According to a report by Flashscore on Sunday, October 18, 2026, Arsenal defeated Nottingham Forest 1-0 at the City Ground, with Noni Madueke scoring the winning goal in the 80th minute. Declan Rice was named Player of the Match for his impressive performance in midfield and crucial defensive intervention that helped Arsenal secure all three points.

Arsenal dominated possession in the opening stages but struggled to create clear opportunities against a disciplined Forest defence. The hosts produced the first significant chance after Riccardo Calafiori made a mistake, although he recovered to get a touch on Daniel Munoz’s cross. Dan Ndoye collected the ball and forced David Raya into a save.

The visitors responded through Bukayo Saka, whose cross was tipped away by Matz Sels in the 10th minute. Kai Havertz subsequently headed wide from a Rice free-kick before sending another attempt into the side netting from a tight angle.

Forest continued to threaten through Liam Delap, who won a free-kick near the edge of Arsenal’s penalty area. Bruno Guimaraes blocked Neco Williams’ effort, while Murillo’s bicycle-kick attempt shortly before half-time was comfortably saved by Raya.

Mikel Arteta introduced Madueke at the interval in search of an attacking spark, but Forest created the first notable opportunity of the second half. James McAtee sent a free-kick over the crossbar after his shot struck Havertz’s hand.

Delap subsequently saw his effort deflected behind before Murillo’s header from the resulting corner was saved by Raya.

Arteta later made a triple substitution as Arsenal searched for a breakthrough. Gabriel Magalhaes headed over shortly afterwards, while Rice missed an opportunity to put the visitors ahead by firing above the crossbar after being set up by Jurrien Timber.

Arsenal finally broke the deadlock in the 80th minute when Madueke dribbled past Munoz and fired towards goal. His effort took a deflection off Cunha before beating Sels to give the visitors the lead.

Forest attempted to find an equaliser, but Rice produced a crucial defensive intervention by throwing himself in front of Chris Wood’s strike to preserve Arsenal’s advantage.

The victory extended Arsenal’s winning run across all competitions to three matches and moved them within three points of Premier League leaders Manchester City. Nottingham Forest, meanwhile, suffered their third consecutive defeat and finished the weekend in the relegation zone.

Declan Rice was named Flashscore’s Player of the Match for his influential display, including his vital late block that helped Arsenal preserve their 1-0 victory.