Martin Zubimendi scored his first Arsenal goals as the Gunners comfortably beat Nottingham Forest to give Ange Postecoglou a defeat in his first game in charge.
Former Tottenham manager Postecoglou had not beaten Arsenal boss Mikel Arteta in the previous four matches they had faced each other in, with three losses and one draw.
That record did not seem likely to change as, although Forest showed promise in some of their play, Arsenal took charge of the match.
Arsenal’s Noni Madueke, again starting on the right in place of the injured Bukayo Saka, was impressive as he seemed able to beat Morato every time he had the ball, while his inswinging corners caused problems for the Forest defence.
It was from one of these corners that Arsenal took the lead. Chris Wood headed one of Madueke’s deliveries to the edge of the box and Zubimendi hit a powerful volley past Matz Sels with a slight deflection from Murillo.
Morgan Gibbs-White had the best chance for Forest when he shot wide from inside the penalty area following a counter-attack.
The Gunners doubled their lead one minute into the second half when Eberechi Eze, making his first start for Arsenal, teed up Viktor Gyokeres to tap in from close range.
Zubimendi then added his second with a header when he got on the end of substitute Leandro Trossard’s cross.
Arteta will be delighted with the performance his side put in, with a number of key players out injured and captain Martin Odegaard having to be replaced with what looked like a shoulder injury in the first half.
Arsenal analysis: Gunners dominate
Arsenal were criticised for their performance in the loss against Liverpool before the international break, but they brushed off that disappointment to dominate against Forest.
In response, Arteta named an attacking side with Eze and Madueke either side of striker Gyokeres.
In midfield, Mikel Merino was handed a start, after scoring a hat-trick against Turkey for Spain while on international duty, alongside Odegaard as Arsenal looked to take control of the game.
Zubimendi, there to link up the play, scored two goals in the same game for the first time in his top-flight club career.
Madueke, fresh from scoring his first England goal, continued that good form and was the Gunners’ standout player.
He was positive whenever he was on the ball and provided an outlet for his team. And Forest, following an injury to Murillo, moved Neco Williams to left-back in an attempt to keep Madueke quiet.
Madueke was replaced to a standing ovation while the supporters inside the stadium sang his name.
Cristhian Mosquera started alongside centre-back Gabriel in place of William Saliba, who is continuing his recovery from an ankle problem, and also put in an impressive performance.
Forest analysis: Postecoglou starts with defeat
Postecoglou was only named Forest boss late on Tuesday, so the time on the training pitch will have been limited with his new squad.
Forest also have a number of players away on international duty, which would have lessened the tactical work that Postecoglou was able to do.
Even so, there were some noticeable changes to the side. Under former manager Nuno Espirito Santo, Forest became known for their organised defence and ability to counter-attack.
In the early part of this match Forest did attempt to pressure Arsenal higher up the pitch but were forced back by the excellent Arsenal side.
Supporters will not have been too hopeful heading to north London with Forest winning only two of their past 16 matches against Arsenal, and both of those came at home.
Postecoglou again will not have much time to implement the expansive style he is known for, with a Carabao Cup game against Swansea City on Wednesday.
BBC
