Nottingham Forest 1-2 Arsenal: Player ratings as Gunners climb up to second

Arsenal climbed up to second in the Premier League table after two second-half goals saw them down Nottingham Forest 2-1 at the City Ground.

A Danilo strike from distance was all the hosts had to show for their first-half efforts, but they were also pretty comfortable in keeping Arsenal at bay. Nuno Espirito Santo's side defended incredibly deep, allowing Arsenal to dominate territorially, but former Gunner Matt Turner was not worked between the sticks.

Taiwo Awoniyi's arrival gave something for the Gunners to think about, but Arsenal continued to probe and their pressure eventually paid off as Gabriel Jesus handed the visitors the lead having previously missed an excellent chance from close range.

Nuno started to throw more chips on the table, but Arsenal's second goal was a killer given its nature. Gonzalo Montiel's woeful clearance was pounced upon by Martin Odegaard and Bukayo Saka doubled their lead moments later after a swift counter.

It was a long way back for Forest then given that they'd barely laid a glove on the Gunners, and the visitors looked like they'd cruise to the points before Awoniyi halved the deficit out of nowhere with a couple of minutes remaining.

A nervy conclusion ensued, but Mikel Arteta's side clung on to a deserved victory.

Nottingham Forest 1-2 Arsenal player ratings

Here are the Arsenal player ratings from their victory at the City Ground.

Goalkeeper & Defenders

David Raya (GK) - 6/10 - Had been a quiet night before Forest's late goal. Made a crucial save late on, even if it was one he should've made.

Ben White (RB) - 7/10 - Dynamic in possession and dangerous when he entered the final third. Played with a swagger.

William Saliba (CB) - 6/10 - Bullied by Owoniyi for Forest's goal. Had generally been pretty good before that.

Gabriel (CB) - 6.5/10 - There were no heroics in the opposition's box this time around from the Brazilian, who was rarely troubled by Forest's tame attacking threat.

Oleksandr Zinchenko (LB) - 6.5/10 - Saw plenty of the ball as a result of his clever positioning and was often canny in possession without being progressive or penetrative. Quick thinking for the opener.

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