Arsenal’s player ratings vs. Nottingham Forest: Gabriel Jesus shines with a goal and an assist as the Gunners prevail in a hard-fought match to maintain pressure on Liverpool for the Premier League crown.
The Brazilian showed incredible fortitude by turning things around for his team after a scoreless first half.
Arsenal ultimately overcame a resolute Nottingham Forest team to win 2-1 at the City Ground and make it back-to-back Premier League triumphs thanks to goals from Gabriel Jesus.
After the break, Mikel Arteta’s team started to carve out some space, and Jesus—whom many feel Arsenal has to improve on in order to seriously challenge Manchester City—proved to be the difference. Arsenal had been playing very little in the first half.
The Brazilian missed a fantastic opportunity to break the game when he struck the post with his effort from close range, but he managed to break the tie when he managed to slip the ball between Forest goalkeeper Matt Turner’s legs. Shortly after, Jesus took on a more proactive role by laying off a beautifully placed pass for Bukayo Saka, who scored with aplomb to increase the visitors’ lead.
After outmuscling William Saliba and pulling a goal back on 89 minutes, Taiwo Awoniyi set up a spectacular finish, but the away team held on to secure a vital victory ahead of Sunday’s matchup with Liverpool at the top of the league.
Goalkeeper and Defense
David Raya (8/10):
Throughout most of the game, he completed his tasks efficiently and cleaned up as needed.
Ben White (6/10):
He had a few more opportunities to go down right of Saka and looked menacing when he did.
William Saliba (6/10):
I hardly perspired during the first part. After the break, Awoniyi put him to the test again, and he will be unhappy with his contribution to the goal.
Gabriel Magalhaes (7/10):
He was a little bothered for the majority of the game, much like his counterpart in the back.
Oleksandr Zinchenko (7/10):
Admittedly, he should have moved the ball more quickly, but he took a few additional touches. But he was not alone in thinking that.
Midfield
Declan Rice (7/10):
Controlled the middle and maintained ball movement. Perhaps try to enter the penalty area more to provide an additional guy.
Martin Odegaard (7/10):
He observed a few bullets being stopped. Always active in the community, he occasionally overreacted to touches, much like the majority of his teammates.
Emile Smith Rowe (7/10):
It’s good to see him make his league debut. He attempted to get a hand on the ball and created a stir as he came in from behind.
Attack
Bukayo Saka (7/10):
Had dominated his full-back the whole night. He went too close before deciding to take the corner and make it 2-0.
Gabriel Jesus (8/10):
He missed a fantastic opportunity to break the deadlock when he struck the post, but he didn’t give up and quickly scored the first goal. Then he provided Saka with the assist to cap off a solid second half.
Gabriel Martinelli (6/10):
Looked brilliant when he got a little bit of room, but most of the night there wasn’t much of that.
Subs & Manager
Kai Havertz (6/10):
Entered the game and contributed to the second goal.
Leandro Trossard (7/10):
Very brilliant contribution. He was so close to hitting a home run. The final move was a clever one that kept the ball in play till stoppage time.
Eddie Nketiah (5/10):
Worked really hard in the late hours of the game.
Jorginho (N/A):
Came in late for the final minutes of the match.
Jakub Kiwior (N/A):
Came on the pitch late on with Jorginho
Mikel Arteta (7/10):
The manager of Arsenal had a fantastic evening, despite being frustrated by the goal that came in late. It’s good that he gave Smith Rowe a chance.
