With the return of William Saliba from injury, Arsenal clinched an inspiring victory over Nottingham Forest, starting the 2023/24 Premier League season on a high note.

Saliba’s performance, marked by a rare assist, not only thrilled the fans but also signalled a strong title challenge for Arsenal.

  • Arsenal’s centre-back William Saliba made his first league appearance since March, assisting in the victory against Nottingham Forest.
  • The game marked a winning start to the Premier League season, with goals from Eddie Nketiah and Bukayo Saka, sparking hopes for a title challenge.
  • A slight concern emerged as debutant Jurrien Timber was forced off with a knee injury.

Saliba’s return

LONDON, ENGLAND - AUGUST 12: William Saliba of Arsenal looks on during the Premier League match between Arsenal FC and Nottingham Forest at Emirates Stadium on August 12, 2023 in London, England. (Photo by Julian Finney/Getty Images)
LONDON, ENGLAND – AUGUST 12: William Saliba of Arsenal looks on during the Premier League match between Arsenal FC and Nottingham Forest at Emirates Stadium on August 12, 2023 in London, England. (Photo by Julian Finney/Getty Images)

Having missed the final months of last season, William Saliba expressed his delight in being back on the pitch.

The French international’s assist for Bukayo Saka’s decisive goal proved to be a game-changer, and Saliba felt elated with his comeback after a troublesome back injury last term.

Saliba said, “I’m really, really happy. I’m not 100 per cent at the moment but I give everything to come back… The team and the staff helped me to get better and get back to my best.”

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Opening victory at Emirates Stadium

Arsenal's English midfielder #07 Bukayo Saka (L) with Arsenal's English midfielder #41 Declan Rice (C) and Arsenal's English striker #14 Eddie Nketiah celebrates scoring the team's second goal during the English Premier League football match between Arsenal and Nottingham Forest at the Emirates Stadium in London on August 12, 2023. (Photo by HENRY NICHOLLS/AFP via Getty Images)
Arsenal’s English midfielder #07 Bukayo Saka (L) with Arsenal’s English midfielder #41 Declan Rice (C) and Arsenal’s English striker #14 Eddie Nketiah celebrates scoring the team’s second goal during the English Premier League football match between Arsenal and Nottingham Forest at the Emirates Stadium in London on August 12, 2023. (Photo by HENRY NICHOLLS/AFP via Getty Images)

The thrilling start to the Premier League campaign for Arsenal saw goals from Hale End graduates Eddie Nketiah and Bukayo Saka, who netted against Nottingham Forest, giving Arsenal a two-goal advantage.

The sensational six-minute spell and a display of individual brilliance by the players, including a dazzling assist from Gabriel Martinelli, ensured that the delay in the kick-off due to entry logistics at Emirates Stadium was well worth the wait.

Nervy ending and injury concerns

LONDON, ENGLAND - AUGUST 12: Jurrien Timber of Arsenal receives medical treatment during the Premier League match between Arsenal FC and Nottingham Forest at Emirates Stadium on August 12, 2023 in London, England. (Photo by Clive Mason/Getty Images)
LONDON, ENGLAND – AUGUST 12: Jurrien Timber of Arsenal receives medical treatment during the Premier League match between Arsenal FC and Nottingham Forest at Emirates Stadium on August 12, 2023 in London, England. (Photo by Clive Mason/Getty Images)

Despite the victory, the match wasn’t without its concerns.

Premier League debutant Jurrien Timber was forced off with a knee injury just after the restart.

Nottingham Forest also managed to pull a goal back eight minutes from time through Taiwo Awoniyi, putting pressure on Arsenal.

But the Gunners held on to their lead, showing resilience and securing the much-needed three points to kickstart the season.

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