Arsenal defeated Nottingham Forest 5-0 at the Emirates on Sunday to reclaim first place in the Premier League, but the victory may have come at a price as Bukayo Saka limped off in the first half.
In addition to Gabriel Martinelli, Thomas Partey, and Martin Odegaard’s goals, Saka’s substitute Reiss Nelson scored twice. Three weeks before the start of the World Cup in Qatar, the injury to the winger will be a huge concern for manager Mikel Arteta and his England opponent Gareth Southgate.
Arsenal now have 31 points after 12 games, two more than Manchester City, whilst Forest stay at the foot of the standings with nine points after playing one more game.
“Of course, it’s a great shame for Arsenal and the country, and we’re going to check on him (Saka) right now,” Nelson told SkySports.
“We are simply attempting to do well for the coach and the squad. Now that we’re in first place, it would be fantastic to go all the way.
After the goal, we started off to a poor start, but everyone eventually got into the game and it was a pleasure to play in.
Saka was outstanding in the early minutes, and it was his cross from which Martinelli scored the game’s first goal, but he was hurt shortly thereafter after a challenge by Forest’s Renan Lodi. Saka attempted to continue, but exited the game after 27 minutes.
Nelson scored twice within the first 15 minutes of the second half to seal the victory for Arsenal, which should have led by a larger margin at the break.
He had not played in the Premier League since August 2021, but he capitalized on a rebound after Dean Henderson saved his initial shot and then converted Gabriel Jesus’ cross three minutes later.
Odegaard gave the finishing touches to the performance by scoring the fifth goal, which was preceded by a goal by Partey, who scored a magnificent goal from outside the area.
Arsenal could have scored more goals as they squandered multiple opportunities during their ninth consecutive Premier League home win in a row. Jesus was likely the primary fault as he provided two assists in an otherwise outstanding performance.
Next Sunday, Arsenal will travel to Chelsea for a Premier League match, while Forest will host Brentford the day before.
Reuters