Bukayo Saka and Thomas Partey scored stunning goals in the Premier League as Arsenal thrashed Nottingham Forest 3-0 at the Emirates Stadium, while Chelsea survived a late scare to beat Leicester City 2-1 on Enzo Maresca’s return to the King Power Stadium on Saturday.
Ethan Nwaneri’s first Premier League strike sealed Arsenal’s win over Forest to end a four-game winless run in the top flight.
Mikel Arteta named a surprise Arsenal line-up – with Partey, Declan Rice, and Kai Havertz all starting on the bench – and it was returning captain Martin Odegaard, playing his first Emirates Stadium game since August, who set north London alight in the first half.
The Norwegian combined brilliantly with Saka down the Arsenal right and it was no surprise that the combination led to Arsenal’s opener after 15 minutes – with the England winger latching onto Odegaard’s flick before driving across the box and arrowing a superb effort into the far corner.
Arsenal continued their dominance, with Forest failing to test Gunners goalkeeper David Raya throughout the 90 minutes.
Before half-time, Gabriel Jesus curled wide after another brilliant move involving Odegaard, while Forest goalkeeper Matz Sels denied Saka and Leandro Trossard with some smart stops.
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All of Arsenal’s 11 first-half shots came from inside the box, and eight of them were either from or created by the excellent Saka. It became nine shortly after half-time as Arsenal got a second, though this time the effort came from outside the box as the winger teed up Partey to curl home from 25 yards.
None of the visitors’ attacking players ended up with a shot, with most of their threat coming from set pieces, though Jota Silva had a late consolation ruled out for offside.
But the icing on the cake for Arsenal came via Nwaneri’s first Premier League goal, as he tucked home fellow substitute Raheem Sterling’s cross to seal the points.
The result moved the Gunners one point behind Premier League champions Manchester City – and sent a message that they aren’t done in the title fight.
Meanwhile, Chelsea, with the win over Leicester, climbed just a point behind second-placed City in the Premier League.
The Blues looked comfortable after goals from Nicolas Jackson and Enzo Fernandez, but they faced a nervy final few minutes after Jordan Ayew pulled a goal back from the penalty spot deep into stoppage time.
Chelsea’s win, which came after two draws, lifted them to 22 points – one behind City and the same point with Arsenal. The Blues remain ahead of the Gunners on goals.
City, currently hosting Tottenham at Etihad Stadium, are aiming to snap a four-game losing streak.
Aston Villa are now winless in six and had to twice come from behind just to salvage a 2-2 draw at home to Crystal Palace.
Brighton’s incredible start under 31-year-old boss Fabian Hurzeler also continued with a 2-1 win at Bournemouth to climb up to fifth.
Wolves are out of the bottom three thanks to a stunning 4-1 at Fulham.
Everton failed to take advantage of an early red card for Brentford’s Christian Norgaard in a 0-0 draw at Goodison Park.
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