Arsenal broke Nottingham Forest’s resolve as a second-half strike by substitute Noni Madueke earned the defending champions a sixth Premier League win of the season.

The Gunners looked in danger of being held to their first draw of the campaign as they struggled to break down the home side’s defence.

A dreadful first half did not feature any shots on target from either side, which is only the second time that has happened in the Premier League this season.

The first time was in a game that also involved Arsenal – at Aston Villa on 31 August, when the Gunners went on to win 1-0 thanks to Bukayo Saka’s second-half strike.

Once again they ultimately found a way to secure all three points as Madueke – who had replaced Eberechi Eze at half-time – saw his shot deflect off Daniel Munoz and find the back of the net.

That was Arsenal’s first shot on target and will have been a frustrating blow for the hosts, after they had looked like potentially upsetting the Gunners after making the better start to the second half.

But Forest paid the price for poor finishing as their search for a first home win of the season continues.

Arsenal, meanwhile, remain second in the Premier League, three points behind leaders Manchester City.