer signing? Eberechi Eze and Viktor Gyokeres ranked
Martin Zubimendi at the double
Looking at Arsenal’s star-studded line-up, not many would have predicted Zubimendi to find the back of the net – let alone twice.
The Spaniard gave the Gunners the lead with a sublime volley from the edge of the box, smashing the ball as sweetly as you like from a headed clearance.
It was in the 79th minute when the 26-year-old bagged his second, rounding off the scoring with a precise header from close range.
While Zubmendi has largely impressed so far this season, he showcased his attacking capabilities against Nottingham Forest.
Positioned at the base of midfield, the Spanish international still dictated play well with an 84% pass accuracy, even without Declan Rice by his side.
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Cristian Mosquera impassable
With William Saliba ruled out through injury, it was Cristhian Mosquera who was given a chance at the heart of the Arsenal defence.
It is safe to say that the Spaniard took that chance with both hands.
Easily the best defender in the Gunners’ backline, the 21-year-old managed six clearances, two interceptions and six recoveries against Forest,
Additionally, Mosquera won an impressive 100% of his ground duels and tackles during the match.
Signed for just £13 million, Mosquera looks to be one of the bargains of the summer.
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Eberechi Eze and Viktor Gyokeres link up
Eberechi Eze made his first start for Arsenal, and it did not take long for him to get up and running.
Despite a relatively quiet first half, it took just 45 seconds after the break for the England international to tee up Gyokeres.
The 27-year-old latched onto a long ball over the top by Riccardo Calafiori, before centring to Gyokeres to smash home from close range.
Deployed down the left wing, Eze certainly looks like he will wreak havoc for the Gunners with their big Swede to aim at in the middle.
Once Bukayo Saka is back from a hamstring injury, too, Arsenal’s front three will be even more deadly.
Although Noni Madueke, who has also been impressive, will not make it easy for his English counterpart to regain his starting spot.
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