Reiss Nelson brace leads Arsenal to 5-0 rout over Nottingham Forest

David Price/Arsenal FC via Getty Images

---

Reiss Nelson scored two as Arsenal dominated in a 5-0 win over Nottingham Forest at the Emirates on Sunday.

Forward Gabriel Martinelli headed in Bukayo Saka's cross in the opening minutes to open the scoring, with Nelson adding two goal just three minutes apart of each other in the second-half.

- Stream on ESPN+: LaLiga, Bundesliga, MLS, more (U.S.)

Thomas Partey made it four with a sensational long-range strike which curled into the top right corner, before Martin Ødegaard's powerful strike in the 78th minute sealed the match for the Gunners.

Goalscorer Nelson said the match was "amazing", despite a slow start, it was a "great" game to play in. 

"Couldn't have got gone much better than that for me after coming on. Delighted with the goals and the assist. I have been training for my chance and I got it and tried my best to take it," Nelson said. 

"We are just trying to do well for the gaffer and the team. We're top now and it's nice, hopefully we can go all the way."

Nelson had not appeared in the Premier League since August 2021, but took his chance to score his first from a rebound after Dean Henderson had saved his initial shot, and then three minutes later turned in Gabriel Jesus' cross.

England international Saka was forced off injured in the first-half after the midfielder went down after a challenge and tried to continue but came off after 27 minutes.

The injury to Saka will be a major concern for manager Mikel Arteta and his England counterpart Gareth Southgate three weeks ahead of the start of the World Cup in Qatar.

"It is a huge shame for Arsenal and the nation and we will go and check now and see how he is is. He's a great boy and it's great to have him in the team," Nelson said on Saka's injury. 

Arsenal dedicated the win to their teammate Pablo Mari, who is on loan at Monza, who was injured in a stabbing attack in Italy this week.

"We found out after the game, it was really bad and unfortunate and some of the lads wished him well on the phone. He is a great guy and we wish him well in his recovery."

With the victory, Arsenal return to the top spot in the table on 31 points with Manchester City two points behind them, while Forest remain bottom on nine points.

Arsenal could have scored more as they wasted numerous opportunities in their ninth Premier League home win in a row, and while Jesus was perhaps the chief culprit, he was excellent in an otherwise lively display, providing two assists.

Arsenal's next Premier League fixture is a trip across London to Chelsea next Sunday, while Forest host Brentford the day before.

Information from Reuters contributed to this report.