Mikel Arteta impressed by Arsenal's 'outstanding' and 'unpredictable' new-look front three in win against Nottingham Forest

Mikel Arteta was impressed by his Arsenal side's new-look front three in their 3-0 victory against Nottingham Forest. Viktor Gyokeres, Eberechi Eze and Noni Madueke all arrived at The Emirates in the summer, and they were key for The Gunners as they dispatched Forest relatively comfortably. Gyokeres found the back of the net, while another summer signing Martin Zubimendi scored twice.

Mikel Arteta believes Arsenal’s new-look front three complemented each other well during their 3-0 triumph over Nottingham Forest at The Emirates.

The Gunners bounced back from their 1-0 defeat against Liverpool prior to the international break thanks to a double from summer signing Martin Zubimendi and a calm finish from their new No. 9 Viktor Gyokeres.

Gyokeres’ fellow new boy Eberechi Eze set up the Swedish striker’s goal, while Noni Madueke impressed, having completed a move from London rivals Chelsea in the summer.

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Arteta was full of praise for his new signings after the match, admitting that Gyokeres could have scored two or three.

"I think they were very good, all three of them," he said. "With their own qualities, but complementing each other really well.

"Noni was outstanding again, he looks a real threat.

"Viktor was very intelligent, he could have scored two or three, and Ebs offers something different, a different kind of flow and very unpredictable as well."

Gyokeres made the move in the summer from Sporting CP, while Eze arrived from FA Cup holders Crystal Palace for a reported £68 million.

The Gunners reportedly brought England international Madueke to north London for £52 million.

The winger started on the right in place of Bukayo Saka, who has not played for The Gunners since being forced off the pitch in their 5-0 victory against Leeds United last month.

Arteta: Madueke 'outstanding' and Zubimendi brings 'real presence' to Arsenal

Video credit: TNT Sports

Arteta believes strength in depth is key in the Premier League.

"This is what we want," Arteta said. "When you look at other teams and the squads they have built, we all have the same.

"You want to be competing at the very highest level.

"We've lost Kai [Havertz] already for three or four months, Bukayo for a few weeks and you need replacements.

"In the Premier League, it is so tough."

Zubimendi also impressed his manager after producing two excellent finishes to help his side to victory.

"Unbelievable, two very difficult goals in terms of execution," he said.

"He's come into the club and you feel a real presence, a real authority with everything he does on the pitch.

"If he adds to that with goals then what more can we ask?"

The only downside for Arsenal was that their captain, Martin Odegaard, was forced off in the first half after landing awkwardly on his shoulder.

Arteta’s side can now look ahead to their first UEFA Champions League match of the 2025/2026 campaign against Athletic Club on Tuesday.

Their next Premier League clash will be against Manchester City at The Emirates on September 21.

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Arteta was particularly pleased with his players due to the fact that many of them had just returned from international duty.

"Very good after the international break," he added.

"When the players have been away, it's always a question mark how they're going to react and connect again.

"To win 3-0, another clean sheet is very important.

"Some of the players were starting for the first time so, overall, very good."

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