Arsenal kicked-off their new season campaign on a high note after beating Nottingham Forest despite match delay.
Eddie Nketiah put the hosts in front in the 26th minute, firing home from eight yards after good work of the ball by Gabriel Martinelli.
Amazing Bukayo Saka made it two just six minutes later, scampering the ball on the penalty box and curling it into the the far right, giving Matt Turner no chance.
Arsenal had more chances on the game, but Taiwo Awoniyi pulled one back for the visitors on the 82nd minute after he sent home a low cross from Anthony Elanga, who has just replaced Brennan Johnson.
Mikel Arteta who was thrilled with his side’s performance had this to say.
It’s always difficult to win the first game of the season. We deserved to be in front but we didn’t kill the game. And 2-0 in the Premier League is a dangerous scoreline and we had a lack of concentration, conceded a goal, and so it is game on.”
“You cannot give teams anything and we gave them hope. Then the feeling is we want the game to end and take the three points.”
“Eddie was very disappointed he did not start [the Community Shield] against Manchester City but came on and had a huge impact. He trained like a beast this week, telling me ‘I have to play’. So I had to play him. A great example.”