Arsenal beat Nottingham Forest as Ola Aina remains unused substitute

Arsenal moved up to second in the Premier League after a 1-0 victory over Nottingham Forest at the City Ground on Sunday, with Nigeria defender Ola Aina remaining on the bench throughout the match.

Aina, who has made five appearances for Forest this season, did not feature as Arsenal claimed a narrow win. The defender has also received three yellow cards during the campaign.

Nottingham Forest frustrated Arsenal for much of the first half with a disciplined 3-4-2-1 formation. Although Mikel Arteta’s side controlled possession, they struggled to create clear openings against the well-organised hosts.

Arsenal’s best chance before the interval came when Kai Havertz met a delivery from Declan Rice, but his header went narrowly wide.

The visitors found a way through after the break following changes made by Arteta. Noni Madueke made the decisive impact after being introduced, putting Arsenal ahead in the 80th minute.

Rice supplied the pass for Madueke, who moved inside from the wing before curling his finish beyond Nottingham Forest goalkeeper Matz Sels.

Forest attempted to find an equaliser in the closing stages, but Arsenal’s defence dealt comfortably with their late attacks to preserve the clean sheet and secure all three points.

The result leaves Arsenal three points behind Premier League leaders Manchester City.