Arsenal's only shot on target proved enough to snatch victory at Nottingham Forest through Noni Madueke's deflected strike, keeping the champions within touching distance of Premier League leaders Manchester City and condemning Forest to the relegation zone.
After 80 frustrating minutes at the City Ground, substitute Madueke cut inside from the left and fired towards goal. His strike deflected off Jair Cunha, wrong-footed Matz Sels and found the net to settle a game in which Arsenal had struggled to turn possession into chances.
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Arsenal had dominated the ball but registered no shots on target in the first half. Kai Havertz headed wide from a Declan Rice free-kick while Gabriel's set-piece effort was cleared almost off the line by Ousmane Diomande.
Forest made life difficult for Mikel Arteta's side, defending resolutely and threatening on the counter. Murillo almost salvaged a point in stoppage time with a superb solo run, driving at the Arsenal defence before curling narrowly wide. Ezri Konsa then made a crucial late challenge to deny Liam Delap.
However, despite their opportunities, it was the same old story for Oliver Glasner's side, who failed to find a breakthrough.
The result takes Arsenal to 18 points, three behind leaders Manchester City. For Forest, the frustration deepens. They drop into the relegation zone and are still waiting for their first home league goal of the season.
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The key moments from the City Ground
19: Forest threaten - Riccardo Calafiori's mistake gives Forest an opening, but Dan Ndoye shoots into the side netting.
26: Arsenal nearly break through - Gabriel's effort deflects off Saliba and is cleared close to the line by Diomande.
37: Havertz misses - The German heads wide from Rice's free-kick.
46: Madueke replaces Eze - Arteta makes a half-time change.
54: Delap goes close - His effort takes a deflection and goes wide.
66: Arsenal make three changes - Jurrien Timber, Viktor Gyökeres and Mikel Merino come on.
80: GOAL! Forest 0-1 Arsenal - Madueke's strike deflects off Cunha and beats Sels.
89: Forest waste a chance - Callum Hudson-Odoi sets up Chris Wood, but Declan Rice blocks his shot.
90+2: Murillo nearly equalises - The defender drives forward and curls narrowly wide.
90+3: Konsa saves Arsenal - The defender times a vital challenge to deny Delap.
What the result means and next fixtures...
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