Saka and Jesus both score as Arsenal defeats Nottingham Forest

Arsenal got all three points from their away trip in the Premier League to the City Ground against Nottingham Forest as goals from Gabriel Jesus and Bukayo Saka put them 2-0 up before Taiwo Awoniyi’s 89th-minute goal saw the game finish 2-1.

Awoniyi, who was returning from injury after barely getting substituted in, pulled one back and set up a frantic finish, but the Gunners held on to move second in the table. Arsenal goes second, two points behind leaders Liverpool, who play at home against Chelsea on Wednesday, while Manchester City, who are now in third, can return to second if they win their home game against Burnley on Wednesday.

Arsenal striker Gabriel Jesus, who scored the Gunners’ second goal, appreciated his teammates after his struggles with injury while also lamenting Arsenal’s inability to score in the first half despite playing well.

“First of all [he said] to keep trying, and in the first half, we did well. We were there and controlled the game, but the best way to control them was to keep the ball in the third part of the pitch; we did well in the first half, but we didn’t score. Second half, we scored, so we controlled more of the game. It is all about trust; I arrived at the club with patience and a desire to improve, and I think I am doing well. The support of my teammates is good. Today, I was a little unlucky with one chance – I am happy they keep supporting me.” Gabriel Jesus said.

Elsewhere, Elijah Adebayo scored a hat-trick alongside another goal from Chidozie Ogbene as Luton Town won 4-0 over Brighton to move out of the drop zone.

The result was crucial for the Hatters as much as Everton’s 0-0 draw against Fulham at Craven Cottage. On Wednesday, Tottenham will host Brentford as Manchester City play Burnley while Liverpool and Chelsea also battle.

Daniel Ademiju Idowu