Arsenal

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Arsenal goalkeeper David Raya says team-mate Ezri Konsa has provided "incredible" performances since his £50m move from Aston Villa in the summer.

Konsa has played every minutes of the Gunners' past five Premier League games, keeping two clean sheets alongside his goalkeeper.

"His maturity and the leadership he brings is fantastic," Raya said of Konsa during the pre-match news conference for Wednesday's Champions League visit to Bayern Munich.

"He is a leader in the back four and he demands a lot from everybody. His performances that he has put in since he has come have been incredible. He has found his feet so so quickly - that is credit to everyone and credit to him for adapting so well.

"He was from Brentford but I never got to play with him. When he moved to Aston Villa he was a really good player and has been a little bit underrated. Now he is with us we are so happy to have him in the defensive line, and hopefully for many years."

Raya's impressive performances over the past year - playing a key role as Arsenal won the Premier League and reached the Champions League final - have led to him being nominated for the Men's Goalkeeper of the Year award at Monday's Ballon d'Or ceremony

"I am delighted to hear what people think," the Spain international added when asked about some viewing him as the vest goalkeeper in the world.

"I've done a remarkable season and picked up where I left off, and just tried to do the best for myself and for the team to try to win matches.

"I am nominated and hopefully I'm in the conversation for winning. That's on Monday - we are focused on tomorrow. But, I am delighted with the comments and everything."

Nat Hayward
BBC Sport journalist

Arsenal boss Mikel Arteta has been speaking to the media before Wednesday's Champions League game against Bayern Munich at Allianz Arena (20:00 BST).

Here are the key lines from his news conference:

• Areta confirmed Martin Zubimendi is "back with us and he will be involved tomororow" while Piere Hincapie is nearing a return: "Let's see. If he is able to train over the next few days he will be available for Everton, which is great news."

• Arteta was asked about Eberechi Eze's recent form and his withdrawal at half-time in Sunday's win at Nottingham Forest: "I have some really good players. Expectations are so big for all of them. We want more from everybody and we demand it. That is what will make us better individually and as a team. I hope that continues because that will push all of us to reach different levels and be better."

• On the challenge of facing Bayern, who beat the Gunners in the quarter-finals in the 2023-24 season: "Really looking forward to the game. This is the stage, the kind of team, the coach, the stadium, the club, that you want to be involved in. We have prepared the game with loads of enthusiasm and we will try to win."

• Asked whether last season's defeat in the final is motivation, Arteta said: "I tried but I haven't managed [to get over it]. I tried for a few weeks. When I see the ball and the music and the scenes, I want it so badly. We know we have to go step by step, but that fire is within the team and all of us individually. We know what we had to go through not being champions of Europe via a penalty, so let's go again."

• On Bayern's Michael Olise being suspended for Wednesday's game: "You want to face the best players in these kind of games and he is out. But when you look at their starting XI, they are coached incredibly well, the midset they have, the conviction they have in every action, and then their individual quality. We will just confront that and go for it."

• Arteta praised opposite number Vincent Kompany, who missed his news conference with an illness: "I hope he gets better soon and is there tomorrow because it will be very good for the game. Huge admirer of him as a person because I got to know him for a few years, and as a coach. The identity and quality that his team shows over the past few years is another level and that is big credit for him."

• On the challenge for defenders facing Harry Kane: "They get tested a lot in the Premier League, and they have already done in the Champions League. I think what Harry is doing and has done in the past few years is just something else, another level, and that's the level they're going to have to face tomorrow."

Listen to full commentary of Bayern Munich v Arsenal on BBC Radio 5 Live and BBC Sounds on Wednesday

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We asked if you agreed with Arsenal fan Watson that Noni Madueke should be starting more games for the Gunners.

Here are some of your comments:

Jonathan: No, I think he needs to be kept on his toes, to get the best out of him. I do worry for Eberechi Eze. He needs to feel as though he's going to be a starter, before we see his Crystal Palace form.

Des: I don't think Madueke is consistent enough, but he has the ability. A more confident Noni would push Bukayo Saka and keep him on his toes.

Lara: Yes he should, but the same is true for Viktor Gyokores, Martin Zubimendi and Eze. All four were crucial to our success last season, but now all four are demoted to brief spells, mostly out of position, in favour of a more defensive, cautious approach.

Barry: Madueke needs to start more because Eze is no winger.

John: Madueke and Eze need to contribute more attacking-wise on a regular consistent basis.

Rachel: Noni Madueke has lots to offer and another team would surely snap him up if that chance occurs. He has no shortage of speed and loves to run at players. He's not afraid to shoot. He needs more starts to gain the consistency.

