Premier League: Mikel Arteta updates on Bukayo Saka, while substitute Reiss Nelson shines against Nottingham Forest

Following Gabriel Martinelli's goal in the opening five minutes, Reiss Nelson scored two goals in three minutes immediately after the half to put the game out of reach. The Gunners now lead the defending champions Manchester City by two points.

Following last weekend's draw at Southampton and Wednesday's Europa League loss at PSV Eindhoven, Mikel Arteta's squad was called into question for the first time this season.

But the Gunners responded with a furious rebuttal, dominating Nottingham Forest with a dominant performance to reclaim first place above Manchester City.

Gabriel Martinelli headed in Bukayo Saka's cross to give Mikel Arteta's team an early lead in the first minute of play.

However, the Gunners were dealt a blow when winger Bukayo Saka went off in the first half with a suspected ankle injury. His substitute, Reiss Nelson, scored two goals to allay any second-half concerns.

The winger scored twice within three minutes shortly after halftime, his first league goal for Arsenal since scoring the game-winning goal against Liverpool 837 days prior.

It was evident from Reiss Nelson's reaction how much the goals meant to him that this was a momentous occasion.

And with Saka perhaps facing a period on the sidelines, he has firmly established himself as the frontrunner to replace the 21-year-old on the right side of the attack.

Within one hour, Thomas Partey's rocket made the score 4-0. And captain Martin Odegaard capped the slaughter with a vicious strike in the box that rocketed into the top corner, giving Arsenal a thumping victory and a two-point lead over second-place Manchester City.

Mikel Arteta clears doubts on Bukayo Saka

Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta encouraged Gunners and England fans after Bukayo Saka left Sunday's victory over Nottingham Forest with an injury.

The Three Lions winger was knocked down twice before conceding defeat, causing concern that the injury could affect his prospects of competing in next month's World Cup.

Mikel Arteta responded to reporters' questions about whether he will miss the World Cup by saying: "Hopefully not. He suffered a lousy kick right at the start of the game; he was limping for a bit." 

"But I don't see it as anything further than that." In response to a question about the extent of Bukayo Saka's injury, the Spaniard replied, "I would say everything. He got kicked a few times."