The key facts

  • Arsenal, after the 0:3 defeat to Brighton and a 19-day break, won three matches in a row
  • The winning goal against Nottingham Forest (1:0) was scored by Noni Madueke in the 80th minute — it was Arsenal's only shot on target
  • Raya praised the team's character and noted that in the previous two years Arsenal drew 0:0 at that ground

Raya pleased with the team's reaction

Arsenal goalkeeper David Raya said the team's reaction after the unexpected 0:3 defeat to Brighton was 'incredible'. Mikel Arteta's side, who had 19 days until their next match after that rout, faced criticism, but after the season resumed the club won three matches in a row.

Victory over Nottingham Forest

On Sunday Arsenal beat Nottingham Forest 1:0 at the City Ground thanks to a Noni Madueke goal in the 80th minute — the ball went in after a deflection. It was the Gunners' only shot on target in the match. Raya noted that in the previous two years the team had twice drawn 0:0 at that ground, so the victory demonstrates character and the ability to grind out a result — a quality that largely underpinned last season's title win.

The goalkeeper's words

'We showed maturity and huge desire. Keep doing the right things — and the ball will end up in the net,' AFP quoted Raya as saying, citing the Arsenal website. He also praised Madueke: according to him, he is a special player, and a goal at such a difficult stadium against such a difficult team will be a special moment for him. Raya added that there are moments to improve, but the team takes the positives and is preparing for the next match.

Up next — the match against Bayern

On Wednesday Arsenal will play an away Champions League match against Bayern Munich. Raya stressed that the team is looking forward specifically to that game.