Advertisement

Arsenal vs Nottingham Forest LIVE: Premier League final score, result and reaction

sports staff
·16 min read
(Arsenal FC via Getty Images)
(Arsenal FC via Getty Images)

The 2023/24 Premier League season is under way and you can follow every game and every goal right here with The Independent.

Arsenal’s first game of the season at home to Nottingham Forest was postponed by half an hour due to a turnstile issue affecting fans trying to get into the ground.

Mikel Arteta’s side wouold have wanted to get their Premier League campaign off to a good start against Nottingham Forest, who finished four points above the relegation places in the 2022-23 season.

Arsenal have made a few key additions ahead of the start to the season, including signing Declan Rice from West Ham for a reported £105 million. While Forest, who signed 22 players after securing promotion to the top flight, have only added Ola Aina and Anthony Elanga to bolster their side for the 2023-24 season.

You can see the best football betting sites here.

Follow the latest action from the Premier League below.

Arsenal vs Nottingham Forest LIVE: Premier League updates

Arsenal FC 2 - 1 Nottingham Forest FC

Arsenal vs Nottingham Forest

15:06

That's all for today. Thank you for following our live coverage. Until next time, goodbye!

Arsenal vs Nottingham Forest

15:05

Forest, who can draw positives from the way they finished the game, will look to bounce back against Sheffield United next Friday. Meanwhile, Arsenal will aim to make it two wins from two against Crystal Palace three days later.

Arsenal vs Nottingham Forest

15:05

Arsenal make a winning start to the 2023-24 Premier League season, but only just. The Gunners dominated most of the contest and established a well-deserved 2-0 lead thanks to goals from Eddie Nketiah and Bukayo Saka. But substitute Taiwo Awoniyi struck eight minutes from time to give Nottingham Forest hope and ensure a nervy finish. It was just too late, though, as the hosts held on for maximum points.

Arsenal vs Nottingham Forest

15:03

FULL-TIME: ARSENAL 2-1 NOTTINGHAM FOREST

Arsenal vs Nottingham Forest

15:02

Arsenal counter in the dying moments and almost score a third. Saka lays the ball off for Odegaard, who curls a shot narrowly wide of the far post.

Arsenal vs Nottingham Forest

15:01

Just 60 seconds of stoppage time remain at the Emirates. Arsenal are nearly there...

Arsenal vs Nottingham Forest

15:01

We have just passed the midway point in stoppage time, with seven minutes added by the referee. Forest are still seeking the equaliser, but Arsenal look like they will hold on.

Arsenal vs Nottingham Forest

14:57

White is the next player into the book.

Arsenal vs Nottingham Forest

14:57

Arsenal look to kill the game off with Havertz looking to get in behind. But Aurier makes up vital ground to make the intervention.

Arsenal vs Nottingham Forest

14:55

The atmosphere is becoming increasingly tense around the Emirates. Arsenal appeared well in control and on course for a comfortable three points. But we are now set for a dramatic finish.

Arsenal suffer concerning Jurrien Timber injury blow

14:53 , Jack Rathborn

Jurrien Timber made it less than 50 minutes into his Arsenal Premier League debut before being forced to leave the field through injury.

With Arsenal leading Nottingham Forest 2-0 after 49 minutes, Timber pulled up sharply off the ball.

It was only his second appearance for the Gunners, having playing in the Community Shield win over Manchester City ahead of the start of the season.

But concerningly he was unable to finish the match, pulling up and then being forced to leave the field with the injury.

Arsenal suffer concerning Jurrien Timber injury blow

Arsenal vs Nottingham Forest

14:54

Substitution Orel Johnson Mangala Cheikhou Kouyaté

Arsenal vs Nottingham Forest

14:54

Awoniyi has found the net for a fifth successive game. Stan Collymore is the only Forest player to embark on a longer streak in the Premier League, scoring in six straight matches in 1995.

Arsenal vs Nottingham Forest

14:54

Substitution Joseph Adrian Worrall Christopher Grant Wood

Arsenal vs Nottingham Forest

14:51

Suddenly, Forest have their tails up and go in search of the equaliser. The ball drops for Gibbs-White on the volley, but his 20-yard attempt goes over.

Arsenal vs Nottingham Forest

14:49

Substitution Gabriel Teodoro Martinelli Silva Gabriel dos Santos Magalhães

Arsenal vs Nottingham Forest

14:46

Assist Anthony David Junior Elanga

Arsenal vs Nottingham Forest

14:45

Goal Taiwo Micheal Awoniyi

Arsenal vs Nottingham Forest

14:44

Mangala drags back Odegaard in an attempt to stop a counter, and goes into the book.

