Premier League leaders Arsenal struggled to make an impact on Saturday at the City Ground, settling for a 0-0 draw against Nottingham Forest that resulted in minimal gain in a tumultuous day at the top of the table.
A victory—or even just a goal—would have propelled Arsenal nine points ahead of the competition, especially following Manchester City’s loss to Manchester United and Aston Villa’s upcoming match on Sunday.
WATCH — Nottingham Forest v Arsenal
However, Arsenal couldn’t find the back of the net, as Forest manager Sean Dyche secured a surprising point for his side.
For live updates and highlights from Nottingham Forest vs. Arsenal, be sure to check out PST’s live blog coverage below.
Final Score: Nottingham Forest 0-0 Arsenal
Live Updates from Nottingham Forest vs Arsenal — by Nick Mendola
Dyche’s Strong Record Against Arsenal
Despite managing underdog teams like Burnley, Everton, and now Nottingham Forest, Sean Dyche has a notable record against Mikel Arteta:
Nearing a fifth and sixth on those last two points.
0-0 at the 84th minute.
Eze Enters for Zubimendi
A rare appearance for Eberechi Eze comes as Arteta pushes for a decisive goal in the 79th minute.
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Arsenal Appeals for a Penalty
VAR reviews a potential handball by Ola Aina that would have been cruel for Forest. Fortunately for the Gunners, no penalty is awarded.
Outstanding Save by Sels
Declan Rice delivers a chipping cross aimed at the back post, where Bukayo Saka tries a looping header.
Sels leaps fully to get his fingertips to the ball, deflecting it wide.
Saka Makes an Immediate Impact
Saka intercepts a lazy pass from Neco Williams, racing toward the end line.
He crosses to the top of the box, where Declan Rice’s half-volley inches toward the goal, but Forest’s goalkeeper Matz Sels manages to keep it out.
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Arteta Makes Three Substitutions
With the Champions League looming and a League Cup semifinal just passed, Mikel Arteta makes strategic changes, bringing off Odegaard, Madueke, and Gyokeres for Mikel Merino, Gabriel Jesus, and Bukayo Saka in the 57th minute.
One Substitution at Halftime
Trossard replaces Martinelli, who hasn’t recorded a goal or assist in the Premier League since September 21 against Man City.
Despite scoring several goals in other competitions, including a hat trick against Portsmouth in the FA Cup, those stats are hard to overlook.
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Halftime Score: Nottingham Forest 0-0 Arsenal
Arsenal’s chances have been limited; a missed shot from a tight angle by Gabriel Martinelli and a deflected effort on a partial breakaway from Viktor Gyokeres are not noteworthy contributions to the Gunners’ offense.
By halftime, Arsenal had increased their possession to 60% and were ahead in shot attempts with 8-3.
There are some game-changers available on the bench, including Eberechi Eze, Bukayo Saka, Gabriel Jesus, Leandro Trossard, and Kai Havertz, along with steadier options in Mikel Merino, Myles Lewis-Skelly, and Cristhian Mosquera.
Mikel Arteta May Be Frustrated
It’s hard to say much positive about Arsenal’s performance in the first half, as they seemed caught off guard by a hungry Sean Dyche team at home.
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Murillo’s Erratic Play
A mistake by Murillo gives Viktor Gyokeres a partial breakaway chance. The Swede manages to create a shot opportunity, but Murillo redeems himself by deflecting Gyokeres’ attempt with a desperate sliding tackle.
Yellow Card for Jurrien Timber
The left-back receives a yellow card for a foul just outside the penalty area.
Forest Holds Its Ground
The Tricky Trees have maintained around 47% possession after a strong period and are the only team with a shot attempt thus far.
0-0, 13′.
Good Afternoon. A Particularly Good Afternoon for Arsenal?
The Gunners witnessed Liverpool’s draw and Manchester City’s loss earlier, presenting them with an opportunity to go nine points clear before Aston Villa faces Everton on Sunday.
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On the other hand, Forest faced a challenging task, and following West Ham’s victory over Spurs, they now find themselves only four points above the relegation zone.
Nottingham Forest Starting XI
Sels, Aina, Murillo, Milenkovic, Williams, Sangare, Dominguez, Anderson, Hudson-Odoi, Gibbs-White, Igor Jesus
Arsenal Starting XI
Raya, White, Saliba, Magalhaes, Timber, Zubimendi, Rice, Odegaard, Madueke, Martinelli, Gyokeres
Match Preview: Nottingham Forest vs Arsenal — by Joe Prince-Wright
Though Sean Dyche’s arrival has improved results slightly, Forest has managed just one win in their last five Premier League matches (their last win against fellow relegation candidates West Ham). They are still deep in the relegation battle and after an FA Cup exit at the hands of second-tier Wrexham, a strong showing against Arsenal is crucial for Dyche.
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Yet, with Arsenal in fine form—having drawn 0-0 with Liverpool in their last league match but holding a six-point lead at the top, coupled with a 3-2 victory over Chelsea in the first leg of the League Cup semifinal—things are looking bright for the Gunners. Mikel Arteta has rotated his squad effectively, and fans are quietly optimistic about the potential for a quadruple.
Nottingham Forest Team News
Chris Wood is still sidelined due to injury, which has significantly impacted Forest’s season. Morgan Gibbs-White, Omari Hutchinson, and Callum Hudson-Odoi have formed a dynamic attacking midfield trio recently, while Igor Jesus remains active upfront but seems in need of rest. Ryan Yates is approaching a return, although goalkeeper John Victor will miss a few more weeks with a knee injury, leaving Matz Sels as the established goalkeeper. Willy Boly and Ibrahim Sangare are back from AFCON and are expected to contribute significantly in the coming months.
Arsenal Team News
Cristhian Mosquera, Max Dowman, Piero Hincapie, and Riccardo Calafiori are all unavailable, but Arsenal’s squad depth offers numerous options. Will Viktor Gyokeres maintain his starting position, or will Gabriel Jesus return? Kai Havertz is also eager for playing time, creating intense competition across the pitch as Arteta effectively manages his resources during a packed schedule.
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Match Prediction: Nottingham Forest vs Arsenal
This match seems poised for Arsenal to create a flurry of chances. A strong start is essential for their success. Prediction: Nottingham Forest 1-3 Arsenal.
Viewing Information for Nottingham Forest vs Arsenal
Kick-off Time: 12:30 PM ET Saturday (January 17)
Venue: City Ground — Nottingham
TV Channel: NBC
Streaming: Watch live on NBC.com and Stream live on Peacock