Arsenal defeated Nottingham Forest 1-0 at the City Ground thanks to a late deflected goal from substitute Noni Madueke.

Key facts
- •Noni Madueke scored the winning goal in the 80th minute after coming on as a halftime substitute.
- •The goal was credited as a deflection off Nottingham Forest defender Jair Cunha.
- •Arsenal moved to 18 points, maintaining a three-point gap behind league leaders Manchester City.
- •Nottingham Forest dropped into the relegation zone and has yet to score a home league goal this season.
- •Ezri Konsa made a critical late tackle to stop Liam Delap from equalizing in stoppage time.
Arsenal secured a 1-0 victory against Nottingham Forest on Sunday after Noni Madueke scored in the 80th minute. The substitute's strike deflected off Jair Cunha to beat goalkeeper Matz Sels, providing the only goal in a match where Arsenal struggled to create clear opportunities. The win keeps Arsenal within three points of Premier League leaders Manchester City, while the result leaves Nottingham Forest in the relegation zone.
By the numbers
Match Summary and Key Moments
Arsenal dominated possession throughout the match but failed to register a shot on target during the first half. Nottingham Forest defended resolutely and threatened on the counter-attack, with Dan Ndoye shooting into the side netting following an early error by Riccardo Calafiori. Arsenal's best first-half chance came when an effort from Gabriel was cleared near the line by Ousmane Diomande. Following a scoreless first 80 minutes, Madueke, who replaced Eze at halftime, cut inside from the left to score the decisive goal. Forest attempted to equalize in stoppage time through a solo run by Murillo that curled narrowly wide, and a late challenge by Arsenal defender Ezri Konsa prevented Liam Delap from scoring.
League Implications
The result moves Arsenal to 18 points in the Premier League standings, trailing leaders Manchester City by three points. For Nottingham Forest, the loss deepens their struggles as they remain without a home league goal this season and have dropped into the relegation zone.
Timeline
- 19th minuteDan Ndoye shoots into the side netting after a mistake by Riccardo Calafiori.
- 46th minuteNoni Madueke replaces Eze as a halftime substitute for Arsenal.
- 80th minuteNoni Madueke scores the winning goal after his shot deflects off Jair Cunha.
- 90+2 minuteMurillo nearly equalizes for Forest with a solo run that curls narrowly wide.
- 90+3 minuteEzri Konsa makes a late challenge to deny Liam Delap a goal.
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This article was independently rewritten by ManyPress editorial AI from reporting originally published by BBC Sport, Sky Sports Football.