Arsenal vs Nottingham Forest

14:44

Another Forest change sees Johnson replaced by Elanga, who comes on for his debut.

Arsenal vs Nottingham Forest

14:44

Forest threaten from a corner at the other end. Boly gets up to meet the delivery, but Rice does just about enough to put him off.

Arsenal vs Nottingham Forest

14:43

OFF THE POST! Rice almost has his first goal for Arsenal. The England midfielder goes for placement with a grass-cutting 25-yard attempt, but Turner does brilliantly to get down and tip the ball onto the woodwork.

Arsenal vs Nottingham Forest

14:41

Aina's ambitious attempt deflects behind for a corner via Thomas. But Forest are unable to make the most of the opportunity.

Arsenal vs Nottingham Forest

14:38

Arsenal look for a third goal that would certainly settle the contest. Odegaard whips the ball into the box, but Forest clear.

Arsenal vs Nottingham Forest

14:37

Substitution Edward Keddar Nketiah Leandro Trossard

Arsenal vs Nottingham Forest

14:35

Substitution Danilo dos Santos de Oliveira Taiwo Micheal Awoniyi

Arsenal vs Nottingham Forest

14:35

Substitution Temitayo Olufisayo Olaoluwa Aina Neco Shay Williams

Arsenal vs Nottingham Forest

14:32

Forest could look to introduce Awoniyi in an attempt to potentially salvage something from the game. The striker scored in each of their final four Premier League games last season.

Arsenal vs Nottingham Forest

14:29

The visitors attempt to threaten from a free-kick inside their own half. The delivery is flicked on but, at full stretch, Worrall is unable to keep the ball in play.

Arsenal vs Nottingham Forest

14:28

Forest have never in their history lost their opening match in five successive seasons. However, that could happen today unless they turn things around.

Arsenal vs Nottingham Forest

14:25

Arsenal still 2-0 to the good as we hit the hour mark at the Emirates. The Gunners remain well in control, but it is important they do not become complacent.

Arsenal vs Nottingham Forest

14:24

It remains to be seen whether or not Ramsdale will be Arsenal's number one for much longer with the Gunners reportedly keen to sign David Raya from Brentford. The England goalkeeper will be eager to remain first choice under Arteta.

Arsenal vs Nottingham Forest

14:22

The visitors enjoy a rare opportunity to attack and send a long throw into the box. The ball ricochets kindly for Yates, who draws a smart save from Ramsdale, but the flag is subsequently raised for offside.

Arsenal vs Nottingham Forest

14:19

As things stand, it looks like it will be more away-day blues for Forest, who lost 13 Premier League games on the road last season. That is something they must address this term in order to stay clear of relegation danger.

Arsenal vs Nottingham Forest

14:17

Today marks the 11th time in 12 years that Arsenal are launching their Premier League campaign in London. The only exception was a 1-0 victory over Newcastle United at St James' Park on the opening weekend of 2019-20.

Arsenal vs Nottingham Forest

14:14

The Emirates applauds Timber, who cannot continue and limps off to be replaced by Tomiyasu.

Arsenal vs Nottingham Forest

14:13

Timber goes down again, instantly pulling up as he went to control the ball. It looks like his first Premier League start may end prematurely.

Arsenal vs Nottingham Forest

14:09

We are off and running again at the Emirates with Arsenal kicking things off once more.

Arsenal vs Nottingham Forest

13:57

Forest have been very much second-best so far, having enjoyed just under 16 per cent of the possession. Although, it could have been a different story had Brennan Johnson converted an earlier opportunity, the Wales forward shooting wide with only Aaron Ramsdale to beat.

Arsenal vs Nottingham Forest

13:56

Arsenal are well in control as they take a two-goal lead into half-time at the Emirates. Goals from Eddie Nketiah and Bukayo Saka have left Nottingham Forest with a huge mountain to climb in the second half.

Arsenal vs Nottingham Forest

13:54

HALF-TIME: ARSENAL 2-0 NOTTINGHAM FOREST

Arsenal vs Nottingham Forest

13:53

Timber is back on the field for the final few seconds of the first half.

Arsenal vs Nottingham Forest

13:51

Timber is in need of medical attention after hurting himself during a strong challenge on Johnson.

Arsenal vs Nottingham Forest

13:50

Yellow Card Jurriën David Norman Timber

Arsenal vs Nottingham Forest

13:48

We are into the first of three additional minutes at the end of this first half.

Arsenal vs Nottingham Forest

13:48

Good effort! On his first Premier League appearance since departing West Ham United, Rice tries his luck from distance. But Turner gets down well to hold onto the former Hammers skipper's attempt.

