Noni Madueke’s Late Winner Keeps Arsenal in Premier League Title Hunt
Noni Madueke came off the bench to fire Arsenal to a late, deflected winner at Nottingham Forest, and David Raya hailed the England forward after a result that kept Mikel Arteta’s side in the title fight.
Madueke breaks Forest resistance
Arsenal dominated the ball at the City Ground but had been unable to force a breakthrough for 80 minutes against a determined Forest defence. Madueke finally made the difference in the closing stages, with his shot taking a deflection before finding the net.
- The victory prevented Arsenal from losing further ground on early leaders Manchester City.
- Forest’s defeat dropped them into the relegation zone.
- Arsenal had drawn 0-0 on each of their previous two league visits to the City Ground.
- The win came after a damaging defeat to Brighton and a 19-day period without a match.
Raya salutes Arsenal’s patience
Raya said Madueke had delivered a memorable moment on a difficult away ground, describing him as a special talent and saying he was delighted the substitute had secured the win.
The Arsenal goalkeeper also pointed to the side’s composure as they waited for the opening. Raya said the visitors showed maturity, hunger and belief, continuing to do the right things until their pressure produced a goal.
He noted Arsenal’s previous scoreless trips to Forest and felt the squad had shown greater character this time. Raya credited a late spell of crosses and Bukayo’s deliveries for helping create the decisive opening, with Madueke applying the finish.
What happens next
Raya said Arsenal’s response after the Brighton loss had been impressive, while admitting there will always be areas to improve. The focus now turns immediately to a major Champions League test.
- Arsenal travel to Bayern Munich in the Champions League on Wednesday.
- Arteta’s team then return to the Emirates Stadium to face Everton in the Premier League this weekend.
