Noni Madueke's deflected strike in the 80th minute secured Arsenal a 1-0 victory over Nottingham Forest at the City Ground, moving the Gunners to within three points of Manchester City at the top of the table.
The match was largely turgid, with both sides lacking attacking quality and excitement. Arsenal had to wait until the 80th minute for their first shot on target, which proved to be the winner as Madueke cut inside and beat Matz Sels.
Defensive Solidity and Midfield Grit
David Raya earned a 7/10 rating, confidently dealing with every corner and cross Forest swung into the box while playing superb long passes forward. It was his fourth clean sheet in seven league matches.
Ezri Konsa and Gabriel both impressed with 8/10 ratings. Konsa dealt well with Delap, recovered quickly from a knock to make a good block, and showed great pace in the final minute to deflect Delap's effort wide. Gabriel defended one break from Ndoye superbly, made six clearances, and was strong when left isolated at the back.
Declan Rice (7/10) created the best early chance with a cross for Havertz but blazed over on 70 minutes. He rescued Arsenal in the closing stages with a sensational block to deny Wood. Bruno Guimaraes (6/10) won eight of his ten duels and offered real bite in midfield.
Fringe Player Struggles and Substitutes Deliver
Eberechi Eze had a miserable performance, earning a 3/10 rating. He lacked intensity, made basic errors on the ball, and recorded no shots, no chances created, and no successful dribbles before being hooked at half-time.
Kai Havertz (4/10) missed a headed chance from a free-kick and fired wide from a tight angle, while also giving away a needless free-kick for handball. Bukayo Saka (5/10) got Williams booked early but did not test him enough, and Martin Odegaard (6/10) frustrated by dropping deep too often.
Madueke, introduced at half-time, earned an 8/10 for saving the day with a more direct approach and the decisive deflected strike. Jurrien Timber (7/10) added real impetus to the right wing, while Mikel Merino and Viktor Gyokeres (both 6/10) provided calm and nuisance respectively.