Arsenal vs Nottingham Forest

13:47

You must go back to the 1988-89 season for the last time Forest won away at Arsenal, Brian Clough's side prevailing 3-1 at Highbury that day. But as things stand, the wait will almost certainly go on here.

Arsenal vs Nottingham Forest

13:43

The half-time whistle cannot come quickly enough for Forest as we enter the last five minutes of the first period. They are certainly regretting that wasted Johnson opportunity earlier on.

Arsenal vs Nottingham Forest

13:41

Arsenal go in search of more goals as they embark on another venture into the Forest penalty area. Nketiah shoots from a tight angle, but it is never troubling the target.

Arsenal vs Nottingham Forest

13:40

Today, Forest were hoping to party like it's 1999. Indeed, that was the last time they won a Premier League match in London - beating Wimbledon 3-1 at Selhurst Park. But barring a miraculous turnaround here, they will have to wait at least another year for such celebrations.

Arsenal vs Nottingham Forest

13:37

Arsenal have a two-goal lead and it is no more than they deserve. The Gunners are in complete control of this contest.

Arsenal vs Nottingham Forest

13:34

Assist William Alain André Gabriel Saliba

Arsenal vs Nottingham Forest

13:33

Arsenal have the lead and rightly so after the first half an hour at the Emirates. The Gunners have dominated proceedings and are good value for their advantage.

Arsenal vs Nottingham Forest

13:30

Yellow Card Temitayo Olufisayo Olaoluwa Aina

Arsenal vs Nottingham Forest

13:27

Goal Edward Keddar Nketiah

Arsenal vs Nottingham Forest

13:27

The anticipation rises inside the Emirates as Saka has space in the penalty area. His attempted cross ricochets behind off McKenna. Can the hosts make the most of this opportunity?

Arsenal vs Nottingham Forest

13:26

Forest are trying to gain a foothold in the contest having enjoyed just over 13 per cent of the possession so far. But they just cannot keep the ball from their opponents for long enough at the moment.

Arsenal vs Nottingham Forest

13:23

An anxious moment for Forest as Turner's attempted clearance is charged down by Nketiah. Thankfully for the visitors, the ball ricochets well wide of the target, but their hearts will have momentarily been in their mouths.

Arsenal vs Nottingham Forest

13:22

We are still goalless inside the opening 20 minutes at the Emirates, where Arsenal have fond memories of their last two meetings with Forest. Indeed, both culminated in commanding 5-0 victories for the Gunners. More of the same today would do very nicely for the hosts.

Arsenal vs Nottingham Forest

13:20

Arsenal continuing to enjoy most of the possession in their opening match of the season. But the Gunners must look to record more attempts on goal.

Arsenal vs Nottingham Forest

13:18

Forest's lacking of a clinical edge was evident with that Johnson opportunity going begging. They only scored three times during pre-season and failed to find the net in each of their final four warm-up matches.

Arsenal vs Nottingham Forest

13:16

At the other end, Odegaard threads a neat throughball looking for Nketiah. Turner is quickly out to smother the ball, though the Arsenal forward is subsequently ruled offside.

Arsenal vs Nottingham Forest

13:14

CHANCE! Johnson must do better! Against the run of play, Forest are in behind Arsenal, who went to sleep at the back. Johnson is all on his own as he latches onto Boly's header and beats Ramsdale, but cannot keep his shot on target.

Arsenal vs Nottingham Forest

13:13

Today, Forest are aiming to end a run of four successive opening-day defeats. Although, the start to the game suggests they face a tough task in breaking the streak.

Arsenal vs Nottingham Forest

13:10

Saka cuts inside from the right wing and seeks out Nketiah with a clever reverse pass. However, it is just lacking the required accuracy and Turner comes out to collect.

Arsenal vs Nottingham Forest

13:09

The Gunners are unbeaten in each of their last nine home league meetings with Forest, winning five and drawing four.

Arsenal vs Nottingham Forest

13:07

Arsenal quickly settling into their rhythm and Saka earns a corner via Aina's deflection. But Forest deal with two deliveries into their box.

Arsenal vs Nottingham Forest

13:05

Both sides will be looking to address their respective form from last season. Arsenal kept just four Premier League clean sheets on home soil, while Forest had the worst away record in the division - winning just one of 19 matches and registered just eight points.

Arsenal vs Nottingham Forest

13:02

Michael Oliver is today's referee. He blows his whistle and Forest get the match under way.

Arsenal: Thousands of fans stuck outside Emirates Stadium as turnstile issues delay kick-off

13:00 , Karl Matchett

Thousands of Arsenal and Nottingham Forestfans were stuck outside Emirates Stadium on Saturday 12 August for their Premier League opener, as turnstile issues led to a kick-off delay.

