Arsenal secured a narrow 1-0 victory over Nottingham Forest at the City Ground on Sunday, with substitute Noni Madueke scoring the decisive goal late in the match. The win marked Arsenal’s tenth league victory in 11 games this season, keeping them firmly in pursuit of Premier League leaders Manchester City.

Madueke, who entered the game at half-time, scored his first league goal of the campaign with a strike that deflected off Forest defender Jair Cunha, proving to be Arsenal’s only shot on target during the match. The England international praised his team’s resilience, emphasizing their “champion’s spirit” in grinding out the result despite limited opportunities.

Manager Mikel Arteta highlighted Madueke’s growing influence in recent weeks, describing him as “a special character” who has shown increased conviction on and off the pitch. Arteta expressed satisfaction with the team’s response following a 3-0 defeat to Brighton & Hove Albion before the international break, noting that the Gunners had now secured three consecutive wins since that setback. He also stressed the club’s ongoing ambition to improve and reach their best form.

Nottingham Forest, who remain 18th in the league and in the relegation zone, offered a spirited performance according to head coach Oliver Glasner. Despite the loss, Glasner pointed to the team’s effort, energy, and spirit as positives, though he acknowledged the need for improved results. The defeat continued Forest’s recent struggles at home; they have won only once in their past 15 league matches at the City Ground and remain one of the few teams across Europe’s top five leagues yet to score a home goal this season.

The match came amid heightened scrutiny on Manchester City, who were recently found guilty of breaching Premier League financial regulations. While some speculated the ruling could impact the title race, Arsenal showed no signs of distraction, maintaining pressure on the league leaders with their latest win.

Arsenal’s bench impact was also notable, as this marked the third consecutive Premier League match where a substitute scored the winning goal, a trend Arteta pointed to as a sign of squad depth and adaptability. The Gunners will look to build on this momentum as the season progresses, while Forest face the challenge of turning improved performances into points to climb out of the relegation zone.