Arsenal player ratings vs Nottingham Forest as Nelson stars with Partey and Odegaard stunners

© Photo by Alex Pantling/Getty Images Arsenal player ratings after big Premier League win over Nottingham Forest at the Emirates Stadium.

Aaron Ramsdale

Aaron Ramsdale did not have to do much throughout the game. However, there were some shaky and rushed clearances in the first half, balanced by better collections and calmness in the second. 5.

Ben White

Ben White was an unsung hero in this game. Defensively in the first half he was very strong and a notable one-on-one challenge with Taiwo Awoniyi saw the England international raise the noise level in the ground as he flawed the striker to win the ball; he had a similar victory over Brennan Johnson in the second too. He supported both Saka and Nelson throughout the game and never looked out of position. 7.

William Saliba

Composed and calm can describe the Frenchman’s performance. He was tested with numerous passes in behind throughout the game and managed to deal with the threat expertly each time, using his pace and confidence to either take the ball away from the Forest forwards and calmly pass it away from danger. Importantly, he also avoided another yellow meaning he will play against Chelsea. 8.

READ MORE: Arsenal vs Nottingham Forest LIVE: Nelson brace creates cushion as Partey scores Gunners’ fourth

Gabriel Magalhaes

More of the same from Gabriel Magalhaes. Defensively he was solid, however, things could have been very different had Jesse Lingard had his shooting boots on. Losing his mind for a moment instead of clearing he played the ball straight to the former Manchester United midfielder inside the box who’s shot thankfully missed. 6.

Takehiro Tomiyasu

Heavily involved in the first goal. He won the ball back after it looking as though the side had lost out. He never faced too many serious tests from the Forest forwards who mainly attacked down the left. A notable moment was a great left-footed cross at the start of the second half that nearly led to a goal. 6.

Thomas Partey

If you could play both Thomas Partey’s goal against Tottenham in September and his strike today there would be nearly no differences between the two. This tactic of Arsenal that was first seen against Chelsea in preseason struck again. Outside of the goal Partey was back to his best, controlling play and his passes out to the right were sublime throughout. 8.

Granit Xhaka

One of Xhaka’s quietly influential performances. No spectacular goals or assists today but he played solidly once again, enabling those around him, Martinelli in particular. 7.

Martin Odegaard

Always involved in build up and constantly being used to play through. Martin Odegaard should have had yet another assist but in successive Premier League matches Gabriel Jesus couldn’t find the net after being sent clean through one-on-one.

However he ended the game with a brilliant strike after some good play to deservedly get a goal contribution. 7.

Bukayo Saka

One of the big talking points from the game as Bukayo Saka was unable to finish the game having started it so brilliantly. Having gone down under a challenge from Renan Lodi, it seemed the England international tweaked his knee.

After playing on for several minutes, even creating chances, he went down again and wasn’t risked. 7.

Gabriel Martinelli

Opening the scoring in the first half it looked like the Gabriel Martinelli of old for much of the first half. He was a persistent nuisance again for the opposition, making his direct runs close to the goal line before trying to find a teammate. The header for his goal you have to say was excellent and akin to the Martinelli from his first season at the club. 8.

Gabriel Jesus

Chance, after chance, after chance. Gabriel Jesus just cannot find the back of the net. The best came right at the end as the ball bounced agonisingly across the goal.

However, if you are not scoring, what you can do is help your teammates and with a couple of assists he certainly did that. But Jesus needs a goal and hopefully it will come against Chelsea. 7.

Substitutes

Reiss Nelson

Well, well, well. Reiss Nelson grabbed Arsenal’s second and third goals to help start their second half off in the perfect fashion. With Bukayo Saka coming off with an injury, it was fantastic to see the young winger come on and score.

In the first half he looked nervous having just come on, playing safe passes and lacking a direct run on goal. The second half however it was like a different player emerged.

If Saka is out for a short or long period, this performance is the type of encouraging result that can dull those worries. Although, replicating this performance will be some ask against Chelsea next week. 9.

Cedric Soares

Started on the left but after Kieran Tierney had come on Cedric moved to the right. 5.

Fabio Vieira

Showing off more of his versatility having played right wing on Thursday night, Fabio Vieira played on the left this time. Involved in the first goal, he still needs to show more. 5.

Kieran Tierney

Did not contribute anything of note during his 15 minute appearance. n/a.

Eddie Nketiah

Did not contribute anything of note during his 15 minute appearance. n/a.

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