Player Ratings: Arsenal close the gap to Liverpool with a 2-1 victory over Nottingham Forest

On Tuesday evening, Arsenal managed a shaky 2-1 win against Nottingham Forest, pushing them closer to the top of the Premier League standings.

The Forest squad held them off for a grueling 64 minutes, but Arsenal's effective use of throw-ins saved them, with Gabriel Jesus scoring the opening goal followed by Bukayo Saka's goal just seven minutes later.

Taiwo Awoniyi scored to reduce the goal difference, resulting in tense last few minutes. However, Arsenal managed to hold on to their lead, trailing league leaders Liverpool by just two points.

Having seen Forest concede eight goals in his first four games as manager, Nuno Espirito Santo's strategy was clear - to strengthen their defence. The strategy was so pervasive that, at times, Forest's defenders were seen elbowing for space due to their defensive strategy.

Arsenal had over 100 passes within the final third before Forest scored their second. However, Arsenal's clearest shot on the goal came from Oleksandr Zinchenko's hopeful strike into a packed penalty box. The ball fell for Saka but missed Forest's upright.

After several failed attempts for the first 57 minutes, Arsenal finally managed a series of successful passes. Martin Odegaard and Saka set Jesus up to strike the ball off the post.

Jesus, who was left unmarked at an Arsenal throw-in, managed to score in a moment of split-second indecision from Forest. He swiftly moved to the byline and shot a ball that bounced kindly into the Forest net off the legs of Turner.

This goal broke the deadlock. Arsenal took advantage of Forest's relaxed defence and Gonzalo Montiel's rushed clearance sparked a quick counterattack in the 72nd minute. Saka targeted bottom corner just eight seconds into the counterattack.

The return of Emile Smith Rowe to Arsenal's starting line-up dominated the pre-game discussions. However, Awoniyi's return was even more significant for Forest. Even though he was able to play only half the time, he made his presence felt by scoring in the 89th minute.

Awoniyi's agility and aerial advantage caused problems for Arsenal's William Saliba. Goalkeeper David Raya made his second save of the match when the ball fell to Awoniyi in the third minute of stoppage time.

Player ratings were given for the game were as follows: Matt Turner - 3/10, Gonzalo Montiel - 4/10, Andrew Omobamidele - 5/10, Murillo - 8/10, Harry Toffolo - 6/10, Danilo - 7/10, Orel Mangala - 6/10, Morgan Gibbs-White - 8/10, Neco Williams - 6/10, Chris Wood - 6/10, Nicolas Dominguez - 6/10, Taiwo Awoniyi - 7/10, Callum Hudson-Odoi - 5/10, Ryan Yates - 5/10, Anthony Elanga - 5/10, Wayne Hennessey, Odysseas Vlachodimos, Joe Worrall, Felipe, Brandon Aguilera all were unused substitutes.

The match was rated 5/10 for Nuno Espirito Santo. He set his side up well in the first half but couldn't react fast enough when a brief lapse in concentration led to a goal.