Three standout players from Arsenal's slender win at Nottingham Forest

Arsenal were made to work for three points once again as they defeated Nottingham Forest 1-0 on Sunday afternoon.

It was another subpar performance from the Gunners as they were pushed to their limit by a troubling Forest side. Noni Madueke rescued his side with a late winner when he cut in from the left to beat Matz Sels with a deflected effort.

Mikel Arteta won't have been particularly pleased with the display as his side looked off the pace for much of the game, but there were three players that stood out on the way to the dramatic victory.

Three standout players from Arsenal's slender win at Nottingham Forest

Gabriel

Gabriel's influence may have been slightly lost in the aftermath of Arsenal's win as Madueke's strike earned him the Premier League player of the match award, but there is no denying he was crucial to the victory.

He looked completely unbeatable in defence as he made six clearances, three blocks, one interception and won five aerial duels to help his side keep Forest at bay and keep an important clean sheet.

The Brazilian also helped out in attacking moves with two shots, including an improvised backheel flick from a corner, and two accurate long balls, which added to his 96% pass accuracy. Gabriel was integral to the Gunners' triumph and showed his class after a few slightly off performances.

Noni Madueke

While Gabriel was Arsenal's best player, Noni Madueke still helped out massively to earn the three points with his winning goal being the notable moment.

Brought off the bench for Eberechi Eze at half-time, the winger was deployed on the left flank and impressed despite technically being played out of position. His best moment came as he cut inside to bring the ball onto his weak foot and beat Sels with a deflected strike from the edge of the box.

In typical Madueke fashion, there were some moments that could have been done better, but for the most part, he was solid off the bench and grabbing the decisive goal makes him one of his side's standouts at the City Ground.

Ezri Konsa

With William Saliba edging closer to a return from his long-term injury, Ezri Konsa will have his work cut out for him to keep him out of the team and he made an excellent case as to why he should continue in defence on Sunday.

Completing 80 of 82 attempted passes, he drove forward into midfield well while maintaining his defensive position to make one tackle, one block, one clearance and two interceptions, as well as recovering eight times and winning five of 10 duels.

Konsa's best moment came right at the death as he potentially saved the win for his side when he kept up with Liam Delap, who darted into the box down the left side, and threw himself to the ground to block a shot that had potential to beat David Raya, helping see out the three points.

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