Ola Aina was an unused substitute as Nottingham Forest suffered a 1-0 home defeat by Arsenal in the Premier League on Sunday.

The Super Eagles defender has made five appearances for Forest this season and has received three yellow cards.

Forest set up in a disciplined 3-4-2-1 formation at the City Ground, limiting Arsenal’s opportunities during a closely contested first half. The visitors controlled possession but struggled to find a way through the hosts’ organised defence.

Arsenal’s best chance before the break came when Kai Havertz headed narrowly wide from a delivery by Declan Rice.

Mikel Arteta’s second-half changes eventually altered the contest, with Noni Madueke making the decisive impact after being introduced from the bench.

The winger broke the deadlock in the 80th minute after collecting a pass from Rice. Madueke cut inside before curling the ball beyond Nottingham Forest goalkeeper Matz Sels to give Arsenal a 1-0 lead.

Forest pushed for an equaliser in the closing stages, but Arsenal’s defence dealt comfortably with their attempts and preserved the visitors’ advantage.

The result moved Arsenal into second place in the Premier League, three points behind leaders Manchester City.