Rare Martin Zubimendi Brace Leads Arsenal's 3-0 Win Over Nottingham Forest

Last Updated:September 13, 2025, 21:55 IST

Martin Zubimendi's brace led Arsenal to a 3-0 win over Nottingham Forest, spoiling Ange Postecoglou's debut and sending Arsenal top of the table.

Martin Zubimendi and Noni Madueke starred for Arsenal against Nottingham Forest. (PC: AFP)

Arsenal spoiled Ange Postecoglou’s debut as Nottingham Forest manager, with Martin Zubimendi’s brace securing a 3-0 victory at the Emirates Stadium on Saturday.

Zubimendi scored his first goals for the Gunners following his summer transfer from Real Sociedad. The Spanish midfielder opened the scoring in the first half and added another in the closing stages after Viktor Gyokeres extended Arsenal’s lead shortly after the interval.

Arsenal’s third win in four games propelled them to the top of the table on goal difference, ahead of Liverpool, who play Burnley on Sunday.

A 1-0 loss to champions Liverpool in their last match before the international break had dampened the early-season optimism at Arsenal, which was built on successive victories against Leeds and Manchester United.

However, this confident performance, highlighted by Noni Madueke’s impressive display, is what Gunners boss Mikel Arteta believes will keep his team in title contention. “When the players return from internationals, it’s always uncertain how they’ll reconnect. Winning 3-0 with another clean sheet is crucial," Arteta said. “Unbelievable from Zubimendi, two very difficult goals in terms of execution. He’s come into the club and you feel a real presence, a real authority with everything he does on the pitch. Some of the players were starting for the first time so, overall, very good."

The only downside for Arteta was an injury to Arsenal captain Martin Odegaard, who had to leave the pitch in the first half due to what appeared to be a shoulder problem. Odegaard joins an already lengthy injury list that includes Bukayo Saka, Kai Havertz, Gabriel Jesus, and William Saliba. “It’s the same shoulder. He was uncomfortable to continue. That’s a shame because he played with the national team and was feeling good. He’ll do everything to be involved midweek (in the Champions League) but I don’t know," Arteta said.

It was a frustrating return to north London for Postecoglou, just three months after he was sacked by Tottenham despite winning the Europa League last season, ending the club’s 17-year trophy drought. Postecoglou was hired by Forest this week following Nuno Espirito Santo’s dismissal after his relationship with owner Evangelos Marinakis deteriorated.

Marinakis immediately put pressure on Postecoglou, who oversaw Tottenham’s worst top-flight finish since the 1976-77 season, by stating that Forest were in a position to compete for major trophies. However, the Australian couldn’t win a north London derby as Tottenham boss and failed to lead Forest to their first victory at Arsenal since 1989.

“They’re a very good side and pretty formidable at home. But even in that context, it’s disappointing," Postecoglou said. “It’s been a really disruptive week for the players. We’ve only had one training session together but hopefully now we can start bedding in some of the principles we need to."

Arsenal’s Eberechi Eze made his first start since joining from Crystal Palace in August, while his England team-mate Declan Rice was left on the bench. Arsenal’s proficiency with set-pieces had troubled Postecoglou during his time at Tottenham, and it nearly paid off again when Jurrien Timber’s glancing header from Madueke’s corner just missed the target.

Arsenal’s lead came from another set-piece in the 32nd minute, but Zubimendi’s strike was far from ordinary. He met the ball on the volley, firing a brilliant shot from the edge of the area that deflected off Forest defender Murillo and went past Matz Sels.

Gyokeres put Arsenal firmly in control just 46 seconds after the restart. Eze whipped in a low cross for Gyokeres to easily slot home his third goal since arriving from Sporting Lisbon.

Zubimendi delivered the final blow in the 79th minute, rising to head in Leandro Trossard’s cross with clinical precision.

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