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Mikel Arteta said Arsenal\u2019s 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 Sunday.<\/strong><\/p>\n Arteta\u2019s 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 full-time.<\/p>\n 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.<\/p>\n Arteta is able to dip into one of the stronger substitutes\u2019 benches in the top-flight and he made full use of the resources at his disposal to turn the tide by the banks of the River Trent.<\/p>\n Crucially, he sent on Madueke for the underwhelming Eberechi Eze at half-time.<\/p>\n He also introduced Mikel Merino, Viktor Gyokeres and Jurrien Timber as the second half wore on.<\/p>\n It was Madueke who provided the key intervention, cutting in from the left flank to unleash a powerful drive that deflected past Forest keeper Matz Sels in the 80th minute.<\/p>\n \u201cWe 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,\u201d Arteta said.<\/p>\n \u201cWe had to manage the emotional part really well. We stayed focused and the finishers made a huge impact.\u201d<\/p>\n Arsenal are in the midst of a hectic schedule which included a Champions League win over Lille in midweek and a looming European trip to Bayern Munich on Wednesday.<\/p>\n Arteta\u2019s ability to rest key players without significantly weakening his team could be a major factor in the title race.<\/p>\n \u201cSome 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,\u201d he said.<\/p>\n \u201cIf 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.<\/p>\n \u201cNoni, Jurrien, Mikel was brilliant when he came on and Viktor really changed the game, all of them did and that\u2019s what we need.<\/p>\n \u201cNoni obviously the highlight because he scored the goal and that\u2019s the difference.\u201d<\/p>\n After a shock 3-0 loss at Brighton on September 19, second-placed Arsenal have bounced back with three successive victories.<\/p>\n The north Londoners have not been able to recapture the relentless consistency that took them to a first title in 22 years last season.<\/p>\n But they retain the priceless ability to grind out wins and this was their sixth in seven league matches.<\/p>\n \u201cSometimes you can get frustrated with teams who are difficult to break down. First half we didn\u2019t have a shot on target and that\u2019s something we discussed,\u201d Arteta said.<\/p>\n \u201cWe had another two big ones in the second half but the only one on target we had was a little deflection and it\u2019s in.\u201d<\/p>\n<\/div>\n