3 standout players from Arsenal's 3-0 victory over Nottingham Forest

It was clear from the outset that this was a game Arsenal were not going to lose.

Back in north London after spending much of November on the road, the Gunners produced arguably their most impressive performance of the season on Saturday afternoon. Nottingham Forest have exceeded expectations and some at the start of 2024/25, but they were no match for a rejuvenated Arsenal team that leant on the creative juice of its captain.

A 3-0 defeat flattered the visitors, who failed to register a shot on target, and Manchester City's continued demise means Arsenal can feel good about their chances of re-entering the title discussion despite Liverpool's current advantage.

A sustained run of performances akin to Saturday will see Arteta's men eat into their current nine-point deficit. I have no doubt about that.

There was plenty to enjoy from a collective perspective, but the Gunners' display was littered with standout individual performers. Here are the three best from Saturday's win.

1. Martin Odegaard

Arteta waxed lyrical over his captain for his performance at Stamford Bridge, but Odegaard's brilliance merely flickered in west London. It manifested on full beam on Saturday.

Odegaard was keen to roam, but he primarily worked from his favoured right half-space where he combined destructively with Bukayo Saka and marauding Jurrien Timber. Everything the captain touched in the first half turned to gold, with his effortless magic relentlessly sparking Arsenal in the final third against a tightly-packed defence.

The intricacy on show to tee up Saka's opener was exactly what the Gunners have lacked in his absence.

His first-half performance was outstanding, and although there were a few errant decisions after the restart, Odegaard remained hugely influential. He's the heartbeat of this team, ending the contest with a joint-high ten shot-creating actions.

I never want to endure an Arsenal fixture without him again.

2. Bukayo Saka

While Odegaard was genius, Saka was nothing short of destructive. It was a bloodbath down the right flank as Alex Moreno attempted to tame the Arsenal superstar.

While Saka took responsibility in the captain's absence. he's undoubtedly been emboldened by the Nordic playmaker's return. Their combination was dynamite on Saturday, with Saka matching Odegaard's ten shot-creating actions.

His finish exemplified is supreme ball striking, with his rapid back lift not allowing the otherwise impressive Matz Sels to set himself.

You just can't leave any defender on an island Saka, especially when he's got his partner in crime working in dazzling tandem. The England international looked fresh after a two-week break, with Forest feeling the full brunt of his ever-developing talent.

3. Ethan Nwaneri

It's worth commending William Saliba's performance, as well as Jorginho and Thomas Partey at the base of midfield, but I've just got to include the 17-year-old.

His cameo was once again brief, but Nwaneri has the knack for making the most of every second spent on the field. There are hints of Odegaard when he receives possession in the right half-space, but Nwaneri is doubtlessly unique.

He made Murillo look silly when the Brazilian stepped up in a bid to shun the teen in his favoured zone, and there's no doubt the Forest centre-back won't be the last Nwaneri skips past to put the Emirates faithful on their feet. That sequence resulted in a shot which teased the post, but he was able to score his first Premier League goal on Saturday. Nwaneri prodded home Raheem Sterling's cross.

Arsenal are blessed with something quite special, and Arteta is well aware that the 17-year-old is ready to contribute regularly.

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