Nottingham Forest 1-2 Arsenal: Gunners edge past Forest to close in on league leaders

Arsenal's Gabriel Jesus scored and set up a goal for Bukayo Saka seven minutes later to lead Arsenal to a 2-1 Premier League victory over Nottingham Forest at the City Ground on Tuesday, bringing the north London club within two points of leaders Liverpool.

Mikel Arteta's team, who won their second consecutive match after going three games without a win, surpassed Manchester City to second place with 46 points after 22 games.

Liverpool face mid-table Chelsea at Anfield on Wednesday, while champions City host Burnley.

"We have to do what we have to do," Arteta told BeIN Sports.

"Perform the way that we were doing last year and start of this year, because performances were there, results not. Results are going our way now. We have some momentum, let's go for it."

Forest's relegation fears grew as Nuno Espirito Santo's side sit 16th with 20 points, two points above the drop zone.

Arsenal controlled possession but failed to threaten until Jesus broke the deadlock in the 65th minute. Forest were sloppy with a throw-in, and the ball fell to Jesus, who fired through goalkeeper Matt Turner's legs from a very tight angle.

"(Arteta said at halftime) to keep trying and in the first half we did good," Jesus told TNT Sports.

"We were there and controlled the game, but the best way to control them is to keep the ball in the third part of the pitch. We did well in the first half but we didn't score."

"Second half we scored so we controlled more of the game."

Arteta revealed that Jesus had worked hard to be ready for the game after dealing with fluid on his knee.

"When someone has the desire with the ability he has, good things are going to happen," said the Spaniard.

The Gunners doubled their lead in the 72nd minute when Gonzalo Montiel gave the ball away near the halfway line and Forest were caught on the break. Jesus passed the ball to Saka, who shot across goal, and while Turner got a hand on it, he was unable to keep it out.

Forest substitute Taiwo Awoniyi pulled one back to energise the crowd in the 89th minute, prodding home through a crowd of players, and then Arsenal's David Raya made a fantastic save in the final minutes to secure the win in front of Arsenal legend Robert Pires.

Arsenal had 19 shots to the home team's nine, and both sides had three attempts on goal.

SportsLigue