Arteta hails Arsenal ‘finishers’ after Madueke fells Forest

It was Madueke (in picture) who provided the key intervention, cutting in from the left flank to unleash a powerful drive that deflected past Forest keeper Matz Sels in the 80th minute. | Photo Credit: AP

Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta said the club’s strength in depth will be key to its Premier League title defence after Noni Madueke came off the bench to clinch a 1-0 win against Nottingham Forest on Sunday.

Arteta’s side was well below its best at the City Ground and did not register a shot on target until Madueke bagged the winner 10 minutes from full-time.

While the Gunners earned few style points in the east midlands, they will not be overly concerned after moving within three points of leader Manchester City.

Arteta is able to dip into one of the stronger substitutes’ benches in the top-flight and he made full use of the resources at his disposal to turn the tide by the banks of the River Trent.

Crucially, he sent on Madueke for the underwhelming Eberechi Eze at half-time. He also introduced Mikel Merino, Viktor Gyokeres and Jurrien Timber as the second half wore on.

It was Madueke who provided the key intervention, cutting in from the left flank to unleash a powerful drive that deflected past Forest keeper Matz Sels in the 80th minute.

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“We had to earn it until the last second. They are a well coached team and hard to break down. We had to take risks, they are a dangerous team,” Arteta said.

“We had to manage the emotional part really well. We stayed focused and the finishers made a huge impact.”

Arsenal are in the midst of a hectic schedule which included a Champions League win over Lille in midweek and a looming European trip to Bayern Munich on Wednesday.

Arteta’s ability to rest key players without significantly weakening his team could be a major factor in the title race.

“Some of them played three days ago and some of them will start the next game and they know that everyone has to be at it,” he said.

“If you are needed after 60 minutes, 45 minutes and sometimes two minutes. We have a squad now that can deliver in moments and we have to use that.

“Noni, Jurrien, Mikel was brilliant when he came on and Viktor really changed the game, all of them did and that’s what we need.

“Noni obviously the highlight because he scored the goal and that’s the difference.”