Arteta explains Eze substitution as Arsenal edge Nottingham Forest

Arsenal’s 1-0 win at Nottingham Forest was shaped by Mikel Arteta’s half-time decision to replace Eberechi Eze with Noni Madueke, after the champions failed to test the home goalkeeper during a frustrating first half at the City Ground.

Arteta changes approach after goalless first half

Eze had been handed a start after scoring his first goal of the campaign in Arsenal’s Champions League victory over Lille three days earlier. The England international, however, found little room against Forest’s compact defensive set-up and was withdrawn at the interval.

Arsenal did not produce a shot on target before the break, with Forest defending deep and protecting the space around their penalty area. Arteta said the pattern of the game demanded a different type of attacker.

The Arsenal manager explained that Forest’s two defensive units and midfield screen had been comfortable because his side were not sufficiently threatening in behind. He said Arsenal had to use the differing qualities within their squad and respond to what the match required.

• Eze started after his midweek Champions League goal against Lille.
• Arsenal had no shots on target in the opening 45 minutes.
• Madueke replaced Eze for the second half.
• Madueke’s goal, helped by a deflection, settled the match 1-0.

Eze frustration acknowledged

Eze appeared unhappy after taking his place on the bench, but Arteta played down the reaction and pointed to the changing demands placed on attacking players.

Arteta noted that Eze had scored against Lille and could have had three goals in that match, but said it was especially difficult for forwards to make an impact against a side defending with 10 players around the box, with the striker dropping close to the defensive line.

Fresh legs and a new profile were needed, Arteta said, particularly against an organised opponent with strong connections between its defenders and midfielders. Eze will now look to respond in training as competition for Arsenal’s attacking places remains intense.

Substitutes deliver crucial points

Madueke’s introduction provided the decisive contribution, but Arteta also highlighted the impact made by Jurrien Timber, Mikel Merino and Viktor Gyokeres after they entered the contest.

He said Gyokeres had changed the game and praised the wider group for being ready when called upon, whether that meant playing from the start or contributing for a shorter spell.

Arsenal created two further major chances in the second half, although their only effort on target was the deflected winner. Arteta said the side had discussed their lack of accuracy at half-time and showed the mentality to see out a difficult finish after going ahead.

• Madueke scored the only goal of the game.
• Timber, Merino and Gyokeres were also singled out for their substitute displays.
• Arsenal defended a tense, open closing phase after taking the lead.
• The victory keeps Arsenal close to Premier League leaders Manchester City.

Bayern Munich next for Arsenal

The result maintains Arsenal’s title-race pressure on Manchester City, while also underlining Arteta’s willingness to alter his side quickly when a match is not developing as required.

With the schedule placing continued strain on the squad, rotation and contributions from the bench will remain central to Arsenal’s approach. Their next fixture is a Champions League meeting with Bundesliga champions Bayern Munich on Wednesday, when Eze will hope to force his way back into the starting XI.