Flashscore reported on Sunday, October 18, 2026, that Declan Rice received the Man of the Match award following Arsenal’s narrow 1-0 win over Nottingham Forest in the Premier League. The midfielder produced an outstanding display and supplied the assist for Noni Madueke’s decisive second-half goal.

Throughout the match, Rice played an important role in helping Arsenal dominate possession. Despite their control of the game, the Gunners struggled to find the net, but the midfielder continued to support their attacking efforts with effective forward passes, set-piece deliveries and crosses into dangerous areas.

Rice nearly opened the scoring in the 72nd minute when Jurriën Timber set him up inside the penalty area. Unfortunately for Arsenal, his shot went just over the crossbar. Nottingham Forest had also managed to clear one of Rice’s free-kick deliveries earlier in the contest.

As Arsenal continued searching for a goal, Rice remained active in midfield, delivering corners and helping his teammates put the visitors’ defence under sustained pressure. His contribution became decisive when Arsenal finally broke through in the closing stages.

The breakthrough arrived in the 80th minute, when Rice picked out Madueke near the edge of the box. The winger struck towards goal, and the ball deflected before finding its way past Matz Sels to put Arsenal ahead.

Forest made a late attempt to level the score, but Arsenal held firm to secure a valuable three-point victory. Rice’s creativity, midfield influence and assist for the winning goal made him one of the standout performers, earning him the Man of the Match honour.