Noni Madueke scored the decisive goal as Arsenal secured a narrow 1-0 victory over Nottingham Forest at the City Ground on Sunday, with the substitute crediting the team's "champion's spirit" for the late breakthrough.
The Gunners struggled for fluency throughout the afternoon and appeared headed for another disappointing draw against the East Midlands side. However, Madueke, introduced at half-time in place of Eberechi Eze, fired home a deflected effort with 10 minutes remaining to seal all three points.
Madueke praises team's grit and determination
Speaking to Sky Sports, the former Chelsea man highlighted the difficulty of playing at the City Ground and the collective effort required to secure the win. "This place is so hard to come to, everybody knows it. They make it so difficult for you," he said.
"It was a tough game, a really tough game to even come into but we're really happy. We did it all together. We showed grit and determination, and I think we showed a champion's spirit here tonight. So really pleased."
Extra belief from title-winning mentality
Madueke suggested that Arsenal's successful title campaign has instilled greater confidence in the squad to overcome difficult situations. "I think at times, maybe last year, this game might have not gone as it did for us in the end but I think we've got that extra belief, that extra mentality now and we know we're the champions and we know we can pull it out of the bag wherever we go and I'm delighted we were able to do that today," he added.
The winger also revealed the instructions he received from boss Mikel Arteta before his introduction. "We know it's difficult here," Madueke said. "A lot of the time it's cagey. I think the last three years, I was here last year but not the year before, it's been 0-0. And at my old team as well. It's always difficult to come here."
Arteta's message and what's next for Arsenal
"So I think he said 'hang in there, stick to the game plan'. And then to me, he always just says 'go out there, try and attack the opposition and be dangerous and just be yourself and be good defensively as well'. And I think I did that today," Madueke explained.
The victory moves Arsenal to second in the Premier League, three points behind Manchester City. Arteta's side return to action on Wednesday against German champions Bayern Munich, before a clash with Everton.
