Arsenal Player Ratings vs Nottingham Forest: Madueke Delivers Late Winner as Eze Struggle

Arsenal secured a hard-fought 1-0 victory over Nottingham Forest at the City Ground, with Noni Madueke scoring the decisive goal in the 80th minute. The Gunners struggled to create clear-cut opportunities in a scrappy encounter, registering their first shot on target through Madueke’s deflected strike.

The result moved Mikel Arteta’s side to within three points of Premier League leaders Manchester City. While several defenders impressed, Eberechi Eze endured a difficult afternoon and was substituted at half-time.

Arsenal Player Ratings

David Raya – 7/10

Handled Forest’s crosses and set-pieces confidently while producing several impressive long passes to initiate attacks. He also recorded his fourth clean sheet in seven league appearances.

Ben White – 5/10

Defended competently but lacked his usual attacking influence. His delivery was disappointing, while his combinations with Bukayo Saka and Martin Odegaard lacked their customary sharpness.

Ezri Konsa – 8/10

Produced an impressive defensive display, recovering quickly after a knock and making an important block. His late recovery run helped divert Delap’s effort away from goal.

Gabriel – 8/10

Dominated defensively, making six clearances and handling dangerous Forest counter-attacks effectively. He also threatened from a corner but failed to convert his headed opportunity.

Riccardo Calafiori – 5/10

Offered little going forward and gave away possession with a poor pass that allowed Forest to launch a dangerous counter-attack. His attacking combinations lacked fluency.

Declan Rice – 7/10

Created an early opportunity for Havertz with an excellent cross but missed a promising chance himself. His outstanding late block to deny Wood proved crucial.

Bruno Guimaraes – 6/10

Brought energy and physicality to midfield, winning eight of his ten duels. Although he attempted to progress the ball, his influence was limited.

Bukayo Saka – 5/10

Helped get Williams booked early and delivered some decent set-pieces, but struggled to create danger from open play. He offered little threat in front of goal.

Martin Odegaard – 6/10

Found it difficult to accelerate Arsenal’s attacking play, frequently dropping deep to collect possession. He produced a clever pass that Rice failed to turn into a goal.

Eberechi Eze – 3/10

Struggled throughout the first half, displaying poor intensity and repeatedly losing possession. He recorded no shots, created no chances and completed no successful dribbles before being substituted.

Kai Havertz – 4/10

Missed Arsenal’s clearest first-half opportunity with a poorly directed header and later fired wide from a tight angle. He otherwise contributed little and conceded a needless free-kick.

Substitutes

Noni Madueke – 8/10

Transformed Arsenal’s attack after replacing Eze at half-time. His direct running unsettled Forest before his deflected strike in the 80th minute secured all three points.

Jurrien Timber – 7/10

Added urgency after replacing White, immediately making a dangerous run and delivering an excellent cutback for Rice. His introduction strengthened Arsenal’s attacking play on the right.

Mikel Merino – 6/10

Helped Arsenal maintain composure during the closing stages and attempted a shot from the edge of the area, which was blocked by a defender.

Viktor Gyokeres – 6/10

Provided a more encouraging contribution after replacing Havertz. He troubled Forest’s defenders with runs behind the back line and worked effectively to hold up possession.