Second-half goals from Gabriel Jesus and Bukayo Saka gave Arsenal a deserved 2-1 Premier League victory against a stubborn Nottingham Forest at the City Ground on Tuesday.

In truth, Mikel Arteta’s side controlled proceedings throughout but had to display plenty of patience before eventually taking the lead through Jesus’ clever near-post finish 20 minutes after the break.

The Brazilian forward, who had previously struck the post shortly after the restart, was heavily involved in Arsenal’s second goal too, picking out Saka to double the lead with a crisp, right-foot finish shortly after.

Substitute and Nigeria international Taiwo Awoniyi ensured a nervy finish when stabbing home from close range shortly before full-time, but the Gunners saw out an important victory that took them to within two points of Premier League leaders Liverpool, who host Chelsea at Anfield on Wednesday.

Arteta’s side showed two changes from the 5-0 win over Crystal Palace last time out. Gabriel Martinelli’s fine two-goal cameo in that match saw him rewarded with a start, with Emile Smith Rowe brought in for his first league start since October 28, 2023.