Rio Ngumoha has distanced himself from a possible move to Arsenal and the 18-year-old England winger says talks over a contract extension at Liverpool are "going well". (Metro), external

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Arsenal fan Watson wants to see Noni Madueke given more starts by Mikel Arteta after the winger came off the bench to score the late winner at Nottingham Forest.

So far this season, Madueke has featured seven times for the Gunners, but only started three times.

Watson said: "I cannot believe the goal Madueke scored. I'm so excited, I'm so happy. I could cry right now.

"Every single week he's proving he should start for Arsenal. He's proving to be that player that can be going forward, very attacking."

What do you think? Should Arteta be picking Madueke in his line-up from the off more often?

Let us know here

We asked for your thoughts after Sunday's Premier League game between Nottingham Forest and Arsenal.

Here are some of your comments:

Forest fans

Richard: In your wisdom, you sack Nuno Espirito Santo and then finish up with second-rate replacements. Is it no wonder Forest are struggling at the bottom of the table. When will owners, like ours, ever get it right?

Sean: Another battling defeat. Another loss with plenty of positives to take. Another home match we failed to score in with the amount of chances we made. It's against the league champions, so it was always going to be a tall order, but the question has to be asked. When are all these good things we're doing going to pay off?

Peter: The players gave their all to limit Arsenal to one shot on target - unfortunately, that shot took a deflection and resulted in us losing the game. But as Glasner said, the results will come and it was encouraging to see how well we defended as a team. Keep the faith.

John: Football is a cruel sport. We deserved at least a point. We didn't let them play and could/should have levelled in the last five minutes. There's no justice. We'll win games (one day) by playing worse than this. I can't fault the effort, the set-up, the invention. They're champions because they had one chance and took it. We didn't. One of these days we'll give someone a proper beating. Soon, I hope.

Arsenal fans

Matthew: Arsenal got the job done, but the performance was far from convincing. We controlled possession for long periods but lacked creativity and urgency in the final third. Against a disciplined Nottingham Forest side, we needed more quality and quicker decision-making to create clear chances. Keeping a clean sheet away from home was another positive. The biggest takeaway is that title-winning teams must find ways to win even when they are not at their best.

Trevor: Dangerous to leave it till the second half to start playing. The deflection for the goal was fortunate but, on balance, Arsenal just about deserved the win.

Philip: Nottingham Forest played well and for 80 minutes they had the edge. Madueke's goal was proof we need to do more down the left. Our moves on the right are predictable, and Saka is getting closed down far too easily. We ground out the win, but it wasn't pretty.

Rod: Eze continues to frustrate and Havertz is ineffective playing with his back to goal. Saka is attracting two defenders every match, but we seem unable to use the overload effectively. Tzolis is truly missed and Dowman deserves a start when Arsenal are misfiring so badly. Konsa is our best signing this year and Saliba will struggle to push his way into the only part of the team functioning well. Give Guimaraes time to adjust to the Arsenal heartbeat, and he'll take some of the creative pressure off of Odegaard.

Alex Howell
Football reporter

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Noni Madueke may not be a regular starter at Arsenal, but his winning goal against Nottingham Forest showed why Mikel Arteta values his impact off the bench.

The England international came on at half-time before cutting inside and firing a deflected effort into the net in the 80th minute to secure a key 1-0 victory and three points in Arsenal's Premier League title defence.

Madueke has started just one league game this season, but has impressed in recent appearances also assisting the opening goal in Tuesday's Champions League win over Lille. With Christos Tzolis side lined by a hamstring injury, the 24-year-old has an opportunity to stake his claim for a more regular starting role.

Despite questions over his consistency and end product, Madueke offers Arsenal directness and quality in one on one situations. Arteta has praised his character and recent performances, saying he is showing 'another level of conviction' and becoming more decisive in matches.

The Gunners' substitutes have contributed to 26 Premier League goals since the start of last season, more than any other side. For Arteta, they are not simply substitutes but 'finishers,' players capable of changing games when it matters most.

Read more from Alex on Madueke

Arsenal and Tottenham are keeping an eye on Barcelona youngster Xavi Espart, 19, but they could be held back by the Spanish defender's significant release clause. (CaughtOffside), external

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Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta, speaking to BBC Match of the Day: "We knew it would be the case and last time we didn't manage to win the game but we did today. 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. We had to manage the emotional part really well. We stayed focussed, and the finishers made a huge impact."

On finishers: "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.

"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.

"Sometimes you can get frustrated with teams who are difficult to break down. First half we didn't have a shot on target and that's something we discussed. We had another two big ones in the second half but the only one on target we had was a little deflection and it's in.

"Great reaction [after scoring goal], to have the will to defend a really open and difficult and stressful situation."

Arsenal goalscorer Noni Madueke, speaking to BBC Match of the Day: "We had to dig deep, we know it's difficult to come here. A lot of balls in th air and a lot of direct play. Thank God we were able to get the win and we move on with three points."

