Noni Madueke was the matchwinner for Arsenal against Nottingham Forest on Sunday after being introduced at half-time at the City Ground in place of Eberechi Eze

Noni Madueke has hailed Arsenal's 'champions' spirit' after plotting a route to a slender win against Nottingham Forest.

The Gunners looked to be on the way to yet another disappointing draw against the East Midlands side, having struggled for fluency throughout the afternoon.

That was until second-half substitute Madueke fired home a deflected effort with 10 minutes left to play. And the ex-Chelsea man has suggested that Arsenal's successful title tilt has given the side even more belief to get over the line when faced with issues.

Speaking to Sky Sports, he said: "This place is so hard to come to, everybody knows it. They make it so difficult for you.

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"It was a tough game, a really tough game to even come into but we're really happy. We did it all together. We showed grit and determination, and I think we showed a champion's spirit here tonight. So really pleased."

He added: "I think at times, maybe last year, this game might have not gone as it did for us in the end but I think we've got that extra belief, that extra mentality now and we know we're the champions and we know we can pull it out of the bag wherever we go and I'm delighted we were able to do that today."

Madueke was introduced as substitute at half-time in the place of Eberechi Eze by boss Mikel Arteta. And he has now opened up on exactly what the Spanish coach said to him before his introduction.

"We know it's difficult here," the Arsenal wideman said. "A lot of the time it's cagey. I think the last three years, I was here last year but not the year before, it's been 0-0. And at my old team as well. It's always difficult to come here.

"So I think he said 'hang in there, stick to the game plan'. And then to me, he always just says 'go out there, try and attack the opposition and be dangerous and just be yourself and be good defensively as well'. And I think I did that today."

Arsenal's win at the City Ground sees them sitting second in the Premier League and three points behind Manchester City. Arteta's side will be back in action on Wednesday against German champions Bayern Munich ahead of a clash with Everton.