Second half goals from Gabriel Jesus and Bukayo Saka helped Arsenal beat Nottingham Forest 2-1 at the City Ground, with Tawo Awoniyi's strike making things difficult for the Gunners in the closing stages.

The win moves Arsenal up to second in the Premier League, two points behind Liverpool, who take on Chelsea on Wednesday night before travelling to Emirates Stadium on Sunday.

Player ratings:

David Raya 6.5/10

Made an important save to prevent Awoniyi from equalising in injury time. Kicking remains unconvincing.

Oleksandr Zinchenko 6.5/10

Didn’t get close enough to Gonzalo Montiel, who ran in behind to set up Tawo Awoniyi’s goal.

Gabriel 7/10

Played out from the back well alongside William Saliba.

William Saliba 7/10

Beaten by the strength of Awoniyi as he pulled a goal back for the home side.

Ben White 6.5/10

Lacked sharpness going forward at times.

Emile Smith Rowe 7/10

Fans were delighted to see the Hale End product make a rare start, and Smith Rowe linked up play well and looked comfortable on the ball.

Declan Rice 7.5/10

One of the first names on the Arsenal teamsheet.

Martin Odegaard 7.5/10

Sometimes of overplaying in the final third, as were Arsenal as a whole. Improved in the second half.

Gabriel Martinelli 6.5/10

Not the Brazilian’s most impactful outing.

Gabriel Jesus 8/10

Missed the best of Arsenal’s first half chances and rattled the post from close range in the second half before giving Arsenal the lead from a narrow angle. A clever through ball to assist Saka’s goal.

Bukayo Saka 7.5/10

Slammed the ball past Turner to make it 2-0.

Kai Havertz (Sub, 71’) 6/10

Came on for Smith Rowe after dropping to the bench.

Eddie Nketiah (Sub, 78’) 6/10

Replaced Jesus upfront.

Leandro Trossard (Sub, 78’) 6.5/10

Nearly found the top corner moments after being introduced. Carried the ball forward well as Arsenal looked to see out the win.

Jakub Kiwior (Sub, 90+2)

Jorginho (Sub, 90+2)

Subs not used: Aaron Ramsdale, Cedric Soares, Reuell Walters, Reiss Nelson.