Manager Ange Postecoglou suffered defeat in his first game as Nottingham Forest boss, with Arsenal cruising to a 3-0 win at the Emirates.

Mikel Arteta’s side went into the match as favourites, with new signing Eberechi Eze making his home debut, while Declan Rice dropped to the bench.

Arsenal’s captain, Martin Ødegaard, returning from injury, was forced off early after landing awkwardly on his shoulder in a challenge with Morgan Gibbs-White. He was replaced by teenager Ethan Nwaneri, with Arteta unwilling to take any risks.

The breakthrough came when Martin Zubimendi produced a stunning volley from the edge of the box in the first half, too quick for goalkeeper Matz Sels, to register his first goal for the club and the new campaign.

Forest’s injury troubles continued as defender Murillo was forced off, making way for debutant Nicolo Savona in a bid to stabilise the visitors’ backline.

After the restart, Arsenal doubled their lead. A lapse in concentration from Savona allowed Eze to pounce and set up Swedish striker Viktor Gyökeres, who tapped in from close range.

The goal made Gyökeres just the third Arsenal player to score in both of his first two Premier League home games, while Eze became the first Englishman to record a goal contribution on his full league debut for the club since Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain in January 2012.

Forest nearly found an immediate reply when Ndoye broke free down the right and fired the ball into Chris Wood’s chest, only for it to ricochet onto the crossbar with David Raya stranded.

Arsenal sealed the win late on as Trossard delivered a perfect cross into the box, met by Zubimendi’s towering header for his second of the game, putting the Gunners 3-0 up.

Noni Madueke capped off a brilliant team performance, completing the most dribbles, creating the most chances, and winning the most duels in the match.

The defeat marks a tough start for Postecoglou, who only took charge days after the dismissal of Portuguese coach Nuno Espírito Santo, whose 21-month tenure came to an end.

Elsewhere, as English club football returned, Bournemouth edged Brighton 2-1, while Crystal Palace and Sunderland, along with Everton and Aston Villa, settled for a share of the points. Newcastle secured a narrow 1-0 win over Wolves, with Super Eagles striker Tolu Arokodare making his debut, and Fulham beat the newly promoted side Leeds by the same margin.

Arsenal prepare for next challenge as they face Athletic Club next Tuesday to kick off their Champions League campaign.