Noni Madueke's deflected strike 10 minutes from time earned Arsenal a 1-0 victory at Nottingham Forest, closing the gap at the top of the Premier League to just three points.
The win at the City Ground was Arsenal's first in three visits, following two goalless draws, and came despite a lacklustre attacking display that will give Mikel Arteta plenty to ponder.
Madueke's late winner settles borefest
Arsenal failed to register a shot on target until the 80th minute, when Madueke's effort flew into the net to delight the travelling fans. The goal came after Forest substitute Ibrahim Sangare failed to clear properly, with Rice feeding Madueke, who cut into the box and saw his shot deflect in off Jair Cunha.
Forest have now gone eight hours and 26 minutes without a home goal in all competitions. New Forest boss Oliver Glasner has managed just one win from his opening seven games.
Arteta's attacking concerns
The victory was a big moment for Madueke, who has struggled since his £52m arrival from Chelsea in the summer of 2025. He livened things up after coming on for Eberechi Eze at half time and scored after cutting in from the left wing.
However, Arsenal's wider problem is that they look worse up front than last season, despite an expected squad improvement. They sold Leandro Trossard and Gabriel Martinelli, brought in Christos Tzolis - currently out injured - and look short of ideas in attack.
Arteta said on Friday that he regards Kai Havertz as a 25-goal striker, but Havertz headed their best first-half chance over the bar. Bukayo Saka, up against Neco Williams, failed to really test the Forest full-back, who was booked after just 17 minutes.
Late pressure and let-off
Arsenal produced their best move of the match in the 72nd minute as Saka and Martin Odegaard combined before Jurrien Timber's cut back set up Declan Rice, who smashed the ball over the bar.
There were hearts in mouths when Forest defender Murillo raced into the box and had a sight of goal in the dying stages but blazed over. It was a let-off but a reflection of the game.
