Arsenal squandered a crucial chance to move closer to their first Premier League title in 22 years, settling for a 0-0 draw against relegation-threatened Nottingham Forest.
Prior to the match, the Gunners enjoyed a morale boost as they watched rivals Manchester City lose to United, presenting Arsenal with the opportunity to extend their lead at the top of the table to nine points.
However, following their 0-0 stalemate against Liverpool just nine days earlier, Mikel Arteta’s side failed to capitalize on the situation against Forest.
Despite coming close through Gabriel Martinelli and Bukayo Saka, the Gunners were unable to find the net.
The draw still allowed Arsenal to maintain a seven-point cushion, but that lead could shrink to four on Sunday if Aston Villa triumph over Everton. Nonetheless, they still remain strong contenders for their first Premier League trophy since 2004.
However, the missed chances might raise concerns among the Gunners, who have previously allowed leads to slip. This was especially evident when they fell from an eight-point lead over City in April 2023.
Stuart MacFarlane/Arsenal FC via Getty Images
Nottingham Forest, displaying determination and resilience, earned their point on the back of a timely boost after West Ham’s victory over Tottenham put them back into relegation contention.
From the outset, Sean Dyche’s squad, five points clear of the drop zone, posed a threat. Nicolas Dominguez’s goal-bound attempt was thwarted by Declan Rice, and Callum Hudson-Odoi nearly connected with a through-ball from Murillo during a promising start.
As Arsenal started to control possession, they threatened just before the half-hour mark with a set piece. A corner kick fell to Noni Madueke, whose volley reached Martinelli at the far post, but in a shocking miss, he sent the ball wide from close range.
Forest defender Murillo redeemed himself at the 40-minute mark, blocking a clear chance for Viktor Gyökeres after a mistake allowed him a run on goal.
Mikel Arteta expressed his frustration, substituting Martinelli at halftime for Saka, with Gabriel Jesus and Mikel Merino brought on shortly afterwards.
Saka immediately made an impact, providing a cross that found Rice, whose volley was easily saved by Matz Sels, marking the first shot on target in the 59th minute.
Moments later, Rice returned the favor, setting Saka up with a cross that seemed destined for the net before Sels made an impressive save to keep the score level.
Saka’s skill on the right flank created further opportunities, including a near goal for Jesus, but Forest’s defense held firm.
Arsenal ramped up the pressure, with Merino missing another chance with a glancing header, while a potential penalty was reviewed after Ola Aina appeared to handle the ball.
Despite the relentless Arsenal attack, Forest managed to secure a hard-fought point, impacting both ends of the league table.