Noni Madueke earned Arsenal a 1-0 Premier League win at Nottingham Forest on Sunday, according to Opta’s match report. The substitute broke the deadlock at the City Ground as the reigning champions overcame a late Forest response.
Madueke changes the attack from the bench
Mikel Arteta introduced Madueke for Eberechi Eze at half-time. Arseblog’s match report describes Arsenal controlling possession against a compact Forest defence, without finding space to turn that control into clear openings. Kai Havertz headed over and also hit the side netting before the interval, while Gabriel’s attempted backheel was blocked by team-mate Ezri Konsa.
Arteta later brought on Jurrien Timber, Mikel Merino and Viktor Gyokeres. A move involving Bukayo Saka and Martin Odegaard released Timber, whose cutback found Declan Rice unmarked, but Rice shot over. Madueke eventually drove inside and struck towards the far corner, with a deflection off Jair Cunha taking the ball past Matz Sels.
Arseblog also records the defensive work that protected Arsenal’s lead. Rice recovered to block Chris Wood’s attempt, Murillo fired narrowly over after escaping along the touchline, and Konsa raced back to deny Liam Delap. Forest therefore retained opportunities to equalise after Madueke’s breakthrough, rather than fading once behind.
Forest’s finishing work meets another home blank
Before kick-off, Sky Sports’ exclusive interview described Forest working on their finishing, with Glasner inviting Wood to address the squad. Forest head coach Oliver Glasner told Sky Sports: “It doesn’t always mean that the manager has the answers to everything.” Wood’s message, as relayed by Glasner, urged the players to retain confidence and prepare for their next opportunity. Glasner said the experience within the squad could help the coaching staff find solutions. His concern centred on converting chances, rather than a shortage of opportunities.
SportsRivo compared that pre-match account with Opta’s completed match record and Arseblog’s description of Wood’s blocked chance. Forest entered the game without a home league goal this season and finished it with that sequence intact. The comparison connects the training response with a specific match opportunity; it does not establish why Forest failed to score. Opta’s post-match record places Forest alongside Schalke as the only clubs still without a home league goal across Europe’s major five leagues this season.
Arsenal extend winning run as Forest slip
- Opta records Arsenal’s latest league wins over Sunderland, Leeds and Forest as games decided by substitutes. Bruno Guimarães supplied the earlier winners, before Madueke continued that sequence.
- Forest finish the round in the relegation zone, according to Opta’s post-match assessment. The defeat also extends their losing league run, leaving the finishing problem unresolved after another home match.