Arsenal 5-0 Nottingham Forest: 5 Talking Points | Carabao Cup 2019-20

Over the years, Arsenal has used the Carabao Cup as a platform to showcase their young talent. Often the club’s brightest and youngest stars have gained valuable playing minutes in this tournament.

Unai Emery continued that tradition by making wholesome changes from the side that beat Aston Villa. They welcomed a Nottingham Forest side who currently sit sixth in the Championship.

After all, was said and done, the game finished in 5-0 win for the Gunners. The scoring was opened up by Gabriel Martinelli with a bullet header in the 31st minute. The score stayed the same until the 71st minute when Rob Holding headed home a Reiss Nelson corner. The Gunners soon added a third six minutes later as Hector Bellerín set up Joe Willock for a tap in. A fourth was added by Reiss Nelson in the 82nd minute just before Martinelli added his second in stoppage time to cap off a comfortable night for the Gunners.

Here are five talking points from Arsenal’s 5-0 win over Nottingham Forest.

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#5 Emiliano Martinez fighting for the No.1 spot

Do you think Emiliano Martinez could be Arsenal's new no.1?

Emiliano Martinez made the brave decision this summer to stay at the club and not push for a move on loan. The 27-year-old firmly believes that he can displace Bernd Leno as the club’s No.1 and he’s made that clear in recent interviews.

Having impressed away at Frankfurt, Martinez looked to continue in a similar vein of form tonight. The Argentinean didn’t have much to do in goal, as his Arsenal teammates pretty much dominated the entire game.

Martinez only had to make two saves throughout the whole game, but the keeper kept himself switched on, ready to aid the team in possession.

The 27-year-old only had 20 touches of the ball and made 10 passes throughout the 90 minutes. Regardless of the easiness of the game, Martinez can rest assured knowing he kept only Arsenal’s second clean sheet of the season thus far.

#4 Nottingham Forest was second best

Arsenal FC v Nottingham Forrest - Carabao Cup Third Round

Arsenal fans have definitely not forgotten their recent encounters with Nottingham Forest. Forest have given the Gunners many a headache before, most notably knocking them out of the FA Cup in Arsène Wenger’s last season. Tonight, the playoff-chasing side tried to replicate the performances of old but were unable to.

As they were in the first half, Nottingham Forest found themselves being second best to Arsenal’s young side. Forest only managed five attempts on goal, in comparison to Arsenal’s superior 27. Unai Emery’s men also dominated 67.7% of possession, putting together 850 passes in total.

It was a tough night for Sabri Lamouchi as his men couldn’t live with Arsenal’s movement and pace. Simply put, the Gunners cut them open for 90 minutes, whilst snuffling out any of their threats on the counter.

#3 Gabriel Martinelli shines

Gabriel Martinelli is one for the future

Since arriving in England for just over £6million, the Brazilian has only featured in pre-season friendlies. This was the youngster’s first competitive start for the club.

Right from the first whistle, Martinelli was pressing Forest’s defenders and looking to play off the shoulder of the last man. He was rewarded for his tireless effort in the 31st minute when he headed home a delightful cross by Calum Chambers.

After that, he continued to be the focal point of Arsenal’s fluid attack, trying to hold up play and bring others into the game.

He would add a second to his tally in the final minute of the game, as he smacked one from outside the area. Across the 90 minutes, the 18-year-old completed two dribbles, attempted six shots and scored two goals whilst making several interesting runs off the ball.

#2 The return of Rob Holding

Arsenal FC v Nottingham Forrest - Carabao Cup Third Round

Arsenal fans have been waiting for this moment for close to 10 months. The 24-year-old suffered a devastating crucial ligament rupture back in December last year, keeping him out for the majority of last season.

Now, Rob Holding has been declared to fit play and has been making regular appearances in the U-23s. Unai Emery finally felt tonight was the match to reintroduce him to competitive football.

And it was a dream night for the boy from Bolton. Not only did he marshal his teammates to a rare clean sheet, but he also scored a goal and got to wear the captain’s armband.

In his first start in 10 months, Holding showed Arsenal fans what they had been missing, showcasing his passing as well as defensive attributes. The 24-year-old completed 72 passes, one clearance and one tackle in an assertive performance.

#1 Kieran Tierney and Hector Bellerín are back!

Will these two make Arsenal a better side?

Arsenal’s two first-choice full-backs have both been out with long term injuries. Hector Bellerín has been nursing a crucial ligament rupture since last December while Kieran Tierney has been out with a hip problem since mid-June. Much to the relief of millions of Arsenal fans, the dynamic duo made their return to competitive football tonight.

Although not up to match speed, the two full-backs showed flashes of their normal brilliance. Arsenal was confident enough to start with Tierney, bringing on Bellerín in the second half. In their respective cameos, Tierney completed 49 passes, two tackles and 3 successful take-ons, while Bellerín contributed a 100% pass accuracy and provided 1 assist.

It must be said that Tierney was exceptional all night, regularly bursting past Matty Cash and whipping enticing crosses into the box. If he’s fit enough, he’ll be starting ahead of Sead Kolašinac very soon.