Arsenal left the City Ground with a 1-0 Premier League win over Nottingham Forest on Sunday, decided by a deflected second-half strike from substitute Noni Madueke. According to BBC Sport, the goal came with around ten minutes remaining in a match the visitors largely controlled without creating much. Sky Sports reported that the effort was Arsenal's only shot on target all afternoon.
The result extends Arsenal's unbeaten run and leaves Forest with nothing to show from a disciplined defensive display. BBC published player ratings for both sides after the match, with the scores representing an average of submissions from BBC Sport users once the rating window closed.
Why it matters
For Arsenal, the win is the kind that title challenges are built on: a flat attacking performance away from home, rescued by a substitute and a slice of luck. BBC's ratings reflect that tension. Madueke, who came on at half-time for Eberechi Eze, received a 7, one of only three Arsenal players to reach that mark alongside Declan Rice and Ezri Konsa. The rest of the side hovered at 5 or 6, underlining how little the Gunners produced going forward despite dominating possession.
For Forest, the defeat is harder to take. Oliver Glasner's side kept their shape, limited clear chances and came close to a point, only for Madueke's shot to clip Jair Cunha and beat Matz Sels. BBC noted that Cunha, a dependable presence in Glasner's team, was simply unfortunate on the decisive moment.
Forest's defensive effort goes unrewarded
BBC's ratings handed out a uniform 6 to every Forest starter, a reflection of a performance that was solid without being spectacular. Sels was rarely tested before the goal, as Arsenal struggled to carve out openings against a deep and organised back line.
Murillo took a blow to the head in the first half that needed treatment, and BBC noted he almost equalised in stoppage time after a piece of individual skill. Ousmane Diomande, making just his fourth Premier League start since arriving in the summer, was described as having settled well and looking part of a defence on course for a positive result.
Neco Williams was booked in the first half, a detail also flagged by ESPN's live coverage, and BBC judged that he could not threaten going forward, with his usual delivery below its normal level. Xaver Schlager could not impose himself in midfield, while Nicolas Dominguez, making his first Premier League appearance of the season, was neat in possession but faded as the game wore on.
Without the injured Morgan Gibbs-White, the creative burden fell on James McAtee. BBC reported that he worked hard but could not provide the spark Forest needed. Daniel Munoz tested David Raya and pushed forward, particularly before the break. Dan Ndoye shot wide early but found little joy against Riccardo Calafiori, and Liam Delap, according to BBC, relished the physical contest with Arsenal's centre-backs without coming close to scoring.
The one Forest substitute to be rated, Ibrahim Sangare, received a 5. BBC noted that he stopped at a crucial moment, allowing Arsenal to regroup and score the winning goal.
Arsenal's fringe players fail to seize their chance
BBC's ratings were unflattering to several Arsenal players given rare starting opportunities. Eze, handed a chance to make the left wing his own, was substituted at half-time and rated 5. Kai Havertz also received a 5, with BBC stating that Arsenal were poor going forward despite seeing plenty of the ball and that Havertz offered little before being withdrawn.
Bruno Guimaraes also scored 5, described as having an off day before being replaced by Mikel Merino. Martin Odegaard tried to get on the ball and make things happen but could not find the pass to unlock Forest's defence, earning a 6. Bukayo Saka delivered dangerous crosses but had little room to work in as Forest sat deep, also a 6.
At the back, Raya produced a solid display and made a fine take from a corner in the first half. Ben White made plenty of overlapping runs and defended well without finding a breakthrough before being replaced by Jurrien Timber. Calafiori was adventurous going forward but a loose first-half pass led to a good Forest attack.
Konsa's 7 was built on his defensive work, including what BBC called a brilliant tackle on Delap in stoppage time. Gabriel Magalhaes stood up to the physical test alongside him. Rice, also a 7, ran powerfully, missed a big chance, and played the ball to Madueke for the goal.
The decisive moment came from the bench. BBC reported that Madueke was introduced to add energy and spark, and he delivered the winner with a deflected effort. The London Evening Standard's ratings coverage likewise highlighted a surprise standout performer and a fringe player marked as low as 3/10.
What to watch
Arsenal will want a far more convincing attacking display in their next outing, while Forest must turn disciplined defensive showings into points. Both sides' progress will be measured against the standards set out in these early-season ratings.
