New signing Martin Zubimendi opened his Arsenal account in spectacular fashion with a thunderous first-time volley to put the Gunners ahead against Nottingham Forest at the Emirates.
The Spanish midfielder lashed home from the edge of the box in the 32nd minute after a loose clearance fell invitingly into his path.
It was the 25-year-old’s first goal for Arsenal since arriving from Real Sociedad in the summer and capped a dominant first-half display from Mikel Arteta’s reshuffled side.
With captain Martin Odegaard forced off early with a shoulder injury and Declan Rice starting on the bench, Zubimendi seized his chance to make an impact.
The strike sent the home crowd into raptures and gave Arsenal a deserved lead in the Premier League clash. Forest, who have lost on each of their last six visits to north London, were left stunned as ‘ref cam’ footage caught the full ferocity of Zubimendi’s volley from a remarkable angle.
There was insult added to injury for the visitors as star defender Murillo was forced off after picking up an injury in the build-up to the corner that ultimately resulted in Arsenal’s opener.
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Arteta had already surprised supporters before kick-off by leaving England international Rice out of his starting XI for the first time this season.
The Arsenal manager explained before the game that he was managing the minutes of his top players during a congested run of fixtures.
Summer signing Eberechi Eze was handed his full debut in midfield alongside Zubimendi and fellow new arrival Mikel Merino, with Noni Madueke again starting on the right in the absence of Bukayo Saka.
The Gunners’ dominance in this fixture has been striking. They have now scored 20 goals in their last seven home games against Forest and are unbeaten in their last 15 meetings in north London.
Zubimendi’s strike underlined the depth and quality at Arteta’s disposal as he looks to rotate his squad without losing momentum.
