Arsenal player ratings vs Nottingham Forest as superb Odegaard and Saka give title race hope

Arsenal secured their first Premier League victory in five games with a 3-0 win over Nottingham Forest at Emirates Stadium. The Gunners started the game firmly in the ascendency and were unlucky not to be in front when Mikel Merino was adjudged to be marginally offside before Jurrien Timber tapped home.

They did eventually take the lead though as Bukayo Saka and Martin Odegaard combined superbly on the edge of the box before Saka powered home a superb strike. It could easily have been more before half time as Odegaard, Saka and Leandro Trossard all went close.

After the break they would finally double their lead as half time substitute Thomas Partey curled home from the edge of the box. The Gunners continued to look comfortable from there on out and were able to finish off the game in style as Ethan Nwaneri came off the bench to score his first ever Premier League goal. Here's how football.london rated the Gunners individually in the match.

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David Raya: Didn't have to do an awful lot in the way of saves, but did a good job of sweeping when needed. A much-needed first clean sheet since September. 6.

Jurrien Timber: Got forward really well down the right hand side particularly in the first half. Looks ready to fill Ben White's slot in the triangle with Saka and Odegaard. 7.

William Saliba: Some beautiful distribution from the back by the Frenchman. Defended Taiwo Awoniyi really well to keep the Nigerian quiet. 7.

Gabriel: Relished the physical duel with Awoniyi and never looked in too much trouble. Decent playing out from the back also. 6.

Riccardo Calafiori: A steady and uneventful return to action for the Italian after nearly a month out. Could only last 65 mins as he built up his fitness again. 6.

Jorginho: Deservedly booked in the first half. Always looked like he was walking a tight rope after that, particularly when covering as the last man. Shame that he was taken off at the break even if it was the wise decision. 6.

Martin Odegaard: The Norwegian was simply electric in the first half. Arsenal looked back close to their rampant best as he combined with everyone on the team. His assist for Saka's goal was smart and a lovely way to cap off his return to the Emirates Stadium. Has he arrived just in time to save the Gunners in the title race? 8.

Mikel Merino: If he had been an inch further back he would have had an assist early on. Did well at deputising for Rice in the left eight role. 7.

Bukayo Saka: Looked really hungry down the right hand side. His goal was the epitome of this as he took the shot on with superb determination. Able to lay on a second for Partey too. A good afternoon's work. 8.

Gabriel Jesus: Worked hard off the ball as per usual and had some lovely link up play with teammates on the edge of the box. Failed to offer too much in the way of goal scoring threat though. 7.

Leandro Trossard: As most of the Arsenal attack went down the right it was a quieter day for Trossard, but he still got involved where he could. Unlucky not to score with a drive from the edge of the box. 6.

SUBSTITUTES -

Thomas Partey: Took over seamlessly from Jorginho. Can't be given that much space on the edge of the box or else he'll take advantage. 7.

Oleksandr Zinchenko: Solid enough after coming on at left back. Defensively switched on and added his usual technical security where possible. 6.

Ethan Nwaneri: A lovely moment as he got his first ever Premier League goal. Had looked bright even before that with an effort that went close. Continues to take his opportunities. 8.

Raheem Sterling: Grabbed his first Premier League goal contribution in an Arsenal shirt with his assist for Nwaneri. What the Gunners needed off the bench. 7.

Jakub Kiwior: Came on too late for a rating. n/a.