Arsenal showcased their dominance with a commanding 3-0 victory over Nottingham Forest at the Emirates Stadium in Matchweek 12. Bukayo Saka, Thomas Partey, and Ethan Nwaneri found the net as the Gunners outclassed their opponents in every department. Forest, despite occasional glimpses of attacking intent, failed to register a shot on target, leaving Arsenal with a well-earned clean sheet.

Key Stats Breakdown

Possession: Arsenal controlled 67% of the ball compared to Forest’s 33%, dictating the tempo of the game.
Shots: Arsenal fired 17 attempts, with 7 on target, while Forest managed just 7 shots—none of which tested David Raya.
xG: Arsenal’s 1.69 xG reflected their dominance and efficient finishing, while Forest’s 0.69 xG highlighted their lack of end-product in the final third.

Match Momentum

The momentum graph illustrates Arsenal’s sustained pressure, particularly in the first half, with peaks aligning with their early goals. Nottingham Forest struggled to build any significant attacking momentum, and Arsenal’s defensive organization snuffed out their limited attempts to advance.

Shot Analysis

Arsenal: The Gunners’ shot map highlights their varied attack, with chances created centrally and from wide areas. Saka’s opener (xG 0.13) was a well-placed finish, while Nwaneri’s late goal (xG 0.15) capped off a complete performance.

Nottingham Forest: Forest’s shot map is a sea of frustration, with all seven attempts off target or blocked. Their inability to penetrate Arsenal’s defense was epitomized by a lack of high-quality chances.

Possession Tactics

Arsenal: The pass map reflects Arsenal’s balanced approach, with Jorginho and Mikel Merino controlling the midfield. The link-up between Ødegaard and Saka on the right flank caused constant problems for Forest’s defense.

Nottingham Forest: Forest’s pass map reveals an over-reliance on Taiwo Awoniyi as a target man, with limited connections between their midfield and attack. James Ward-Prowse tried to dictate from deeper positions, but Arsenal’s high press stifled Forest’s buildup.

Arsenal’s blend of creative attacking play and defensive solidity proved too much for Nottingham Forest. The Gunners’ midfield trio of Merino, Jorginho, and Ødegaard dominated proceedings, while their clinical finishing ensured three points stayed in North London. For Forest, this was a game to forget as they failed to muster a single shot on target.