Brief
Arsenal win at Nottingham Forest thanks to Noni Madueke’s second‑half strike
Substitute Noni Madueke scored the decisive goal after coming on at half‑time, helping Arsenal stay second behind Manchester City.
By Felo News Desk · Published
Arsenal earned a 1‑0 win at Nottingham Forest’s City Ground on 18 October 2026, with a second‑half goal from substitute Noni Madueke, according to the Independent.
What happened
Arsenal struggled for most of the match, finding it difficult to break through Forest’s defensive set‑up. Manager Mikel Arteta made a half‑time change, bringing on Madueke for Eberechi Eze, who had been playing out of position on the left. In the 80th minute Madueke drove forward, struck a shot that deflected off Forest defender Jair Cunha and beat goalkeeper Matz Sels. It was Arsenal’s only shot on target and the sole goal of the game.
What the reports add
The Independent notes that this was the third consecutive match in which Arteta altered his line‑up after the break, following changes against Leeds United and Lille earlier in the week. A triple substitution at the 65‑minute mark – Jurrien Timber, Mikel Merino and Viktor Gyokeres – also featured. The outlet highlights that no Premier League side has produced more goals and assists from bench players since the start of the previous season.
What was said
Madueke said, “If you look at the quality of our starting XI and bench, it’s absurd… All 20‑something players are elite and of the highest level. It’s great to have that type of competition, you know on the bench you’re ready to have an impact,” as reported by the Independent. Arteta added, “Some of them played three days ago and some of them will start the next game, and they know that everyone has to be at it. If you are needed after 60…,” indicating the squad’s readiness to contribute.
How it came about
Arsenal entered the match second in the Premier League, three points behind Manchester City and two ahead of Brighton. Their depth has been a recurring theme in recent Felo coverage, including a preview of the Brighton clash on 19 September 2026 and analysis of Arteta’s contract extension on 7 October 2026, which emphasized the manager’s reliance on a strong bench to sustain a title challenge.
Key facts
- Arsenal beat Nottingham Forest 1-0 with a goal by Noni Madueke (independent.co.uk)
- Madueke was substituted on at half‑time for Eberechi Eze (independent.co.uk)
- The goal came in the 80th minute after a deflection off Jair Cunha (independent.co.uk)
- Arsenal remain second in the Premier League, three points behind Manchester City (independent.co.uk)
Sources
- [1] independent.co.uk — originally reported as “The ‘absurd’ part of this Arsenal team behind bid to defend Premier League crown”
