Arsenal got their Premier League campaign up and running in successful fashion as they earned a 2-1 win over Nottingham Forest.
Eddie Nketiah gave the Gunners the lead before Bukayo Saka doubled the advantage with a stunning strike before the break.
There were some late nerves as Taiwo Awoniyi gave Forest hope of an unlikely comeback, but Arsenal held on for victory.
Here’s how Mikel Arteta’s side rated at the Emirates...
Aaron Ramsdale 6
Under pressure ahead of David Raya’s imminent arrival but hardly tested here. A few nice bits of work with his feet.
Thomas Partey 6
Re-deployed as a right-back inverting into midfield and was seen in the latter position far more than the former as Forest failed to counter-attack. Tidy.
Ben White 6
Despite move inside, still managed to cause problems on the overlap and played one lovely ball in behind for Saka early on. Awoniyi got across him for goal that made things nervy, though.
William Saliba 6
His first Premier League start since mid-March, a couple of rusty moments early one but recovery pace makes such a difference to Arsenal’s assuredness at the back.
Jurrien Timber 5
A few sharp interceptions but injured making foul just before the break. Return after the interval was evidently unwise and injury is a worry after encouraging preseason. Booked.
Declan Rice 6
Excellent out of possession, reading game well and showing physicality. Will take time to figure out attacking patterns but did come close to a first Arsenal goal a couple of times late on.
Martin Odegaard 7
Looked in the mood from the outset with all the flicks and feints that were his trademark during a brilliant campaign last term.
Kai Havertz 6
Moved deeper having led the line at Wembley last weekend. Like Rice, has work to do to find his feet but some decent touches. Almost ran through to clinch it late on.
Bukayo Saka 8
Arsenal’s best player in the first-half, giving Aina a torrid time. Scored a wonderful second goal cutting in from the right in move that is becoming increasingly familiar.
Eddie Nketiah 7
Brought back in up-front after missing out at Wembley and while he wasn’t overly involved, took his one chance well, firing low and getting the help of a deflection to open scoring.
Gabriel Martinelli 7
Magnificent piece of skill to set up Nketiah’s opener. With Jesus, Xhaka and Zinchenko all either injured or gone, though, left side of Arsenal’s team will take a little working out.
Substitutes
Takehiro Tomiyasu (Timber 50’) 6
On for the injured Timber soon after the break and looked solid. Versatility could be key this term after injury nightmare last.
Leandro Trossard (Nketiah 74’) 7
Unlucky not to start after excellent preseason and brought real energy after introduction, giving Arsenal impetus when they might have sat in when Forest pulled one back.
Gabriel (Martinelli 86’) N/A
Surprise omission after 73 consecutive Premier League starts. On late on to help see out win.
Unused: Hein, Kiwior, Jorginho, Smith Rowe, Nelson, Vieira,
