BUKAYO SAKA and Gabriel Martinelli showed a signal of intent against Nottingham Forest today, that they are ready to come back and challenge for the title again. The two wingers put in a sensational display in a 2-1 victory, which saw Mikel Arteta’s men put back into second place in the table, at least until the 3pm kick-offs began.
Bukayo Saka looks set to light up the Premier League once again this seasonCredit: Getty
Kai Havertz was far from his brilliant best in his Arsenal Prem debutCredit: Reuters
Mikel Arteta’s summer recruits looked impressive, particularly in the first half of the game.
Declan Rice and Jurrien Timber seemed to instantly settle into the match, with the latter looking comfortable in a variety of positions so far.
However, the same can’t be said for £65 million Kai Havertz, who looked lost in midfield for the Gunners, and failed to make a real impact in the game.
There was room for improvement for both teams, but with a long season ahead, their best is yet to come.
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Here is how SunSport’s Lloyd Canfield rated the Arsenal display.
Aaron Ramsdale – 5
Had little to do, but did what was asked of him to get the victory. Admittedly looked a little shaky at times in the second half and lost the clean sheet.
The arrival of David Raya could be good for him.
Ben White – 6
Reverted back to his preferred centre-back spot for today’s game, good passing range and showed great recovery pace too.
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William Saliba – 7
A solid, dependable defensive display, combined with a deft ‘Sergio Busquets to Messi’ like assist for Bukayo Saka’s rocket.
Proved why he is one of the world’s best and most valuable centre-half’s.
Jurrien Timber – 7
Inpenetrable in the left back spot and looked comfortable on the ball too before he hobbled off with an injury early in the 2nd half.
Will prove valuable for Arteta, especially if he is that good at right-back, centre-back and in midfield as reported.
Partey only misplaced six of 102 passes
Thomas Partey – 6
Looked comfortable deputising in the right-back position for most of the game. Strong on and off the ball.
Declan Rice – 7
Looked at home playing at the carpet, and seemed to slot into Mikel Arteta’s plans seamlessly.
Didn’t need to do anything extraordinary, but perhaps that is testament to his lack of errors.
Declan Rice slotted in seamlessly into the Arsenal midfield
Martin Odegaard – 6
Tricky feet and some lovely deft passes. Captain fantastic who led by example today.
However, missing some end product, and we have seen him dazzle in this league.
Kai Havertz – 5
Failed to really settle into the game, and didn’t light up the pitch in the same way the fellow new signings did.
Odegaard looked streets better than him in the advanced number 8 position. His best is yet to come.
Bukayo Saka – 8
Terrorised the Forest defence, and gave ex-Chelsea left back Ola Aina a torrid time, leaving him booked after 28 minutes.
Scored a stunner on the 32nd minute to double the lead for The Gunners. Big season inbound.
Saka was a thorn in Forest’s side
Gabriel Martinelli – 8
Showed absolutely sublime skill to assist Eddie Nketiah for the opener, and pressed the Forest defence really well.
Eddie Nketiah – 7
Continued his fine goal-scoring record to grab Arsenal’s first goal of the 23/24 campaign with a deft finish.
Proved to the world why Arsenal are looking at selling Folarin Balogun, and not him.
Eddie Nketiah scored Arsenal’s first goal of the 23/24 Premier League campaign.Credit: Getty
Subs
Takehiro Tomiyasu (for Jurrien Timber, 49 mins) – 5
Was bought on out of necessity for the injured Jurrien Timber, not as good as him on the ball, but a pretty solid defensive showing.
Leandro Trossard (for Eddie Nketiah, 73 mins) – 5
Failed to really impact the game, but some nice touches nonetheless.
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Gabriel (for Gabriel Martinelli, 85 mins) – 5
Did his job and made sure that Arsenal secured all three points.
Mikel Arteta will be impressed with his new recruits on the whole todayCredit: Reuters More
