5 talking points as Arsenal beat Nottingham Forest and close gap on Liverpool

30 January 2024 , 21:25

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Gabriel Jesus celebrates scoring for Arsenal against Nottingham Forest (Image: Getty Images)

Arsenal made it back-to-back Premier League victories as they beat Nottingham Forest 2-1 to move to within two points of leaders Liverpool at the top of the table.

Mikel Arteta's side struggled to break down a resolute Forest defence, but found the breakthrough in the 65th minute when Gabriel Jesus' low shot found the bottom corner.

Seven minutes later, the Gunners doubled their advantage as Bukayo Saka finished off a fine counter-attacking move to spark delirium amongst the travelling faithful.

Forest pulled one back late on through substitute Taiwo Awoniyi, but it proved to be just a consolation as Arsenal held out for a vital three points. Here are five talking points from The City Ground.

Jesus scores opener

Before Tuesday's trip to Forest, Jesus had failed to score in his last five appearances dating back to the 2-1 victory over Brighton in December. However, the Brazilian broke that mini-drought against Forest.

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Jesus squandered an excellent chance to open the scoring early into the second half after he was played through by Martin Odegaard, but his effort smacked the post. However, Jesus was not to be denied, as he was found inside the left-hand channel before firing the ball through Matt Turner's legs from a tight angle.

(Getty Images)

Smith Rowe's chance to shine

After impressing off the bench in the Gunners' 5-0 victory over Crystal Palace, Emile Smith Rowe was handed just his second Premier League start of the season against Forest. The 23-year-old has struggled with injuries and fitness concerns over the past few years, which has seen him lose a regular place in the XI.

However, Arteta decided to reward Smith Rowe with a rare start and the England international impressed during his time on the pitch. In the 14th minute, Smith Rowe showed what he is capable of as he drove into the box and saw an effort deflect wide, before then trying his luck from range but it failed to test Turner.

Smith Rowe wasn't as influential in the second half and was substituted in the 71st minute for Kai Havertz.

Emile Smith Rowe in action against Nottingham Forest (Getty Images)

Martinelli back in the XI

Having scored twice as a second-half substitute against Palace last time, Martinelli was thrown back into the XI by Arteta as Leandro Trossard dropped to the bench. During the first half, Martinelli struggled to make an impact on the game. The Brazilian produced some neat touches but was marshalled well by Gonzalo Montiel.

Martinelli began to grow into the game in the second period. The 22-year-old clipped in a couple of dangerous crosses and tried to probe the Forest back four as the Gunners tried to break the deadlock. Although Martinelli didn't score or grab an assist, it was a positive performance from the winger before he was taken off for Trossard.

Gabriel Martinelli in action against Nottingham Forest (Getty Images)

Awoniyi back for Forest

After almost three months out, Awoniyi returned to the Forest squad for the visit of Arsenal. The Nigerian underwent groin surgery in November and missed 12 matches, but was back to face the Gunners.

He was initially named on the bench, but was called upon at half-time after Chris Wood struggled. Awoniyi's presence was felt almost instantly as he put himself about, although he was starved of service throughout the majority of his time on the pitch. Awoniyi did, however, get himself on the scoresheet late on as he took his only chance, bundling the ball home for his fifth goal of the campaign.

Arsenal end horrid Forest run

Arsenal didn't boast the best record at The City Ground heading into Tuesday's trip, having lost their last three trips to Trentside, including last season's 1-0 defeat which ended their Premier League title bid.

But the Gunners put to bed that recent retched record at Forest as they earned a valuable three points. It was a professional performance from Arteta's men, even though they had to work hard for the victory.

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It's Arsenal's second successive victory after their 5-0 drubbing of Palace and it puts them in good stead as they prepare for Sunday's crunch clash against Liverpool, who face Chelsea on Wednesday.

Kieran King