Madueke's 80th-minute goal gives Arsenal victory over Nottingham Forest

Arsenal go without a first-half shot on target

Arsenal visited Nottingham Forest at the City Ground on Sunday, October 18, 2026, for their Premier League meeting.

Arsenal controlled possession before halftime but reached the interval without a shot on target. Kai Havertz headed off target from a Declan Rice free kick, leaving Arsenal without a breakthrough despite having more of the ball in the opening half.

Madueke enters as chances remain unfinished

Noni Madueke replaced Eberechi Eze at halftime. The substitute would eventually provide the game's only goal.

Forest began the second half with Liam Delap nearly creating an opportunity for Neco Williams. Arsenal also had chances before the decisive goal: Gabriel Magalhães headed over from a corner, and Rice subsequently shot over from inside Forest's penalty area. Both attempts left the match scoreless.

A deflection delivers the breakthrough

Madueke scored in the 80th minute after cutting inside from the left. His shot deflected off Jair Cunha, wrong-footing Matz Sels and carrying into the net.

Forest's late response included Chris Wood being denied a free shot by Rice and Delap being stopped by Ezri Konsa's recovery challenge.

Murillo then threatened an equalizer in stoppage time, making a solo run at Arsenal's defense before missing with his shot.

One attempt on target proves enough

Arsenal finished with just one shot on target, which produced the winner, while Forest recorded two.

Substitute Jurrien Timber also contributed to Arsenal's clean sheet, their third in four away league matches this season. Arsenal remained second, three points behind Manchester City, after six wins from seven matches. Forest finished in the relegation zone, still without a home league goal this season.