Martin Zubimendi’s double and a Viktor Gyokeres tap-in secured a comfortable 3-0 Premier League victory for Arsenal over Nottingham Forest at the Emirates Stadium on Saturday, while Newcastle United ended their winless start to the season thanks to a debut goal from new signing Nick Woltemade in a 1-0 home victory over Wolves.
Zubimendi opened the scoring for Arsenal in the 32nd minute with a stunning volley, marking his first goal for the club and capping a dominant first half. The hosts were dealt an injury scare when captain Martin Odegaard was forced off with a shoulder injury, though Arsenal maintained their control.
Just a minute into the second half, Arsenal doubled their lead. Substitute Nicolo Savona’s poor defending allowed Eberechi Eze to tee up Viktor Gyokeres, who netted his third goal of the season. Forest rarely threatened thereafter, with only Chris Wood forcing a superb save from David Raya on his 100th Arsenal appearance.
Zubimendi put the game beyond doubt in the 79th minute, heading home Leandro Trossard’s cross to complete his brace. The win moves Arsenal temporarily to the top of the Premier League table with nine points from four games, ahead of champions Liverpool on goal difference. Forest, meanwhile, suffer a second defeat of the campaign and remain with four points from four matches.
At St James’ Park, Newcastle’s new record signing Nick Woltemade made an immediate impact after his £69 million move from Stuttgart on 30 August. The German striker opened his account in the 29th minute, powering a header past Sam Johnstone after Jacob Murphy delivered a precise scooped cross.
Newcastle dominated the latter stages, with Wolves struggling to respond despite a bright early start. The visitors had chances early on, with Rodrigo Gomes and Hwang Hee-chan both denied by goalkeeper Nick Pope, but failed to capitalise. Newcastle’s victory ended a run of three games without a win and gave Howe’s side momentum ahead of their Champions League opener against Barcelona on 18 September.
Manager Eddie Howe praised Woltemade’s performance: “It was great to see Nick score on his debut. Very strong, very tactical – he understood exactly what we wanted. The win was all that mattered, though we’d like to do it in better style.”
Wolves, meanwhile, remain without a point after four league matches and will look to regroup when they host Leeds United at Molineux on 20 September.