Arsenal have introduced a new e-ticketing system for this season and that was reported to be the delay at the turnstiles.

Over 35,000 supporters were queuing up outside the ground just a few minutes before the scheduled 12:30pm kick-off and with empty seats in the stadium, the start was pushed back by at least 30 minutes.

Footage broadcast by TNT Sports showed the chaos outside of the Emirates.

Watch: Arsenal fans stuck outside Emirates Stadium as turnstile issues delay kick-off

Arsenal vs Nottingham Forest

12:59

Later than planned, but the players are finally making their way out onto the field. Kick-off at the Emirates is moments away.

Arsenal vs Nottingham Forest

12:59

The stadium is gradually filling up with plenty of fans now taking their seats. We should not be too far from starting here.

Fans stranded outside the Emirates

12:44 , Sonia Twigg

TNT has estimated that up to 35,000 fans may be outside the stadium, while the players head out onto the pitch for a second warm up.

Fans left outside the Emirates

12:36 , Sonia Twigg

A number of fans have been unable to get into the stadium leading to a delayed kick off (Getty Images)
A number of fans have been unable to get into the stadium leading to a delayed kick off (Getty Images)

Arsenal vs Nottingham Forest

12:27

Kick-off has been delayed by 30 minutes due to an issue at the turnstiles. Stay tuned for further updates.

Arsenal vs Nottingham Forest

12:23

It is not the first time the two sides are meeting on the opening weekend of a Premier League season. Indeed, they did the same a quarter of a century ago, Marc Overmars scoring the winner as Arsenal prevailed 2-1 at Highbury.

Arsenal vs Nottingham Forest

12:23

Meanwhile, Matt Turner starts in goal in the week he joined Forest from Arsenal. The former Gunner is one of two new signings named in Steve Cooper's starting line-up along with Aina, who joined on a free transfer. Interestingly, there is no place for Awoniyi, who enjoyed a strong finish to last season - scoring the winner against Arsenal in May.

Arsenal vs Nottingham Forest

12:19

Mikel Arteta makes just a single change from last weekend's Community Shield victory - albeit a hugely intriguing one with Nketiah replacing Gabriel, who drops to the bench. In a subsequent tactical reshuffle, White moves across into the heart of defence with Thomas starting at right-back. Havertz moves into an attacking three-man midfield alongside Odegaard and Rice, with Nketiah leading the line.

Arsenal vs Nottingham Forest

12:07

SUBS: Ethan Horvath, Neco Williams, Cheikhou Kouyate, Taiwo Awoniyi, Chris Wood, Moussa Niakhite, Anthony Elanga, Remo Freuler, Lewis O'Brien.

Arsenal vs Nottingham Forest

12:07

NOTTINGHAM FOREST (3-4-3): Matt Turner; Willy Boly, Joe Worrall, Scott McKenna; Serge Aurier, Ryan Yates, Orel Mangala, Ola Aina; Danilo, Brennan Johnson, Morgan Gibbs-White.

Arsenal vs Nottingham Forest

12:03

SUBS: Karl Hein, Gabriel Magalhaes, Emile Smith Rowe, Jakub Kiwior, Takehiro Tomiyasu, Leandro Trossard, Jorginho, Fabio Vieira, Reiss Nelson.

Arsenal vs Nottingham Forest

12:03

ARSENAL (4-3-3): Aaron Ramsdale; Thomas Partey, Ben White, William Saliba, Jurrien Timber; Martin Odegaard, Declan Rice, Kai Havertz; Bukayo Saka, Eddie Nketiah, Gabriel Martinelli.

Arsenal vs Nottingham Forest

12:03

The opening weekend of the Premier League continues with reigning champions Manchester City setting the early tempo with a commanding 3-0 win over Burnley on Friday. Arsenal will aim to follow suit as they look to launch their title challenge against the side that ended their pursuit last season.

Arsenal vs Nottingham Forest

12:03

Hello everyone and welcome to live text coverage of the Premier League match between Arsenal and Nottingham Forest at the Emirates Stadium.

Confirmed lineups: Arsenal vs Nottingham Forest

11:51 , Karl Matchett

Confirmed lineups:

Arsenal - Ramsdale, Partey, White, Saliba, Timber, Rice, Havertz, Odegaard, Saka, Martinelli, Nketiah

Forest - Turner, Aurier, Worrall, McKenna, Boly, Aina, Mangala, Danilo, Yates, Gibbs-White, Johnson

Arsenal vs Nottingham Forest

11:30

Follow all the goals and latest action from the Premier League here with The Independent. Team news and line-ups coming up shortly…

Arsenal vs Nottingham Forest

12:00

Lineups are announced and players are warming up.