Noni Madueke, introduced at half-time, scored a deflected winner with ten minutes remaining to hand Arsenal a hard-fought three points against Nottingham Forest at the City Ground.

A difficult afternoon for Arsenal's attack

For long stretches of the match, Arsenal — despite controlling possession — failed to break down a deep and organised Forest defence. Eberechi Eze, handed a start on the left wing, could not impose himself and was withdrawn at the interval. Kai Havertz offered little in attack before also being replaced.

Declan Rice was Arsenal's most dynamic presence, driving forward with his usual energy. He missed a clear opening earlier in the game but redeemed himself by playing the decisive pass that set up Madueke's match-winning strike. Martin Odegaard probed without finding the incisive ball to unlock Forest, while Bukayo Saka delivered dangerous crosses into a crowded penalty area.

Madueke's effort, which clipped Jair Cunha on its way in, proved enough — though Forest came agonisingly close to an equaliser in injury time, with Murillo denied after a moment of impressive skill.

Forest's resistance nearly rewarded

Oliver Glasner's side were organised and combative throughout. Matz Sels was rarely tested until the decisive moment, while Liam Delap made life uncomfortable for Ezri Konsa and Gabriel Magalhaes in the Forest attack. Konsa ultimately earned high praise, producing a brilliant last-ditch tackle on Delap deep into injury time to preserve Arsenal's lead.

Substitute Ibrahim Sangare, however, halted his run at the worst possible moment — allowing Arsenal to regroup before Madueke struck. It proved a costly error in an otherwise resolute Forest display.

The victory keeps Arsenal firmly in the title picture, with three points claimed despite a far from convincing performance.