Saka celebrates goal against Nottingham

Arsenal hosted Nottingham Forest at the Emirates Stadium to kick start their Premier League campaign. The Gunners got the lead with some work from Eddie Nketiah and doubled their lead with a peach of a finish from Bukayo Saka. Taiwo Awoniyi, who scored the winner when Arsenal played Nottingham Forest at the tail end of last season, scored a late goal that brought a scare, but the Gunners held out to grab their first maximum points of the season. 

Without further ado, here are the Gooner Daily player ratings for the Arsenal vs. Nottingham Forest game.

Starting XI

Aaron Ramsdale: The English shot stopper had a relatively uneventful game but showed some shakiness with the opposition forwards closing down on his clearances. Did well to make himself big to put Brennan Johnson off. (6)

Ben White: Was his usual vibrant self, switching positions with Thomas Partey and making forays forward to support the attack. (7)

William Saliba: Another neat display from our Rolls Royce defender. Also did well to get an assist for the match winner. (7)

Thomas Partey: Started primarily as a right back but inverted really well to support the team from midfield. (7)

Jurrien Timber: Was full of energy in the unorthodox left back position and must be absolutely gutted to suffer that knee injury. I hope he has a speedy recovery. (6)

Declan Rice: Put up a dominant display in midfield, making loads of anticipations to kill off Nottingham Forest attacks. Arsenal has gotten a real gem of a player. (8)

Kai Havertz: Featured in several tactical positions to support the team, but lacked cutting edge when required. (6)

Martin Odegaard: Created many chances for his team and exerted his influence as you’d expect from the skipper. (7)

Gabriel Martinelli: Was a massive thorn in the flesh of the former Spurs defender, Serge Aurier. The roulette he pulled off for his assist was a piece of genius. (8)

Bukayo Saka: The Starboy should why he’s Arsenal’s talisman. Made Ola Aina’s life a living Hell and curled a sweet effort that left Matt Turner with no chance in the Netherrealm to make a save. (9)

Eddie Nketiah: Justified his manager’s decision to select him to lead the line with a well-taken goal. Also held up play well and supported the team. (8)

Substitutes

Takehiro Tomiyasu: Did well to step in the unfamiliar left back role, but he has always been Arsenal’s Swiss Army Knife. (7)

Leandro Trossard: Held the ball well and did his bit to support from the left wing. Loved that lung bursting run late on. (7)

Gabriel: Did not play enough to earn a rating. N/A

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