Noni Madueke scored the only goal in the 80th minute, breaking Forest’s resistance after the hosts had limited Arsenal to one shot on target. The winger came off the bench at half-time and made the difference, underlining Arteta’s faith in players who can change a game late on.
The Arsenal manager had expected a tight contest against a well-organised Forest side and said his players needed to manage their frustration as the match developed.
“We knew the margins would be really small. They are extremely well coached and organised,” Arteta told Sky Sports.
“The longer the game goes on they gain more belief. We had to be so patient - and clinical when we got the chance.”
Arteta acknowledged that Arsenal had created further opportunities but had not converted them. He argued that the answer was to keep producing chances rather than become discouraged by missed openings.
“We have another three big chances that should be goals. That is the difference, you have to be clinical. If we keep generating them, they will come.”
His comments after the match also focused on the impact of the substitutes. Arteta praised Madueke alongside Jurrien Timber, Mikel Merino and Viktor Gyökeres, saying the squad’s ability to deliver at different stages was becoming a strength.
“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. 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.”
He added: “Noni [Madueke], Jurrien [Timber], Mikel [Merino] was brilliant when he came on and Viktor [Gyokeres] 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.”
For Madueke, the goal was satisfying, but the result mattered more. He said Arsenal had anticipated Nottingham Forest’s direct approach and knew they would have to compete for second balls as well as look for openings in possession.
“They make it so difficult for you. It was a tough game. We're really happy all together. We showed grit and determination and showed a champion spirit,” he told Sky Sports.
Madueke explained that he had already beaten his marker on the outside and decided to try a different route when the opportunity came.
“I had beaten him [his marker] on the outside a couple of times. I thought come inside and leather it.”
The winger believes Arsenal have developed greater confidence in their ability to see out difficult games.
“At times, maybe last year, this game might not have gone for us in the end. We have the extra belief and mentality.”
He also praised the competition for places, describing the quality across the starting side and bench as exceptionally high. Players understand that some will start and others will be asked to influence games later, but all must be ready.
Arteta’s team left the City Ground with three points despite an uneven display. Forest’s defensive effort made the contest uncomfortable, but Arsenal’s substitutes supplied the decisive moment — a result that reinforced the manager’s belief that squad depth can be as important as the starting line-up.