Arsenal edge past Nottingham Forest with late Madueke goal

Noni Madueke came off the bench to break Nottingham Forest's resistance with an 80th-minute winner, giving Arsenal a narrow 1-0 Premier League victory at the City Ground. The result ended a poor recent run for the Gunners at the stadium and kept them within six points of a perfect Manchester City at the top of the table.

Arsenal had managed just one win in their previous five visits to Forest and had drawn their last two trips 0-0. They struggled again for long periods, registering only a single shot on target throughout the entire match. The decisive moment arrived ten minutes from time when substitute Madueke, who had been introduced at half-time, saw his effort deflect off defender Jair Cunha and beat goalkeeper Matz Sels, with Declan Rice credited with the assist.

Key moments and chances

Forest, who had not scored a home league goal all season under Oliver Glasner, created the better early openings. Murillo headed wide from a corner in the 20th minute, while Arsenal's best first-half chance saw Kai Havertz head over from a Rice free-kick. The hosts won a dangerous free-kick just before the break when Liam Delap was fouled by Rice, but Neco Williams's strike hit the wall.

Mikel Arteta made a triple change on 66 minutes, bringing on Jurriën Timber, Mikel Merino and Viktor Gyökeres. The changes eventually told, with Madueke's deflected strike proving the difference. The goal came just as Arsenal's attacking struggles seemed set to continue; they had failed to score in the first half in seven of their last ten matches since the Community Shield.

Reaction and context

Match-winner Madueke pointed to a newfound resilience within the squad. "We showed a champion spirit," he said. "Maybe last season, this game might not have gone for us. We have the extra belief and mentality."

The win, secured on a lazy Sunday afternoon, moved Arsenal to within six points of Manchester City, who had won every league game so far. Forest fans had taunted the visitors with chants of 'Are you City in disguise?' during a match of few clear-cut chances. For Glasner's side, it was a fifth home game without a goal this season, a record that will concern them as they look to move up the standings. Arsenal's next fixture is a home match against Aston Villa.

Read the full report at theguardian.com