Arteta: Arsenal had to take risks to overcome Nottingham Forest

Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta said his side had to take risks to secure a hard-fought 1-0 victory over Nottingham Forest in the Premier League.

Noni Madueke scored the only goal in the 80th minute, lifting Arsenal to 18 points and second place in the table after seven matches.

Speaking to the BBC after the game, Arteta said: “We knew the match was going to be this difficult. Last time we were unable to win, but today we managed it. We had to fight until the very last second.”

Nottingham Forest’s defensive organisation made it difficult for Arsenal to create clear openings, with Arteta praising the way his team dealt with the pressure of the contest.

“Nottingham Forest are a very well-organised team and it is difficult to break through their defence,” he said. “We had to take risks because they are a dangerous side, and we had to manage the psychological and emotional side of the match extremely well.

“We maintained our concentration, and the players who came off the bench had a huge impact.”

Arteta highlighted the importance of having substitutes ready to influence matches, regardless of how much time they are given.

“Some of them played three days ago, and some of them will start the next match,” he added. “Everyone knows they have to be ready. If we need you after 60 minutes, 45 minutes or even just two minutes, we now have a group of players capable of making a difference at decisive moments, and we have to make the most of that.”

He singled out several players for their contributions, including Madueke, Jurrien Timber, Mikel Merino and Viktor Gyokeres.

“Noni Madueke, Jurrien Timber and Mikel Merino, who was excellent when he came on, and Viktor Gyokeres, who really changed the course of the game, all performed very well,” said Arteta. “That is what we need.

“Of course, Madueke was the standout because he scored the goal, and that made the difference.”

Arsenal failed to register a shot on target in the first half, but Arteta said his players remained composed despite facing a defence that was difficult to penetrate.

“Sometimes you can feel frustrated against teams that are hard to break down,” he said. “We did not have a shot on target in the first half, and that was one of the things we discussed.

“We had two other big chances in the second half, but our only shot on target came after the ball changed direction slightly and ended in a goal.”

Arteta also praised Arsenal’s reaction when the game became increasingly open and tense.

“Our response was excellent, especially the desire we showed to defend in an open, difficult situation full of pressure and tension,” he said.