Madueke's late goal gives Arsenal 1-0 win at Nottingham Forest

Noni Madueke scored in the 80th minute as Arsenal beat Nottingham Forest 1-0 at the City Ground on Sunday, October 18. The substitute's deflected effort secured three Premier League points for Mikel Arteta's side after a difficult afternoon against a defence that had given them little room to work, BBC Sport reported.

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Declan Rice supplied the pass for the decisive goal, with Madueke's shot striking Forest defender Jair Cunha before beating Matz Sels. The Forest goalkeeper had largely been untroubled before the breakthrough. Rice had earlier missed an opportunity himself, while Arsenal's possession had produced few clear openings against Oliver Glasner's team.

Forest were without the injured Morgan Gibbs-White, leaving James McAtee with responsibility for providing creativity. Dan Ndoye sent an early effort wide and Daniel Munoz tested David Raya. Liam Delap occupied Arsenal's central defenders in a physical contest, but the home side were unable to turn their attacking efforts into a goal.

The result remained in doubt into stoppage time. Murillo threatened an equaliser after working his way forward, while Ezri Konsa made an important late tackle on Delap to help preserve Arsenal's clean sheet. BBC Sport's match coverage highlighted that intervention as a decisive contribution from the defender after his sustained battle with Forest's striker.

Madueke had replaced Eberechi Eze at half-time and delivered another influential performance after recent starts against Leeds and Lille. According to BBC Sport, the England winger has started only one league match this season. He also assisted the opening goal in Tuesday's Champions League victory over Lille, when he began the game on the right wing.

Arteta praised Madueke's greater conviction since the international break and his growing influence on results. The manager also defended his use of substitutes to change matches: BBC Sport reported that Arsenal's replacements have contributed to 26 Premier League goals since the start of last season, more than any other team. Against Forest, that bench contribution again made the difference, with Madueke supplying the finish Arsenal had been missing.