NONI MADUEKE saved Arsenal from a potential upset as they managed to secure three points against Nottingham Forest.

The reigning champions were lacking in their finishing until Madueke’s sensational deflected shot struck the target and found its way past Matz Sels in the 80th minute – marking their first shot on target.

The home side had the majority of the opportunities but failed to capitalize, with David Raya largely untroubled, although defenders like Gabriel Magalhaes were essential in maintaining the clean sheet.

Here’s how Graham Hill rated Mikel Arteta‘s team at the City Ground.

David Raya – 6

The Arsenal goalkeeper faced little pressure from a Forest team that had gone over eight hours without a home goal, though his distribution was commendable at times.

It was one of the easier matches for him as a Gunners player.

Ben White – 6

Provided an attacking threat when venturing forward and was mostly untroubled defensively.

He was substituted midway through the second half as Arteta made tactical adjustments, replaced by fellow competitor Jurrien Timber.

Ezri Konsa – 8

Regarded as a ‘Rolls Royce’ at Aston Villa by Prince William, he upheld that reputation at Arsenal. He made it clear early on that Liam Delap wouldn’t have an easy match, capped off by a brilliant late challenge on the £50million striker.

He was not shy about asserting himself physically – though he was nutmegged by Murillo in stoppage time.

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Gabriel Magalhaes – 8

Showed composure in defense against a Forest team that had gone scoreless at home in the league prior to this match.

Took on a leadership role in Willam Saliba’s absence and came close to scoring before Madueke’s winner.

Riccardo Calafiori – 6

Made some early errors but quickly rectified them.

Outstanding individual performances were scarce, yet he played a key role in what could be a crucial three points for Arsenal.

Declan Rice – 6

Made things difficult for Forest initially, but some errors allowed Oliver Glasner’s side some rare opportunities, escaping a booking in a strong challenge on Delap.

He was inconsistent at times, but made a vital late challenge to prevent a late equalizer from Forest.

Bruno Guimaraes – 6

Displayed some nice early touches, but was brought down by a first-half free-kick as he took one for the team.

He cleared up well defensively but struggled to make an impact otherwise.

Martin Odegaard – 7

Had ample opportunity to impact the game, but Forest’s defensive setup limited his effectiveness.

Made several important passes in attempts to penetrate the defense, remaining a significant presence as the skipper.

Bukayo Saka – 6

Struggled to find space throughout the match, and often his crosses went unanswered as Forest defended well.

Had minimal influence for much of the game, but he wasn’t alone in that regard.

Eberechi Eze – 3

Displayed nervousness in his first Premier League start of the season.

Failed to take advantage of his opportunity on the left, prompting Mikel Arteta to substitute him at halftime following a misdirected pass in stoppage time.

Kai Havertz – 4

Was largely invisible in the first half, managing just one header off-target that reflected his frustration before finding the side netting.

His most notable moment was an accidental blow to Xaver Schlager’s face. Arteta’s expectation of 25 goals from him this season feels far off at this point.

Substitutes

Noni Madueke (half-time, on for Eze) – 8

Came on at the start of the second half and immediately made an impact. He replaced the underwhelming Eze and netted the winner with a deflected shot off Jair Cunha, marking his first Premier League goal of the season.

He rightfully celebrated with the Arsenal supporters, who feared the match would end in a draw.

Jurrien Timber (66 mins, on for White) – 5

Entered during the latter stages and faced some challenges from Forest substitute Callum Hudson-Odoi as the game progressed.

Mikel Merino (66 mins, on for Guimaraes) – 6

Provided stability to Arteta’s side as they looked to elevate their performance in the closing minutes.

Viktor Gyokeres (66mins, on for Havertz) – 5

Replaced Havertz but did not fare any better in terms of goal-scoring opportunities.