Mikel Arteta hails Arsenal ‘finishers’ after Noni Madueke fells Forest
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Arsenal’s Noni Madueke (left) celebrating with Ezri Konsa after scoring their first goal against Nottingham Forest 10 minutes from full time.
PHOTO: REUTERS
LONDON – Mikel Arteta said Arsenal’s strength in depth will be key to their Premier League title defence after Noni Madueke came off the bench to clinch a 1-0 win against Nottingham Forest on Oct 18.
Arteta’s side were well below their best at the City Ground and did not register a shot on target until Madueke bagged their winner 10 minutes from time.
While the Gunners earned few style points in the East Midlands, they will not be overly concerned after moving within three points of leaders Manchester City.
Arteta can dip into one of the stronger substitute benches in the top flight, and he made full use of the resources at his disposal to turn the tide on the banks of the River Trent.
Crucially, he sent on Madueke for the underwhelming Eberechi Eze at half-time.
He also introduced Mikel Merino, Viktor Gyokeres and Jurrien Timber as the second half wore on.
It was Madueke who provided the key intervention, cutting in from the left flank to unleash a powerful drive that deflected past Forest goalkeeper Matz Sels in the 80th minute.
“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,” Arteta said.
“We had to manage the emotional part really well. We stayed focused, and the finishers made a huge impact.”
Arsenal are in the midst of a hectic schedule, with a midweek Champions League win over Lille and a looming European trip to Bayern Munich on Oct 21.
Arteta’s ability to rest key players without significantly weakening his team could be a major factor in the title race.
“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,” he said.
“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, Jurrien, Mikel was brilliant when he came on, and Viktor really changed the game; all of them did, and that’s what we need,” Arteta said.
“Noni (is) obviously the highlight because he scored the goal, and that’s the difference.”
After a shock 3-0 loss at Brighton & Hove Albion on Sept 19, second-placed Arsenal have bounced back with three successive victories.
The north Londoners have not been able to recapture the relentless consistency that took them to their first title in 22 years last season.
But they retain the priceless ability to grind out wins, and this was their sixth victory in seven league matches.
“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,” Arteta said.
“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.” AFP