Arsenal reignited their Premier League title hopes with a 2-1 win over Nottingham Forest at the City Ground on Tuesday night.
The Gunners, who had not won on the road since December 4, 2023, scored two goals in seven minutes in the second half through Gabriel Jesus and Bukayo Saka to move within two points of leaders Liverpool.
Forest, who are fighting for survival, gave Arsenal a scare when substitute Taiwo Awoniyi pulled one back in the 89th minute, but it was too little, too late for the hosts.
Arsenal dominated the first half, but struggled to break down a resilient Forest defence. The visitors had 74 per cent possession and 10 shots, but only one on target.
Forest goalkeeper Matt Turner, who spent six years at Arsenal as a youngster, made a couple of saves to deny Jesus and Saka, while Emile Smith Rowe fired over from 20 yards.
Forest had a rare chance in the 37th minute, when Brennan Johnson’s cross found Lewis Grabban, but the striker’s header was easily saved by Bernd Leno.
The game changed in the 65th minute, when Jesus broke the deadlock with a clever finish from a tight angle. The Brazilian striker latched onto a quick throw-in from Alex Zinchenko and squeezed the ball through Turner’s legs.
Seven minutes later, Arsenal doubled their lead with a superb counter-attack. Martin Odegaard intercepted a pass from Gonzalo Montiel and fed Jesus, who played in Saka on the right. The England winger cut inside and drilled a low shot into the far corner.
Forest refused to give up and got a lifeline in the 89th minute, when Awoniyi stabbed home from close range after a scramble in the box.
The hosts pushed for an equaliser in stoppage time, but Arsenal held on to secure a vital victory.
Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta praised his team’s performance and said they were still in the title race.
“We knew it was a difficult place to come, but we showed character and quality. We scored two great goals and we could have scored more. We are still in the fight and we will keep going until the end,” he said.
Forest boss Nuno Espirito Santo admitted his side were second best and said they needed to improve.
“We were not good enough today. We were passive and we gave them too much space. We tried to react in the second half, but it was not enough. We need to work harder and be more consistent,” he said.
