Noni Madueke came off the bench to secure Arsenal a 1-0 victory at Nottingham Forest as the defending champions claimed their sixth Premier League win in seven matches.
The winger replaced Eberechi Eze at half-time and provided the decisive moment when his shot deflected off Daniel Munoz and into the net.
Arsenal’s first effort on target proved enough to settle a difficult contest, keeping Mikel Arteta’s side second in the table, three points behind leaders Manchester City.
Forest frustrated the visitors throughout a first half in which neither team registered a shot on target.
It was only the second Premier League match this season to reach the interval without an attempt on target from either side.
Arsenal were also involved in the first, away at Aston Villa on 31 August, before Bukayo Saka earned them a 1-0 victory.
A similar pattern unfolded at the City Ground, although Forest began the second half more positively and threatened to take control.
Their failure to convert promising openings proved costly as Madueke’s deflected strike broke the deadlock and ultimately secured all three points.
The hosts could not find a response, leaving them still searching for their first home league victory of the campaign.
Arsenal’s bench makes the difference again
Arsenal were short of their attacking best, but their ability to win a tight contest offered further encouragement in their title defence.
Aside from defeat at Brighton, the Gunners have made a strong start, collecting six victories from their opening seven league fixtures.
Eze was given his first Premier League start of the season but struggled to influence proceedings before Arteta introduced Madueke at the break.
The change proved decisive, underlining the value of Arsenal’s options beyond their starting line-up.
They have now scored three Premier League goals through substitutes this season, a total bettered only by Ipswich Town, whose replacements have contributed four.
This was a victory built on persistence rather than attacking fluency, with Arsenal again finding the moment they needed to overcome stubborn opposition.
Forest’s home scoring drought continues
Oliver Glasner’s start at Forest has yet to produce the results the club hoped for following his summer arrival.
Having led Crystal Palace to FA Cup and Uefa Conference League success, he has overseen just one Premier League victory with his new side - a 2-1 win at Aston Villa.
Their difficulties at the City Ground are becoming increasingly concerning.
Forest have now failed to score in all four home league matches this season.
There were encouraging passages against Arsenal, particularly after half-time, but a lack of precision in front of goal undermined their efforts.
Forest attempted 14 shots, with only two finding the target, and could not capitalise on a below-par performance from the champions.
Glasner’s side showed enough organisation to make Arsenal work for the win, but improving their finishing remains essential to turning competitive displays into points.
