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ARSENAL 5 NOTTM FOREST 0

Gunners young guns crush Forest with welcome returns for Tierney and Bellerin

ARSENAL'S young guns dazzled to dump a shell-shocked Nottingham Forest out of the Carabao Cup.

Gabriel Martinelli had put Unai Emery's side into a 1-0 half-time lead - and in the second period the Premier League side put Forest to the sword.

 Gabriel Martinelli impressed with two goals, and celebrates his first here on the left
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Gabriel Martinelli impressed with two goals, and celebrates his first here on the leftCredit: PA:Press Association

Rob Holding, Joe Willock and Reiss Nelson ensured it was an easy night's work at the Emirates.

And then Martinelli chipped in with his second goal and the fifth to cap off a brilliant first start from the £6million Brazilian.

And the game also saw the welcome return to action of summer signing from Celtic Kieran Tierney.

He has been injured ever since signing his deal in the capital.

Also returning from long-term injury was Hector Bellerin, who replaced Tierney in the latter stages of the game.

 This was the worrying sight when Emile Smith Rowe went down with a head injury
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This was the worrying sight when Emile Smith Rowe went down with a head injuryCredit: Getty Images - Getty
 Gabriel Martinelli powered in a header for his first
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Gabriel Martinelli powered in a header for his firstCredit: Getty Images - Getty
 The game went on to get even better for Arsenals Brazilian star as he scored his second
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The game went on to get even better for Arsenals Brazilian star as he scored his secondCredit: Getty

But it wasn't all good news for the Gunners - youngster Emile Smith Rowe had to be carried off the field on a stretcher after a clash of heads just before the break.

Mesut Ozil was reduced to leading out the young guns in the cup competition considered less of a priority than the others.

But the retired German international ended up taking a back seat to the gems Emery has in the Emirates ranks.

 Mesut Ozil was supposed to be the shining light in a rookie team - but he flattered to deceive again
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Mesut Ozil was supposed to be the shining light in a rookie team - but he flattered to deceive againCredit: Alamy Live News

And he looked his grumpy self as he was replaced by Spaniard Dani Ceballos in the 71st minute.

Martinelli was the star of the show - the player plucked from the lower league in Brazil.

But like the other youngster making his mark in the starting XI in the Prem, Matteo Guendouzi, it could prove the bargain of all bargains.

He led the line superbly against Forest's uncompromising centre-halves, and got his reward with two goals.

And it was another impressive showing from Calum Chambers.

He played various positions throughout and bagged an incredible THREE assists.

It seems his time at relegated Fulham last season has brought out the footballer everyone expected to see when he joined from Southampton.

 Hector Bellerin came off the bench, and grabbed an assist late on
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Hector Bellerin came off the bench, and grabbed an assist late onCredit: Getty
 Kieran Tierney made his first start for Arsenal since joining from Celtic in the summer
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Kieran Tierney made his first start for Arsenal since joining from Celtic in the summerCredit: Getty Images - Getty
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