Arsenal snapped their four-game Premier League winless streak in Mikel Arteta's 250th match in charge of the club as they earned a comfortable 3-0 victory over Nottingham Forest at the Emirates.
Without a triumph in the league since early October, Arsenal finally hit the long-awaited 2,000 win landmark in the top flight thanks to Bukayo Saka and Thomas Partey stunners before Ethan Nwaneri opened his Premier League account in the final moments.
Arsenal may not have taken their customary season-saving trip to Dubai over the November international break, but Arteta's men were a team rejuvenated in the first 45 minutes, where Jurrien Timber had a goal disallowed for the tightest of offside calls straight away.
However, there was no ruling out Saka's scintillating effort in the 15th minute after an exquisite assist from Martin Odegaard, who was running the show alongside his English colleague in an opening period dominated by the men in red.
Arteta's men let a few opportunities to increase their lead pass them by, though, meaning that the home contingent in the stands were not entirely comfortable at the break, in spite of their side's otherwise flawless performance.
An inspired half-time substitution from the Arsenal boss was the catalyst needed for a two-goal advantage, though, as Partey - brought on for the influential Jorginho - arguably bettered Saka's opener with a delightful 25-yard strike after being teed up by the Englishman.
The Gunners were seemingly happy to rest on their laurels slightly as the game drew to a close, but Nwaneri was not, as the 17-year-old capped off a wonderful display by becoming Arsenal's second-youngest goalscorer in Premier League history, only behind Cesc Fabregas.
Arsenal's triumph has not propelled them any further up the Premier League table, but they have cut the deficit to Liverpool down to six points, while Forest drop to sixth spot below Brighton & Hove Albion following their second straight PL loss.
ARSENAL VS. FOREST HIGHLIGHTS
Bukayo Saka goal vs. Forest (15th min, Arsenal 1-0 Forest)
© IconSport
That two-week reset has seemingly done Arsenal the world of good - they have been firmly on top in the opening 15 minutes and now have their deserved lead!
Odegaard plays the most delicate of passes into Saka, who takes the ball from one side of the box to the other before rifling in a terrific left-footed strike into the top corner.
Thomas Partey goal vs. Forest (52nd min, Arsenal 2-0 Forest)
He has only been on the field for a matter of moments, but Partey has surely rubber-stamped a much-needed victory for Arsenal right at the start of the second half!
Anything Saka can do, Partey can do better; the former finds the Ghanaian on the edge of the box, and he whips a spectacular 25-yard strike into the far bottom corner.
Ethan Nwaneri goal vs. Forest (86th min, Arsenal 3-0 Forest)
A first Premier League goal for the 17-year-old! Similarly to Partey, Nwaneri needs just a few minutes to make his presence felt, as does fellow substitute Raheem Sterling.
The two Englishmen combine as Sterling cuts back for his teenage compatriot, and Nwaneri produces a crisp first-time finish into the bottom corner at Matz Sels's near post.
MAN OF THE MATCH - BUKAYO SAKA
© Imago
A case can justifiably be made for string-puller Odegaard, whose return to the starting lineup has breathed new life into Arsenal, but the equally influential Saka just edges his Norwegian compatriot to this prize.
The 23-year-old's bullet of an opener was a thing of beauty, and he had the vision to pick out Partey on the edge of the box for the Ghanaian's equally brilliant second. Simply a joy to watch.
ARSENAL VS. FOREST MATCH STATS
Possession: Arsenal 66%-34% Forest
Shots: Arsenal 19-7 Forest
Shots on target: Arsenal 7-0 Forest
Corners: Arsenal 8-1 Forest
Fouls: Arsenal 10-11 Forest
BEST STATS
There is only one player since the start of last PL season with:
— StatMuse FC (@statmusefc) November 23, 2024
20+ goals
15+ assists
120+ chances created
That player is Bukayo Saka. pic.twitter.com/mkAAi5LIe6
17 - At 17 years and 247 days, Ethan Nwaneri is now Arsenal's second youngest Premier League goalscorer, behind only Cesc Fàbregas against Blackburn in August 2004 (17y 113d). Prodigy. pic.twitter.com/VQPzJhoKhi
— OptaJoe (@OptaJoe) November 23, 2024
WHAT NEXT?
Another European sojourn awaits Arsenal on Tuesday evening, as they head to a Ruben Amorim-less Sporting Lisbon side, before resuming Premier League action away to London rivals West Ham United in next Saturday's 5.30pm kickoff.
Meanwhile, Forest have a full week to recuperate before returning to the City Ground at home to Ipswich Town on November 30 at 3pm.
Ben Knapton
