Arsenal secured a 1-0 victory over Nottingham Forest on Sunday at the City Ground, with Noni Madueke scoring the winning goal in the 80th minute, though the champions' performance fell well short of their usual standards.
Madueke's decisive strike came from the left flank after the winger cut inside and fired a powerful shot that deflected off Forest defender Jair Cunha before beating goalkeeper Matz Sels. The goal arrived 10 minutes from full-time and marked Arsenal's only shot on target across the entire match, a rarity for the club. Manager Mikel Arteta's side struggled to establish rhythm or penetration throughout a scrappy encounter, with the first half described as turgid. Arteta made tactical adjustments at the interval and again late in the second half, introducing Mikel Merino, Viktor Gyokeres and Jurrien Timber in an effort to improve Arsenal's attacking output.
The victory moves Arsenal to within three points of Premier League leaders Manchester City, who defeated Ipswich 3-2 on Saturday. Despite the uninspiring display, Arsenal have now won six of their last seven league matches and bounced back from a 3-0 loss at Brighton on September 19 with three successive victories, including wins over Leeds in the league and Lille in the Champions League.
Forest, languishing third from bottom, managed limited chances. Striker Liam Delap forced a couple of moments but could not convert, while defender Murillo's late effort sailed over the crossbar. Forest boss Oliver Glasner has won only once in seven top-flight matches since taking charge in the off-season. The club has won just twice at home in their last 17 league matches.
Arsenal face Bayern Munich in the Champions League on Wednesday before hosting Everton in the league next weekend.