Arsenal player ratings vs Nottingham Forest: Gabriel Jesus produces big display; Emile Smith Rowe takes chance

Arsenal moved up to second in the Premier League with a 2-1 win at Nottingham Forest.

The Gunners dominated possession and were worthy winners on the night, with Gabriel Jesus and Bukayo Saka finding the net.

Jesus opened the scoring in the 65th minute by finishing from the tightest of angles and then set Saka up for Arsenal's second.

Taiwo Awoniyi scored late on, but Arsenal held on for the win that moves Mikel Arteta's side up to second in the table and two points off leaders Liverpool.

Simon Collings was at the City Ground to see Arsenal in action...

David Raya 6

Had next to nothing to do all game and was basically a bystander, but right at the death was beaten by Awoniyi.

Ben White 6

Got forward a bit more than he has in previous games and that helped Saka have some joy.

William Saliba 7

Solid in the first-half, but struggled more after the break when Awoniyi came on. Rare to see someone out muscle the Frenchman.

Gabriel 7

A strong performance from the Brazilian, who didn't really put a foot wrong. Quietly been one of Arsenal's better players this season.

Oleksandr Zinchenko 7

Involved in so much of Arsenal's play as they tried to break Forest down. Assured in possession and rarely wasted it.

Martin Odegaard 6

Created some great chances, especially one for Jesus, but was also guilty of overplaying at times.

Declan Rice 7

Shrugged off a hamstring issue and was his usual calming presence at the base of midfield.

Emile Smith Rowe 7

A bright return to action for the midfielder, who was making his first start since October. Made some great runs and breaks. Looked sharp.

Bukayo Saka 7

Has struggled recently but was back among the goals here. Finished off a slick counter by finishing well with his weaker foot.

Gabriel Jesus 8 | Star player

Missed a glorious chance, but then scored from the tightest of angles minutes later. Set up Saka for Arsenal's second to cap off a big performance.

Gabriel Martinelli 6

Full of running, as ever, but didn't quite have the final ball needed in the final third.

Substitutions

Kai Havertz (Smith Rowe 71') 5

Handed 20 minutes off the bench and gave Arsenal a presence in the box.

Eddie Nketiah (Jesus 78') N/A

Leandro Trossard (Martinelli 78') N/A

Jakub Kiwior (Zinchenko 92') N/A

Jorginho (Odegaard 92') N/A

Subs not used: Ramsdale, Walters, Cedric, Jorginho