Gabriel Jesus and Bukayo Saka score as Arsenal beats Nottingham Forest 2-1, closing the gap on Liverpool

Arsenal narrowed the distance to Premier League front-runners Liverpool to two points following a 2-1 victory against Nottingham Forest. The goals for Mikel Arteta‘s team came in the second half, with Gabriel Jesus breaking the deadlock in the 65th minute at the City Ground. Seven minutes later, Bukayo Saka doubled Arsenal’s lead. Although Taiwo Awoniyi scored a late goal, creating some tension, Arsenal managed to maintain their advantage and secure the win.

Gabriel Jesus and Bukayo Saka found the back of the net as Arsenal closed the gap to leaders Liverpool to two points, securing a 2-1 win against Nottingham Forest. Eager to exert pressure on Jurgen Klopp’s side before their upcoming match against Chelsea, the Gunners successfully achieved their objective after a sluggish beginning at the City Ground. In a first half marked by limited opportunities, Saka had a 10-yard shot deflected wide of the near post, and Danilo fired just over from distance for the home team.

Arsenal displayed evident frustration despite enjoying 81 percent possession and registering only one attempt on target. However, their persistence paid off after the break, and they seized the lead in the 65th minute. Gabriel Jesus, who had earlier seen a close-range shot hit the near post, redeemed himself by slipping an effort past Matt Turner from a tight angle. The Brazilian then played a crucial role as he set up Bukayo Saka, who fired a low shot into the far corner 18 minutes from the final whistle.

Although Forest managed to pull one back with a late goal from substitute Taiwo Awoniyi in the last minute, they couldn’t stage a comeback in stoppage time. The outcome propels Arsenal to second place, trailing Liverpool by two points with an additional game played. Forest now occupies the 16th position but is just two points above the relegation zone. In their upcoming fixtures, Arsenal will host Liverpool in a pivotal clash in the title race on Sunday, while Forest is set to travel to Bournemouth.

The victory was undoubtedly crucial in Mikel Arteta’s perspective, as anything less than three points would have given Liverpool an opportunity to widen their lead, intensifying the significance of the upcoming clash at the Emirates on Sunday for Arsenal’s title aspirations.

Now, the pressure shifts back to Klopp’s team in their Wednesday night encounter against Chelsea, a team that has demonstrated excellent performances against top contenders this season. If Liverpool faces a setback, Arsenal could potentially seize control (except for Manchester City) in what promises to be one of the season’s most significant matches on Sunday.

This win epitomized the gritty nature often associated with classic title-winning successes. While Arsenal has experienced similar hard-fought victories away from home this season, they must elevate their performance and maintain a ruthless edge when confronting a Liverpool side that has suffered only one defeat in the top-flight so far.

All eyes are now set on Sunday for a potentially sensational encounter – a matchup we eagerly anticipate.

Real-time Football scores and highlights.

PLAYER OF THE MATCH

Gabriel Jesus stood out as the standout player for Arsenal. Amid discussions about the team’s need for a world-class striker and increased efficacy in the opponent’s penalty area, Jesus answered the call. His pivotal goal and assist played a crucial role in securing the three points, especially when frustration was growing for Arteta’s team.

PLAYER RATINGS

NOTTINGHAM FOREST:

• Turner 5
• Montiel 7
• Omobamidele 7
• Murillo 8
• Toffolo 7
• Mangala 7
• Danilo 7
• Williams 6
• Gibbs-White 7
• Dominguez 7
• Wood 6

Substitutes:

• Awoniyi 8
• Hudson-Odoi 6
• Elanga 6
• Yates 6

ARSENAL:

• Raya 7
• White 7
• Saliba 7
• Gabriel 7
• Zinchenko 7
• Rice 7
• Smith Rowe 7
• Odegaard 7
• Saka 7
• Martinelli 6
• Jesus 8*

Substitutes:

• Havertz 6
• Trossard 6
• Nketiah 6
• Nelson n/a
• Kiwior n/a

MATCH HIGHLIGHTS

• 44’ – ARSENAL OPPORTUNITY! Saka takes a shot from eight yards, narrowly deflecting wide of the near post after Smith Rowe redirected Zinchenko’s partially cleared cross back into his path.
• 57’ – ARSENAL OPPORTUNITY! A beautifully orchestrated play involving White, Saka, and Odegaard concludes with Jesus smashing the ball against the near upright from close range.
• 65’ – GOAL! – Nottingham Forest 0-1 Arsenal: (Jesus). Arsenal takes the lead! Jesus executes the finish from a tight angle following Forest’s vulnerability to a long throw on the left. Despite Matt Turner’s presence, the shot somehow slips through his legs at the near post.
• 72’ – GOAL! – Nottingham Forest 0-2 Arsenal: (Saka). It’s the second goal! Saka ends his scoring drought with a remarkable low strike, capitalizing on a stellar run and pass from Jesus.
• 89’ – GOAL! – Nottingham Forest 1-2 Arsenal: (Awoniyi). Making a strong return from injury, Awoniyi creates something out of nothing. Using his strength, he latches onto a header into the area, spins past his defender, and fires a low shot beyond Raya.

Important Statistics