Arsenal beat Nottingham Forest 1-0 at the City Ground on Sunday 18 October 2026, with substitute Noni Madueke scoring a late, deflected goal in the Premier League. The strike took a deflection off Jair Cunha, wrong‑footed goalkeeper Matz Sels and went in after 80 minutes. Kick‑off was at 4:30 pm UK time, which was 9 pm IST for supporters in India.

The goal was Arsenal's only shot on target in the match. The visitors struggled to turn possession into clear chances, while Forest defended resolutely and posed a threat on the counter‑attack. Madueke had come on at half‑time, in the 46th minute, replacing Eberechi Eze. Arsenal made three further changes in the 66th minute, introducing Jurrien Timber, Viktor Gyökeres and Mikel Merino.

Forest were not without chances late on. In stoppage time Murillo ran at the Arsenal defence and curled a shot narrowly wide, and Ezri Konsa then made a crucial challenge to stop Liam Delap. Arsenal protected their lead through those closing minutes to take all three points away from home. Manager Mikel Arteta credited his substitutes with changing the game.

For Forest it was a third 1‑0 home defeat of the season. They have not scored in five home matches in all competitions and are still adapting to life under Oliver Glasner. The result leaves them in the relegation zone. After seven games Forest sit on five points, with one win, two draws and four losses.

At the top of the table Manchester City sit on 21 points from seven wins, with Arsenal on 18 points after six wins and one loss. The victory leaves Arsenal within touching distance of the leaders. Arsenal hold the Premier League title and are defending it. Madueke, who was recently dropped from the England squad, scored the decisive goal.

Before this match Arsenal had beaten Leeds 2‑1 in a comeback win and Lille 3‑0 in the Champions League. The Lille match began a run of eight games in 25 days. Arteta prefers to call his substitutes "finishers". The previous two games at the City Ground between the sides produced 40 shots without a goal.

Arsenal host Everton on Saturday 24 October at 3 pm UK time. Manchester City play Aston Villa the same day at 12:30 pm. Arsenal then visit Liverpool on Sunday 1 November. Nottingham Forest, who sit in the relegation zone after Sunday's defeat, have not scored at home in five matches in all competitions.