(Football news) Arsenal regained their lead at the top of the Premier League table after thrashing Nottingham Forest 5-0 at the Emirates Stadium. Gabriel Martinelli gave the hosts a fifth minute lead, heading home from Saka’s cross who was subsequently forced off due to an injury which resulted in Reiss Nelson replacing the 21 year old. Nelson, who hadn’t scored in the league since July 2020 seized this rare opportunity with both hands, scoring two close range goals in three minutes after the break. Thomas Partey also found the back of the net, capitalising on Nelson’s assist with a fantastic long range finish into the top corner. 

Arsenal skipper Martin Odegaard scored the fifth goal of the match with a powerful finish after being set up by Gabriel Jesus. The result meant opposite outcomes for the two teams as Arsenal progressed to the top of the Premier League table while Nottingham Forest are rock bottom at 20th place, a point behind 19th place Wolverhampton Wanderers. Mikel Arteta named an unchanged starting lineup from the team that drew 1-1 against Southampton while Nottingham Forest named once change with Neco Williams dropping out for Renan Lodi. 

Speaking after the match, Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta said “Not only me but all his team-mates and all the staff are so happy for him because he's a kid that is really changing, really evolving, really maturing and showing every day how much he wants it. Today he had the opportunity and he did extremely well because he helped us to win the game. How focused he is on his profession, the way he talks, the way he reflects, the way he respects decisions, the way he's challenging everybody every single day. 

“He's a joy of a kid and we all want him to be successful and do well and what he has done today for the team is something that he really merits. Big teams have to respond as quick as possible and we did that. After the disappointment of Thursday night, you don't have time. We got here Friday evening. One half-training session, and be ready again, not only physically but mentally against a team that beat Liverpool. The pressure is on. You lose the first place and you are there. We need to get used to that." 

Nottingham Forest manager Steve Cooper said “We don't just have to take this on the chin. We have to deal with it as we fell way short in terms of competing. Of course, we could have played really well and still not got anything out of the game. But the situation we're in, the bare minimum you have to do is stand up and be counted and be hard to beat. The start of the second half we were nowhere near competitive enough, I can't think of tackles or fouls where we competed, not even fouls. Players running past us, one-twos around us. In the end. If you can't do that, especially at this level, you're going to get hurt. We have to have some grown-up conversations – both with myself, my staff and definitely the players – and be honest about how today was and aim to be much better going forward."

Also read: Manchester United climb to fifth place with win over West Ham