NONI MADUEKE SCORES ARSENAL WINNER AGAINST NOTTINGHAM FOREST

Noni Madueke scored in the 80th minute as Arsenal beat Nottingham Forest 1-0 at the City Ground on Sunday. Madueke’s shot deflected off Jair Cunha and went past Matz Sels. The victory moved Arsenal into second place after six wins in their first seven Premier League matches. Mikel Arteta described Madueke as “special” after the late winner.

Arsenal had most of the possession but created few chances against Nottingham Forest’s defence. Recorded league figures put Arsenal’s goal tally at 11 after seven games, the same as Ipswich Town’s tally over its first seven. Those figures show Arsenal have conceded five goals, with no team conceding fewer at this stage. Arsenal scored just over 40 per cent of their goals from set pieces last season, but have yet to score from one this season.

Former Newcastle and Manchester City goalkeeper Shay Given said Arsenal “got a bit of luck” when Madueke’s shot struck Cunha. Speaking on Match of the Day, Given said Arsenal’s lack of set-piece goals concerned him after close matches last season in which the team struggled to score. He referred to a Gabriel header against Nottingham Forest and said: “The set-play coach will have to get his finger out.” Given suggested referees were penalising blocks and pulling more often this season, which he said could help explain the change in Arsenal’s set-piece results.