An unconvincing display at the City Ground still yielded a crucial result as Noni Madueke rescued Arsenal with a late strike. According to Al Jazeera, Mikel Arteta's side did not register a single shot on target until Madueke bagged their winner 10 minutes from full-time to secure a 1-0 victory over Nottingham Forest.
Key Match Facts
According to Al Jazeera, Arsenal were well below their best and struggled to establish any rhythm in a scrappy opening by the banks of the River Trent. Bukayo Saka forced Forest goalkeeper Matz Sels to claw a cross from under his crossbar, while Kai Havertz fired into the side-netting from an acute angle after a pass from Martin Odegaard.
Al Jazeera reported that Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta made tactical changes to spark his lethargic side into life, replacing Eberechi Eze with Madueke at halftime. Further substitutions saw Mikel Merino, Viktor Gyokeres, and Jurrien Timber introduced, while Bruno Guimaraes and other players were replaced following underwhelming displays. Forest also threatened through Dan Ndoye and striker Liam Delap, but ultimately failed to convert their chances.
Background
According to Al Jazeera, the victory moves second-placed Arsenal within three points of table-toppers Manchester City, who beat Ipswich 3-2 on Saturday. The north Londoners have bounced back with three successive victories following a shock 3-0 loss at Brighton on September 19, having previously beaten Leeds in the Premier League and Lille in the Champions League.
Al Jazeera noted that while Arsenal have not recaptured the relentless consistency that carried them to their first title in 22 years last season, they retain the ability to grind out wins, marking their sixth victory in seven league matches. Meanwhile, Nottingham Forest find themselves third-from-bottom, having won just twice at home in their last 17 league games under boss Oliver Glasner, who has managed only one victory in seven top-flight matches since taking charge in the close season.
What's next
According to Al Jazeera, Arsenal head to Bayern Munich in the Champions League on Wednesday before returning to domestic action to host Everton in the top flight next weekend.