Football

Arsenal vs Nottingham Forest player ratings: hot Gunners early on prevail

Arsenal’s fast start saw them secure an opening-round win when Nottingham Forest visited them. Saka’s wonder goal proved the main difference in the end as Arsenal triumphed 2-1. Here are the Arsenal vs Nottingham Forest player ratings and our vote for Player of the Match.

Arsenal vs Nottingham ratings
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  • Nketiah gave Arsenal a deserved lead midway through the first half.
  • Soon after Saka made it 2-0 with a wonder strike.
  • Awoniyi’s late goal gave Forest some hope, but the Tricky Trees failed to do more.

Arsenal player ratings: young blood and speed give the Gunners the edge

GK Aaron Ramsdale 6.8/10 – Not tested too much for about 70 minutes. Made some good stops late on.

DF William Saliba 7.0/10 – Solid and composed on the ball all match.

DF Ben White 6.5/10 – Looked shaky. His mistake led to Awoniyi’s goal.

MF Thomas Partey 7.5/10 – Played very well both in defence and when venturing forward on the right flank.

DF Jurrien Timber 6.3/10 – Not a great debut for the full-back. Got injured and replaced early in the second half.

MF Martin Odeggard 6.9/10 – Had a quiet game. His passing was good though.

MF Kai Havertz 7.1/10 He was crucial in the first half. Faded as the game progressed.

MF Declan Rice 7.2/10 – Solid on and off the ball on his debut.

FW Bukayo Saka 8.2/10 – Scored the winner. Dominated on the flank all match.

FW Eddie Nketiah 7.8/10 – Repaid the trust with the opening goal. Could have scored 2-3 more.

FW Gabriel Martinelli 7.5/10 – Very aggressive all match. His crosses caused many problems. Unlucky not to get on the scoresheet.

Substitutes 

DF Takehiro Tomiyasu 7.1/10 – Introduced early in the second half. Did well.

MF Leonardo Trossard 6.0/10 – Introduced for the final 20 minutes. Didn’t do much.

DF Gabriel N/A

Nottingham Forest player ratings: late rally is not enough

GK Matt Turner 7.0/10 – Made some strong saves against his ex-club. Solid debut and not at fault for either goal.

DF Joe Worrall 6.1/10 – Never looked comfortable. Struggled for pace.

DF Scot McKenna 6.2/10 – Also unsettled all match. His mistake led to the opener.

DF Willy Boly 6.7/10 – The best Forest defender in this game.

MF Orel Mangala 6.0/10 – Outplayed in the middle of the park by superior opponents.

DF Serge Aurier 6.7/10 – Carried threat with his forays forward. Didn’t do so well defensively.

MF Ryan Yates 6.0/10 – Lost the battle vs Rice and this was costly.

MF Morgan Gibbs-White 6.9/10 – Came to life in the second half. Could have done more before the break.

MF Ola Aina 6.2/10 – Quiet all match.

FW Brennan Johnson 6.0/10 – Largely anonymous while on the pitch.

FW Danilo Oliveira 6.5/10 – Tried hard to challenge Arsenal’s defenders. No clear chance came his way though.

Substitutes 

FW Taiwo Awoniyi 7.1/10 – Came off the bench and scored the late goal. The impact was great.

DF Neco Williams 6.5/10 – Played the final 20 minutes. Didn’t do very well defensively.

FW Anthony Elanga 7.0/10 – Despite playing only for about 10 minutes had 2 good late chances to save a draw.

FW Chris Wood N/A

MF Cheikhou Kouyate N/A

Player of the Match: Bukayo Saka

Arsenal’s speed-merchant scored a beauty to deliver the win on day one of the new season. He was constantly involved in the forward moves and this we think is enough for us to make him our Player of the Match.


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