Was patience the key? "Yes, we knew we would have the lion's share of the ball. Important to be patient and pick your moments, and we did that in the end."

On his goal: "I came inside and saw a side of goal. Thankfully it went in."

On squad depth: "If you look at the quality of our starting XI and bench, it's absurd, so we know that we're going to start some and finish some and, for me, it's the same mentality every time I just want to create or score.

"Amazing feeling [to score] but I feel better about the win.

"We have elite players, all 20-something players are elite and of the highest level. Great to have that type of competition. You know on the bench you're ready to have an impact."

On defence: "Another part of our identity, we defend all together, 11 of us on the pitch, and we have a world-class goalkeeper and world-class defenders, so credit to them today as well."

Did you know?

• Arsenal have won as many as six of their opening seven games of a Premier League season for the fourth time, after 2004-05, 2007-08, and 2022-23 (all also 6).

• Noni Madueke has scored 13 of his 17 Premier League goals away from home (76%), including all four for Arsenal. This is the highest away ratio of any player with 15+ goals in Premier League history.

Gary Rose
BBC Sport journalist

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Arsenal have started their title defence - defeat at Brighton aside - in formidable fashion, with this now their sixth league win from seven games.

There was no scintillating display on this occasion, as they struggled to create chances, but this was a reminder of the strength in depth Arsenal have to help them overcome obstacles.

Eberechi Eze had been handed his first Premier League start of the season, but after an ineffective first-half display he was replaced with Noni Madueke, who delivered the one spark needed to secure all three points.

Mikel Arteta's options off the bench are proving important in the early stages of this campaign, with Arsenal having scored three goals via substitutes in the Premier League this season. Only Ipswich Town have scored more with four.

Arsenal starting XI:

David Raya: A solid display from the Gunners number one. A great take from a corner in the first half. 6

Ben White: Lots of overlapping runs and solid defensively but no breakthrough. Replaced by Timber. 6

Ezri Konsa: Involved in the physical battle with Delap. Part of the back four that kept a clean sheet mainly thanks to his brilliant injury-time tackle on Delap. 7

Gabriel Magalhaes: Pressured and tested like his centre back partner but stood up to the challenge as he often does. 6

Riccardo Calafiori: A loose pass in the first half which ended with a good Forest attack. Lots of adventurous runs but did not lead to a goal for the fullback. 6

Declan Rice: Powerful running and energy as expected from the midfielder. Part of an Arsenal midfield that struggled to create. Missed a big chance but played the ball to Madueke for his goal. 7

Bruno Guimaraes: Not the midfielder's best day and he was replaced by Merino. 5

Martin Odegaard: Tried getting on the ball and looked to make things happen. Could not find the pass to open the Forest defence. 6

Bukayo Saka: Dangerous crosses into the area but not much room to operate as Forest sat deep. 6

Eberechi Eze: This was a big chance for Eze to make the left wing his own but he didn't take it. Subbed at half-time. 5

Kai Havertz: Arsenal were poor going forward despite lots of the ball. Havertz did not offer much and was taken off. 5

Arsenal substitutes:

Noni Madueke (on 46, Eze): Brought off the bench to add energy and spark to the attack. Scored the winning goal with a deflected effort. 7

Viktor Gyokeres (on 66, Havertz): Worked hard when he came off the bench. 6

Mikel Merino (on 66, Guimaraes): Tidy and composed in midfield. 6

Jurrien Timber (on 66, White): Provided a cross for a late Rice chance. 6

Subs not used: Meslier, Lewis-Skelly, Mosquera, Zubimendi, Dowman.

Read the full article and see how you rated the players

Whether you were at the game or following from elsewhere, we want to know what you learned.

Have your say on Nottingham Forest's performance

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Reaction and analysis to follow - and come back on Monday for a selection of your replies.

There are five games in the Premier League on Saturday and BBC Sport will bring you every moment.

• Bournemouth v Sunderland

• Brighton v Crystal Palace - listen on BBC Radio 5 Sports Extra

• Leeds United v Manchester United - listen on BBC Radio 5 Live

• Nottingham Forest v Arsenal (16:30) - listen on BBC Radio 5 Live

Kick-off times 14:00 BST unless stated.

Follow all of the action and reaction here

How to follow the Premier League weekend across the BBC

You can also listen to today's 5 Live Premier League commentaries on your smart speaker. Just say "Alexa, ask BBC Sounds to play Nottingham Forest v Arsenal" or "Alexa, ask BBC Sounds to play the Brighton match", for example.

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Fans of Premier League clubs can now get real-time scores live on their phone lock screen for every game.

Simply follow your favourite football teams on the BBC Sport app for updates throughout the 2026-27 season.

