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Arsenal launch title bid with 2-1 win over Forest
Arteta’s Gunners started the season on the right foot despite a delayed start due to 'issues with the ticketing system' which prevented fans from entering the ground on time
Arsenal's Bukayo Saka (right) celebrates scoring their side's second goal of the game against Nottingham Forest, August 12, 2023

Arsenal 2-1 Nottingham Forest
by Layth Yousif
at Ashburton Grove

ARSENAL beat Nottingham Forest 2-1 to kick-off their Premier League season with victory, in a match made notable by chaos outside the turnstiles prior to kick-off, following the club’s implementation of an unpopular new e-ticketing system.

First half goals from Eddie Nketiah and a stunning long-range strike from Bukayo Saka, were enough to seal victory on the opening weekend of the season, despite a late consolation from the visitors’ Taiwo Awoniyi.

Yet, it was the sight of more than 30,000 supporters massed outside the ground, due to “issues with the ticketing system,” that caused the turnstiles to shut before the match — forcing the authorities to delay the start by half an hour.

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