30 January 2024 , 21:25
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Arsenal had to huff and puff before they eventually got the goals their dominance deserved at Nottingham Forest.
Gabriel Jesus' strike set them on their way to a vital three points as they continue to get their Premier League title charge on track following a difficult festive period. Playing before their rivals gave the Gunners a chance to narrow the gap, if only for 24 hours.
A first-half in which they bossed possession and territory led to a lack of shots on goal, which in itself was a concern. Arsenal's dominance continued in the second-half and Jesus endeavour led to him breaking the deadlock in front of the travelling fans at the City Ground.
Bukayo Saka was able to double Arsenal's lead shortly after as the Gunners broke effectively, underlining how impressive they can be in transition, en route to the three points, although Taiwo Awoniyi's late strike ensured the Gunners were given a late scare.
We take a look at who shone - and who didn't - in Nottingham.
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Winners
Gabriel Jesus
One week he's the problem, the next he's the answer. Well on this occasion he was the man to come up trumps having persevered for over an hour in the final third. Jesus was incredibly energetic in the first-half, but lacked that cutting edge.
That has been levelled at him throughout his career and the Brazilian still has questions to answer when it comes to being the 20-goal-a-season striker that Arsenal need. Against Forest though Jesus was the man to eventually break the hosts' resolve with a typical striker's finish. He then came up with a telling pass to allow Saka to score.
Gabriel Jesus scored the game's opening goalMikel Arteta
It would've been easy for all the speculation that broke this week surrounding the manager's future to be a distraction. Reports in Spain suggested Arteta was eyeing the exit door, which he was quick to deny, insisting he's committed to the project.
His team then went out and produced a performance that highlighted just how focused they are. Playing before their rivals presented Arsenal with a chance to put some pressure on and the Spanish tactician saw his side produce the perfect away day performance at a stadium that has proved a nemesis in recent years.
Losers
Matt Turner
Against his former club he'll have been determined to put in a performance to underline the quality he was never able to unlock at the Emirates. Instead quite the opposite happened with Turner knowing full well he was responsible for the crucial opening goal.
Forest defended impressively but Jesus' toe poke finish was able to break the deadlock, owing to the ball going through Turner's legs. His effort was probably set to trickle past the goal, but bounced off the goalkeeper's leg from an acute angle, leaving him with his head in his hands.
Kai Havertz found himself on the bench at the City GroundKai Havertz
The German has only failed to feature in one of Arsenal's league games so far this season and that was through suspension. Amid all the doubters Arteta has remained a believer and continued to play Havertz, who continues to face questions over his best position.
On Tuesday night though the playmaker found himself with a watching berth to begin with as Smith Rowe got the call up to play in his usual midfield role ahead of him. The academy graduate has struggled for opportunities but slotted straight into the midfield and at least matched Havertz's usual contributions.