Nottingham Forest vs Arsenal: Madueke settles tight Premier League match

Nottingham Forest vs Arsenal was settled by Madueke at the City Ground on 18 October 2026, as Arsenal edged a tight Premier League match in the east Midlands. Forest produced another spirited performance, but their frustrations under Oliver Glasner continued as they remained without a goal at their own stadium this season.

The match carried a clear pre-kick-off theme: whether either side could stop firing blanks at the City Ground. Arsenal had drawn 0-0 on their previous two visits to this part of the east Midlands, while Forest’s home scoring run had still not started.

Madueke breaks Forest resistance

Madueke provided the key moment for Arsenal, breaking Nottingham Forest’s resistance in a contest shaped by hard running, defensive commitment and the weight of recent history at the venue.

Arsenal arrived with a difficult recent record at the City Ground. They had only one win in five here, and their previous two trips had both ended 0-0. This time, they did enough to turn a tight away performance into a Premier League victory.

For Arsenal, the result was significant because it came at a ground where clear chances and away breakthroughs have not always followed. Instead of another stalemate, Madueke’s goal gave them the edge in a match that again underlined how fine the margins can be at Forest’s home.

Forest still searching for a home goal

For Nottingham Forest, the bigger concern remains familiar. They had still to score at their own stadium this season, and that wait continued against Arsenal.

It was described as another spirited performance from Forest, but effort did not translate into a goal in front of the home support. For the fifth time under Oliver Glasner, there was not a goal to celebrate at the City Ground.

That lack of reward added to the frustrations around Forest’s start under their new manager. The performance showed resistance and energy, yet the same problem remained unresolved by full time: Forest could not find the breakthrough their home crowd has been waiting for.

Liam Delap leads the line with intensity

Liam Delap’s work in the No 9 position stood out in Forest’s attacking effort. His display was full throttle, giving Forest a focal point as they tried to unsettle Arsenal and change the pattern of their home form.

Delap’s role was important to the shape of Forest’s performance, even though the end product again proved elusive. The hosts competed with purpose, but Arsenal managed the decisive moment better and left the City Ground with the result.

What the result means

Arsenal’s win ended their recent sequence of goalless visits to this part of the east Midlands and improved on a record that had brought only one win in five at the City Ground. For a side with major ambitions in the Premier League, finding a way to win in such a setting will carry value.

Forest, meanwhile, are left with the same attacking question at home. Under Glasner, the commitment is evident, but the wait for a goal in front of their own supporters goes on.