'Special player' - David Raya hails Arsenal teammate after Nottingham Forest win

David Raya before Arsenal’s win at Nottingham Forest (Picture: Getty)

David Raya branded Arsenal teammate Noni Madueke a ‘special player’ after the Premier League champions beat Nottingham Forest.

Mikel Arteta’s side looked set to drop points in successive games and fall further behind early pacesetters Manchester City after a goalless opening 80 minutes at the City Ground.

Despite dominating possession, Arsenal created little in the final third and were on course to slip four points behind last season’s runners-up, Man City.

But substitute Noni Madueke broke Nottingham Forest’s resistance, the England international’s deflected strike earning Arsenal a narrow win and sending the hosts into the relegation zone.

Raya insisted he was ‘delighted’ with Arsenal’s win on the road and praised ‘special player’ Madueke for earning the Gunners the three points from the bench.

‘We showed maturity and a lot of desire,’ Raya told Premier League Productions after Arsenal’s victory. ‘Keep doing the right things, and the ball will get into the net.

Noni Madueke scored a late winner for Arsenal (Picture: Shutterstock)

‘We had experiences in the last two years where we drew 0-0 here, so I think we showed a lot of character to keep digging the result, and in the end with a few crosses and a few of Bukayo’s balls, the ball went in thanks to Noni.

‘He’s a special player and it’s going to be a special goal for him to get the win at such a difficult ground and such a difficult team. So, I’m delighted for him.

‘We came back very, very strong, especially after that tough defeat against Brighton and having 19 days since then to play a game.

Mikel Arteta after Arsenal’s win at Forest (Picture: Getty)

‘The way we responded, the way we played, the way we came back, is incredible, you know.

‘So, delighted with the performances we have put in every single game, there are things to improve, of course, as always, but we just take the positives and we’re looking forward to Wednesday now.’

Arsenal boss Arteta, meanwhile, praised his team for eventually breaking down a resolute Nottingham Forest.

"We showed a champions spirit here tonight"Noni Madueke reacts after scoring the winner against Nottingham Forest 🔴 pic.twitter.com/m3owLZkDdn— Sky Sports Premier League (@SkySportsPL) October 18, 2026

‘We knew the margins would be really small. They are extremely well coached and organised,’ the title-winning manager said.

‘The longer the game goes on they gain more belief. We had to be so patient – and clinical when we got the chance.