Bukayo Saka scores curler to hand Arsenal opening day win

Arsenal start strong with a 2-1 win over Nottingham Forest. New signings debut, and goals by Nketiah and Bukayo Saka secure victory for Arteta's men.

Bukayo Saka celebrates after his mercurial screamer curled past Matt Turner to make it 2-0 in Arsenal's 2-1 win over Nottingham Forest on Saturday. (Photo credit: Sky Sports)

It was a fresh start, the beginning of something new, and renewed hope and optimism. Arsenal stepped onto the Emirates pitch knowing their fans wanted more than the heartbreaking end to last season and Bukayo Saka inspired the home side.

Nottingham Forest survived the drop last season by just a few points, and in fact, it was their win over Arsenal at the City Ground that got them to safety. 

They wanted to start well, as they hope to climb higher this term.

Mikel Arteta handed Kai Havertz, Declan Rice, and Jurien Timber—all his new signings—their competitive debuts, and it was cold at first with Forest employing a low block. 

Brennan Johnson had a glorious chance to open the scoring after going through on goal but fired wide.

Arsenal took control of the game, and in a quick flash, the Gunners were two goals up. 

Gabriel Martinelli danced through two Forest defenders and fed Eddy Nketiah, who replaced Gabriel Meghalaes in the lineup that faced City last weekend, and the striker fired past Matt Turner.

Turner had just switched from Arsenal to Nottingham Forest in a deal said to be worth £7 million, and he did his bit to help his new side against his former side.

Turner couldn’t do anything to Bukayo Saka’s screamer later in the first half. 

The England sensation turned after he received from William Saliba at the edge of the Forest Box; Sake teased forward a bit and unleashed a curler past Turner.

Forest had no answer to Arsenal from there until the second half. 

Arsenal had to replace Timber as early as just five minutes after the restart as he pulled his knee muscles, with Takehiro Tomiyasu coming on for him at left-back.

Forest grew into the game and got their reward when Taiwo Awoniyi came on to tap home after a neat Anthony Elanga counterattack after Arsenal’s corner kick.

Forest probed and probed but could have conceded again with Arsenal missing chances at the tail end.

Watch the match highlights below: