Arsenal showcased the power of their revamped squad with a convincing 3-0 win over Nottingham Forest on Saturday, at the same time as captain Martin Odegaard was compelled off with one other harm concern.
The Norwegian midfielder lasted simply 18 minutes on the Metropolis Floor after colliding with teammate Jurrien Timber, showing to irritate the identical shoulder drawback that troubled him final month.
He was changed by teenager Ethan Nwaneri, elevating recent doubts over his availability forward of Arsenal’s Champions League opener towards Athletic Membership on Tuesday and subsequent weekend’s Premier League conflict with Manchester Metropolis.
Regardless of dropping their influential playmaker, Arsenal managed the competition. Summer season signing Martin Zubimendi delivered a standout efficiency, scoring twice, first with a fierce volley then with a exact header, to place the guests firmly in command.
Fellow new arrival Viktor Gyokeres added a 3rd, ending off a flowing transfer created by Eberechi Eze, who has shortly settled into the aspect after his switch from Crystal Palace.
The end result was important not just for the scoreline but additionally for the best way Arsenal coped with a mounting harm checklist. Alongside Odegaard, the Gunners had been with out William Saliba, Bukayo Saka, Kai Havertz and Gabriel Jesus, but nonetheless produced a dominant show.
