Mikel Arteta: We Had to Be Patient and Clinical

Arsenal secured a valuable 1-0 away victory over Nottingham Forest at the City Ground, condemning their opponents to a third consecutive defeat. Gunners boss Mikel Arteta expressed satisfaction with his team's character and composure, even if their display was not their most dazzling.

"We knew the margins were going to be minimal," Arteta told Sky Sports. "They are an extremely well-organised side and very well coached. The longer the game went on, the more belief they gained. We had to be exceptionally patient and clinical when the openings arrived."

"The way they defended gave them comfort, but we have players with different qualities who know how to adapt to how the game unfolds. We had three more clear-cut chances that should have ended in a goal. That is the difference – you have to punish every mistake. If we continue creating chances, the goals will come. Today we have to enjoy the victory because it was extremely tough," the Spanish manager added.

Narrow 1-0 victories have become a trademark for Arsenal under Arteta's guidance. Since he took charge, the north Londoners have recorded 32 such wins in the Premier League—the joint-highest tally alongside Everton over that period. Furthermore, the Gunners have started their campaign strongly, winning six of their first seven matches—a milestone previously reached only three times in the club's history (in the 2004/05, 2007/08, and 2022/23 seasons).