London (AFP) – A Martin Zubimendi double took Arsenal top of the Premier League with a 3-0 win over Nottingham Forest on Saturday as Chelsea conceded a stoppage time equaliser to draw 2-2 at Brentford.
Ange Postecoglou’s Premier League return in his first match as Forest manager was ruined by a ruthless Arsenal performance.
Mikel Arteta’s men had two weeks over the international break to mull over losing 1-0 to title rivals Liverpool due to Dominik Szoboszlai’s stunning free-kick.
But the Gunners made it three wins from four games thanks to an unlikely goalscoring hero.
Zubimendi scored just 10 times in 236 games for Real Sociedad and commanded a £60 million ($81 million) fee in the transfer window due to his defensive abilities and distribution from the base of the midfield.
However, the Spanish international smashed home a blistering volley from outside the box to break Forest’s resistence on 32 minutes.
“Unbelievable from Zubimendi,” said Arteta.
“Two very difficult goals in terms of execution. He’s come into the club and you feel a real presence, a real authority with everything he does on the pitch.”
Less than 60 seconds into the second half Viktor Gyokeres doubled Arsenal’s lead from Eberechi Eze’s cross before Zubimendi headed in his second.
