Arsenal back on top but Saka limps off in win over Nottingham Forest

Arsenal returned to the top of the Premier League in style as forgotten man Reiss Nelson came off the bench for the injured Bukayo Saka to score a brace in the win against Nottingham Forest at The Emirates.

England forward Saka seemed to take a knock in the opening minute but still teed up Gabriel Martinelli to break the deadlock, later limping off to be replaced by Nelson, who scored twice in three minutes before assisting Thomas Partey as captain Martin Odegaard wrapped up the win.

Nelson had not scored a Premier League goal in 837 days since getting on the scoresheet in a win over Liverpool, but it was an impact that settled the home crowd after Arsenal had earlier failed to build on a strong start.

After losing to PSV Eindhoven in the Europa League on Thursday night, Mikel Arteta somewhat surprisingly reverted back to the starting XI that was held to a 1-1 draw at Southampton a week ago. Some of his players seemed to tire in that game, but here they put to the sword a Forest side showing just one change from their shock 1-0 win over Liverpool.

Arsenal made the most of a lively opening as Martinelli stooped to head in a pinpoint Saka cross after five minutes.

The Arsenal players celebrated by holding up a shirt with Pablo Mari's name and number on the back after the defender - currently on loan at Monza - was stabbed in a Milan supermarket last week.

Arsenal were well on top and came so close to a second, only for Renan Lodi to clear Martinelli's effort off the line.

But the Gunners were not having everything their own way. Saka had taken a knock early on and having tried to play on, was forced off before the half-hour mark as Nelson replaced him.

The change seemed to give Forest fresh impetus as they enjoyed a couple of rare