Saka’s wonder goal gives Arsenal three points as late flurry sparked by Awoniyi’s goal could not save Forrest.

Arsenal hung on for three opening-day Premier League points against a brave Nottingham Forest side at the Emirates. Eddie Nketiah and a Bukayo Saka screamer saw the Gunners race into a 2-0 lead but the visitors pulled one back through substitute Taiwo Awoniyi to set up a nervy finish. Mikel Arteta's side held on for the win however.

The Gunners followed up their Community League triumph over Manchester City with an overall, assured display at Emirates Stadium, but their joy was slightly tempered by concerns over an injury to summer signing, Jurrien Timber.

Forest were under the cosh for long spells but should have sneaked in front on 11 minutes when Brennan Johnson somehow failed to hit the target after being sent clean through on Aaron Ramsdale.

It proved to be a significant miss as the hosts took the lead on 26 minutes when Eddie Nketiah finished off some mesmerising work from Gabriel Martinelli on the left.

Mikel Arteta’s side then doubled their advantage just past the half-hour

as Bukayo Saka cut in from the right and sizzled a sensational 25-yard shot into the far corner. It was a strike that gave former teammate and Forest debutant Matt Turner no chance in the visiting goal.

Arsenal continued to dictate following the restart but suffered a blow when Timber was forced off with what looked like a knee injury he had sustained just prior to the break.

Another new recruit, Declan Rice came close to putting the result beyond doubt when he twice forced Turner into action before the away side pulled a goal back eight minutes from time through substitute Taiwo Awoniyi.

It set up a barnstorming, end-to-end finale but Forest could not snatch a late leveler and the Gunners held on to prevail.

Talking point

Job done for Arsenal with more to come from the Gunners despite the nervy finale. This was far from a vintage display from Arsenal, but it was good enough to maintain the positivity surrounding the club at present. For long spells they bossed possession and played within themselves before having to work hard late on after Nottingham Forest launched a somewhat unlikely attempt to snatch a draw.

Arteta and Co will still take plenty of confidence from this with three points to kick off their title bid the clear priority, particularly after Manchester City eased to victory at Burnley on Friday night.

There’s no doubt sterner challenges lie ahead for Arsenal and they will be slightly frustrated they did not quash Forest’s hopes earlier, but there was nothing to suggest that they won’t be serious contenders this term as they look to put last season’s collapse in the run-in behind them.

Player of the Match

Bukayo Saka (Arsenal). The 21-year-old was a constant menace on the right. Forest doubled up – and sometimes tripled up – in an attempt to clamp down on the England star’s creativity. Indeed, much of the hosts’ threat came down the flanks with Martinelli also excellent. It could have gone either way but Saka gets the nod for a special goal that proved to be the winner.

Player ratings

ARSENAL: Ramsdale 6, Partey 8, Saliba 8, White 7, Timber 7, Rice 8, Odegaard 8, Havertz 8, Saka 9, Nketiah 8, Martinelli 9. Subs: Tomiyasu 6, Trossard 6, Gabriel n/a.

NOTTINGHAM FOREST: Turner 8, Aurier 6, McKenna 6, Worrall 7, Boly 7, Aina 7, Mangala 6, Yates 6, Danilo 6, Gibbs-White 6, Johnson 6. Subs: Awoniyi 7, Williams 7, Elanga 7, Wood n/a, Kouyate n/a.