Arsenal v Nottingham Forest live: Zubimendi scores twice on tough first day for Postecoglou

Long before Arsenal’s celebratory 3-0 win over Nottingham Forest, when there was a very different kind of noise over Noni Madueke, Mikel Arteta spoke to the player about that initial response to his signing. Back in the summer, over 5,000 fans had signed a #NoToMadueke petition following Arsenal’s interest in the Chelsea winger.

“Pzzzzt, I’ll go for it,” Madueke said. “I can’t wait to put that shirt on and play for you guys.”

Now, after a performance like that, the Arsenal fans won’t be able to wait to see Madueke play again.

Arsenal’s wingers were electric against Nottingham Forest, with the majority of Arsenal’s attacks going through Noni Madueke and Eberechi Eze also adding quality.

"Both are them were terrific,” Mikel Arteta told Match of the Day. “A real threat with their own qualities, so different with the way that they create danger and threat and unpredictability to the opponent, so very pleased.

"They are very different, we need to use them because it will require different profiles around them to maximum the qualities that they have but they're in a good moment."

Nottingham Forest boss Ange Postecoglou says his side “struggled to get a grip of the game” and “allowed Arsenal to get away from us” by conceding so shortly after half time.

"It hasn't been an ideal prep for the players and you have to take that into account,” he tells TNT Sports. “All you can ask for is effort and unfortunately, against a very good opponent, today was a bridge too far.

"This is a group of players who showed last year how hard they fight for each other. Disappointment today but there's only one way to rectify that.

"They're all big jobs. I haven't taken over an easy one yet but that's why I'm here. I love the challenge and we'll get to where we want to."

Forest go away to Swansea (Carabao Cup), Burnley (Premier League) and Real Betis (Europa League) in their next three games.

Arsenal striker Viktor Gyokeres, who scored this third goal in four appearances for the Gunners, said it was an “amazing” feeling to score at the Emirates.

“We came back and we wanted to do a better performance than the last game [at Liverpool], I think we did that so a great day,” he tells TNT Sports.

“It feels great, the guys in the team have been amazing. It's been so easy to get into the group. But of course there is a bit of time where you have to settle in with everything around."

The striker clearly enjoyed playing with Eze and Madueke and adds: “They always do something special”.

Four games, nine points. Arsenal return to the top of the table and move ahead of Liverpool, although only on goal difference and having played a game more. The Reds are back in action tomorrow away at Burnley.

Forest remain on four points.

Defeat for Ange Postecoglou in his first game in charge of Nottingham Forest. This was always going to be a tough first game, especially with only a few days to prepare.

But Postecoglou is now winless in five against Arsenal, losing his last four. He’ll hope for a better showing at the City Ground later in the season.

That’s it! Two for Zubimendi, a goal for Gyokeres, an assist for Eze. Madueke and Mosquera excellent too. That’s a fine outing for Arteta and Arsenal, who now look to have strength and depth everywhere you look.

90+4 mins: Kalimuendo suddenly has room to run into but Gabriel gets across and protects Arsenal’s clean sheet with a fine block.

90+3 mins: Martinelli also now scampers forward but can’t find Trossard.

90 mins: We’re into four minutes of stoppage time. Arsenal are going to stretch their unbeaten home run against Nottingham Forest to 15 games, which now includes seven wins in a row.

Trossard goes down in the box looking for a penalty but it’s waved away.