According to a report by Flashscore on Sunday October 18, 2026, Declan Rice won the man of the match award as Arsenal secured a hard-fought 1-0 Premier League victory over Nottingham Forest, delivering an influential midfield performance and providing the decisive assist.

Rice helped Arsenal control possession throughout the contest, although the visitors struggled to convert their dominance into goals. He contributed to their attacking efforts through set-pieces, deliveries into the penalty area and forward passes.

The midfielder came close to scoring in the 72nd minute after receiving a pass from Jurrien Timber, but his effort from inside the box flew narrowly over the crossbar. Earlier, Forest had cleared his free-kick delivery.

Rice remained involved as Arsenal searched for the breakthrough, taking corners and helping his teammates sustain pressure against Nottingham’s organised defence. His persistence eventually proved crucial when the visitors found their winning goal.

In the 80th minute, Rice supplied Noni Madueke near the edge of the penalty area. Madueke fired towards goal, and his deflected effort beat Matz Sels to give Arsenal the lead.

Although Nottingham pushed for an equaliser late on, Arsenal protected their advantage and secured all three points. Rice’s decisive assist and continued involvement in midfield underlined his importance, earning him the man of the match award after the narrow victory.