Arsenal boss Mikel Arteta has confirmed the Gunners are not considering an operation for skipper Martin Odegaard, who left the pitch with a shoulder injury once more during their commanding 3-0 victory against Nottingham Forest 3-0 at lunchtime.
Summer signing Martin Zubimendi stole the headlines with a brilliant brace, while Noni Madueke produced an outstanding display on the right flank.
The victory showcased the impact of Arsenal's transfer business, with five new arrivals featuring in the starting eleven despite significant injury concerns for Mikel Arteta's squad.
Speaking after the match, Arteta expressed his satisfaction with the team's new additions.
Arsenal boss Mikel Arteta has confirmed the Gunners are not considering an operation for skipper Martin Odegaard, who left the pitch with a shoulder injury once more in their commanding 3-0 victory against Nottingham Forest 3-0 at lunchtime
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"The new ones that started, five of them today. You can sense that there are new relationships developing there. Noni - I thought he was exceptional," the Gunners boss said.
The Spaniard particularly highlighted Madueke's qualities: "I think he has such a power. He's very skilful very unpredictable. He's always trying things, you get one wrong, you get that with the creative players."
Noni Madueke continued his terrific form
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However, Arteta confirmed concerning news regarding captain Martin Odegaard, who was forced off with a shoulder problem.
"Shoulder. Very similar, similar injury and he's played two games with Norway and unfortunately he cannot continue," he explained, though he ruled out surgery: "No, certainly not. Last time in a few days he was able to manage the pain."
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Martin Odegaard left the field with a shoulder injury once more
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Arteta revealed his reasoning for selecting Mikel Merino ahead of Declan Rice stating: "Yes, because Mikel comes after scoring four goals in two games in a high emotional state and when a player is in that moment I want to play him."
The Arsenal boss also praised young substitute Ethan Nwaneri, who replaced the injured Odegaard: "When he's very close to the box he has one thing in his mind. Against Leeds I think it was the same thing, he came on and did very well."
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Regarding William Saliba's absence, Arteta provided an update: "He trained yesterday and I spoke to him afterwards and he said 'I think I need a few more days'."
On the afternoon, Zubimendi opened the scoring with a stunning volley from outside the penalty area following a cleared Madueke corner, with the ball taking a slight deflection off Murillo.
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Martin Zubimendi bagged a brilliant brace for the Gunners
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The Spanish midfielder's second came via a header from Leandro Trossard's delivery.
Between those strikes, summer arrivals Eberechi Eze and Viktor Gyokeres combined brilliantly seconds after half-time.
Making his full debut, Eze sprinted down the left flank before setting up Gyokeres for a simple tap-in.
David Raya marked his century of Arsenal appearances with a clean sheet, producing an outstanding save to deny Chris Wood's ambitious attempt that struck the crossbar.