LONDON (Interstat) — Arsenal opened its Premier League campaign with a hard-fought 2-1 victory over Nottingham Forest at Emirates Stadium on Saturday, but the win was marred by a late defensive lapse that tightened a contest the hosts had long controlled.

Playing in the season’s first weekend, Arsenal asserted its dominance early. The breakthrough came in the 26th minute when forward Edward Nketiah finished clinically from close range after a driving run and precise cutback from Gabriel Martinelli. The home side doubled its advantage just six minutes later. Defender William Saliba rose highest to meet a corner, nodding the ball across goal for Bukayo Saka to volley home from point-blank range in the 32nd minute.

Nottingham Forest, which finished the previous day with nine wins, 16 losses and seven draws in league play, struggled to generate offense for much of the match. Its first significant chance resulted in a yellow card for defender Ola Aina in the 28th minute for a foul stemming from Arsenal’s relentless pressure. The visitors’ frustration grew as Arsenal controlled possession and tempo.

The match’s physical intensity was reflected in four yellow cards. Arsenal’s Jurriën Timber was booked in first-half stoppage time, while Forest’s Orel Mangala received a caution in the 81st minute. Arsenal defender Ben White was shown a yellow in the second minute of added time.

Despite being outplayed, Forest found a late lifeline. In the 82nd minute, substitute Anthony Elanga used his pace on the counter-attack, delivering a low cross that striker Taiwo Awoniyi slotted past the goalkeeper. The goal ignited a tense final phase, but Arsenal’s defense, which has been a cornerstone of its successful season, managed the remaining minutes to secure the three points.

The result continued a strong pattern for Arsenal against Forest. The Gunners had won the previous meeting 3-0 at home in September and played to a scoreless draw in Nottingham in January. Arsenal now holds a league record of 22 wins, three losses and five draws, maintaining its position as a title contender.

The match defied one pregame projection from Interstat, which had simulated a 1-1 draw. However, it aligned with the same service’s ELO rating system, which gave Arsenal a 92.1% probability to win.

Nottingham Forest, which showed resilience in its late push, will look to rebound quickly as its schedule remains demanding. Arsenal, meanwhile, will seek to correct its late-game concentration as it prepares for a pivotal stretch of the season. The Gunners’ next league match is a critical clash against defending champion Manchester City on April 19.