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Simply predict the outcome of the six fixtures we've selected from across domestic and European competitions every week.

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Nottingham Forest held Arsenal 0-0 here last season but I don't think they have got a clean sheet in them this time.

Forest were actually pretty good in their defeat against Crystal Palace, but just didn't take their chances.

I can't see them causing Arsenal too many problems, however. The Gunners had a good win over Lille in the Champions League on Tuesday and this should be just as comfortable for them.

Sutton's prediction: 0-3

Read the full predictions and have your say here

Matt Jones
BBC Sport journalist

Arsenal face struggling Nottingham Forest at the City Ground on Sunday (16:30 BST) as they seek to continue their fine form after returning from the international break.

The Gunners have not been at their best in their past two fixtures, but they have battled well to earn a 2-1 victory over Leeds United in the Premier League and a 3-0 win against Lille in the Champions League.

Forest have yet to fire under new boss Oliver Glasner. They have suffered two consecutive defeats, with a disappointing 3-1 loss at Crystal Palace following a 1-0 reverse at home to Coventry City.

Glasner and Forest yet to get going

Glasner's style of play has yet to fully click at Forest, although their biggest issue so far this season has been a lack of ruthlessness in front of goal.

Only Tottenham, with a conversion rate of 4.72%, have a worse record in the Premier League. Forest also have the biggest differential between their expected goals (xG) and the number of goals they have scored, with figures of 10.30 and five respectively, leaving them at -5.30.

Glasner's side have also missed the most big chances in the Premier League this season, with 17, while they have hit the woodwork a league-high six times.

The head coach will be frustrated, as his team's poor form continues a trend we saw towards the end of last season, when he was the head coach at Crystal Palace.

Glasner has won just five of his last 29 Premier League games, and his win percentage of 17% is the second-lowest of any manager to have taken charge of 20 or more games, ahead of only Rob Edwards (13%).

Arteta finding an edge off the bench

The squad depth at Mikel Arteta's disposal has been key since the start of last season, with the high-quality options off the bench helping the Gunners get over the line.

Since the start of the previous campaign, Arsenal have recorded 25 goal contributions from substitutes - 13 goals and 12 assists - more than any other club in the top flight.

Two of those goals have come in the past three matches, with Bruno Guimaraes netting long-range strikes to clinch the points for the champions against Sunderland and Leeds.

Arsenal have also had to find different ways to score this season, as their set-piece effectiveness has dwindled compared with last year.

The Gunners are yet to score from a set-piece in the Premier League in 2026-27. It is the first time they have failed to score from one in any of their first six games of a season since 2011-12.

In terms of underlying numbers, their expected goals from set-pieces per 90 have fallen to 0.31 this season, down from 0.56 in the previous campaign. Their expected goals from corners have also declined, from 0.37 to 0.18.

Arsenal are taking more short corners on average, accounting for 18.5% of their corners this term, compared with 13% in the Premier League last season. The Gunners are also yet to take a single outswinging corner in their first six games, although they took just seven in the whole of last season.

Huzaifah Khan
BBC Sport journalist

Arsenal boss Mikel Arteta has been speaking to the media before Sunday's Premier League game against Nottingham Forest at the City Ground (kick-off 16:30 BST).

Here are the key lines from his news conference:

• On team news, Arteta said Martin Zubimendi "looks much better" and that they have another session on Saturday to assess whether he is ready.

• He added that he hopes Piero Hincapie will be back before the international break, Christos Tzolis will be back in "a few weeks" and William Saliba's recovery is "very, very positive".

• On news the club are planning to cut 60 jobs, Arteta said: "This question is not for me. I was explained about the exercise and analysis that has been done across the club with the intention to evolve." He added: "To improve, some decisions have to be taken to put people in the right roles and keep investing to achieve what we want to achieve and all the success we want to create, so that's been explained. I'm not the right person to answer that question and hopefully everyone can respect that."

• On his side's form since losing 3-0 to Brighton before the international break, the Spaniard said his side have "responded really well", had "two very good performances" and the focus now is a "tough game" against Forest.

• Following up on why Forest will be a "tough" game, Arteta explained: "[They are an] extremely well-coached team. We had that experience in the past and it's a team that at home can create a really special momentum. We are ready for it."

• On the shift in how his side score goals with the majority of their chances coming from open play this season, he said: "[We got] criticism for scoring [set-piece] goals. I don't know what level we are at right now, but the team is showing a great attacking flow. We scored some beautiful goals."

• And finally on fans wondering why Saliba did not feature in the annual team photo, he explained: "We have tried to do that picture three times already and we had to cancel it for different reasons. We had some commercial obligations. We decided to do that picture. We will have another picture with the whole family. Hopefully, we can get them all together at some point."

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