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 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.
‘The way they were defending, they were more comfortable. But we have players with different qualities and can adapt to what the game is delivering.
‘We have another three big chances that should be goals. That is the difference, you have to be clinical. If we keep generating them, they will come.
‘Let’s enjoy the win, because it was a very tough one. And then, on Wednesday, we have an incredible game against Bayern Munich away [in the Champions League].’
While Arsenal kept the pressure on leaders Man City, Nottingham Forest are now 18th after seven games after a third successive defeat.
