Well, that was a difficult watch! Arsenal somehow escaped the City Ground with all three points after Noni Madueke’s 80th-minute winner secured a thoroughly unconvincing 1-0 victory over Nottingham Forest.Sometimes you have to win ugly, but this was taking things to another level. For much of the afternoon, Arsenal looked short of ideas, struggled to find any attacking rhythm and were fortunate that Forest couldn’t make more of their opportunities.A frustrating first half with little to celebrateForest made their intentions clear early on. Liam Delap was proving a real handful for Arsenal’s defence, using his physicality to unsettle Ezri Konsa and Gabriel.Arsenal had their moments. Bukayo Saka was lively down the right, forcing corners and trying to create openings, but the final delivery was repeatedly cleared.Riccardo Calafiori made a mistake in the 19th minute that nearly cost Arsenal, while Ben White sliced a cross high into the air when presented with an opportunity to deliver.The Gunners began to look more threatening around the half-hour mark, but there was precious little end product.Kai Havertz wasted a promising headed opportunity in the 37th minute, sending his effort high over the bar.By half-time, neither side had managed a single shot on target. It was physical, scrappy football, and Arsenal were struggling to impose themselves.(Photo by Carl Recine/Getty Images)Madueke makes the difference as Arsenal survive late pressureMikel Arteta introduced Noni Madueke for Eberechi Eze at half-time, but Arsenal’s attacking frustrations continued.Forest increasingly looked the more dangerous side, with Delap forcing David Raya into action and the hosts winning a succession of corners.Arteta made further changes in the 66th minute, introducing Jurrien Timber, Mikel Merino and Viktor Gyökeres for White, Bruno Guimarães and Havertz.Yet Arsenal still struggled to create anything meaningful. Declan Rice fired a long-range effort over, Martin Ødegaard’s free kick came to nothing, and Saka dragged an effort wide.Then, finally, came the breakthrough.In the 80th minute, Madueke collected a pass from Rice, cut inside from the left and unleashed a powerful effort that deflected off Jair Cunha and flew beyond Matz Sels.Forest 0-1 Arsenal. Relief!And frankly, I couldn’t have cared less about the deflection. Madueke had shown the willingness to attack his defender and make something happen when Arsenal desperately needed inspiration.The drama wasn’t finished, either.Rice produced a crucial intervention to prevent Forest from breaking through in the 89th minute, Murillo sent an effort narrowly wide in stoppage time, and Konsa made an important block to deny Delap in the 93rd minute.Arsenal survived.Madueke deservedly collected the Player of the Match award, and I certainly wouldn’t argue with that decision.There will be plenty for Arteta to examine after this performance. Arsenal cannot expect to produce so little attacking threat every week and continue collecting victories.But three points are three points, and sometimes the ability to grind out a result is what separates successful teams from the rest.For today, we’ll take the win, thank Madueke for rescuing us, and hope for considerably better football next time!Should Arsenal be seriously concerned about their lack of creativity against Forest? I’m concerned. This was a horrible game to watch.Join the discussion in the comments below._____________________________________________________________________________________________ADMIN COMMENTSo here are some simple rules which I must insist commenters follow….You agree not to give any personal abuse to other Arsenal fans. Everyone is allowed to hold their own opinions even if you disagree with them. It COSTS NOTHING TO BE POLITE TO OTHER ARSENAL FANS.CALLING ALL ARSENAL FANS! Anyone who would like to contribute an Article or Video opinion piece on JustArsenal, don’t hesitate to get in touch with us through this link…More Stories / Latest NewsNottingham Forest 0-1 Arsenal: Madueke rescues Gunners from a miserable afternoon18 October 2026, 19:09Arsenal Women Weekly Roundup: Birmingham Draw Deepens WSL Woes18 October 2026, 17:00Confirmed Arsenal Team v Nottingham Forest: Havertz leads the line18 October 2026, 15:15The post Nottingham Forest 0-1 Arsenal: Madueke rescues Gunners from a miserable afternoon appeared first on Just Arsenal News.