ARSENAL DEALT FURTHER TITLE BLOW AS FOREST HOLD THEM TO A GOALLESS DRAW
Arsenal’s faint title chances were dealt another blow as they were held to a goalless draw by Nottingham Forest at the City Ground.
The Gunners are now 13 points adrift of league leaders Liverpool at the top of the Premier League, despite having a game in hand.
Mikel Arteta's side failed to score in the second consecutive league game for the first time since May 2023, as their lack of forward options proved problematic once again.
Forest defended resolutely throughout but were not put under too much pressure by Arsenal and will be delighted with a point that cements their place in the top four.
Riccardo Calafiori went closest for Arsenal during the first half, striking the post with a curling strike that left Matz Sels helpless, but that was as good as it got for the Gunners.
'Sels beaten but not the post' - Calafiori smashes woodwork after dazzling skill
Video credit: TNT Sports
Arteta’s side had most of the ball during the opening 45 minutes but were unable to break down a resolute Forest defence.
Chris Wood went close in the second half, testing David Raya from close range and was denied a great opportunity just minutes later by William Saliba’s last-ditch tackle.
However, neither side did enough to win the game, with the middle of the pitch becoming very congested throughout.
Arsenal now face PSV Eindhoven next Tuesday in the UEFA Champions League, before a trip to Old Trafford in the Premier League.
Forest host Ipswich in the FA Cup on Monday, before they face Manchester City next weekend.
Highlights: Arsenal title hopes dealt another blow with draw at Forest
Video credit: TNT Sports
21:56
Arsenal
21:56
ARTETA: I DON'T WANT TO DISCUSS OUR ISSUES IN ATTACK
"It is disappointing to not get the three points, even though we dominated the game from start to finish. There were a couple of situations where they countered us in the second half.
"We lacked the final ball to generate something to open them up and have more shots on goal.
"I don't want to discuss our issues in attack, I have been over that. We have a few days before the PSV game and that is where I will try and think through our issues.
"It is about winning now. That is the only thing we can control. That has been the same for the last week, two weeks and two months.
"We are there for the players, they know that. We have been together for so long. We are all thinking about how we can add something to find that extra spark."
Image credit: Getty Images
21:47
Arsenal
21:47
TROSSARD: YOU ALWAYS HAVE TO BELIEVE
"I think we played well today, we were dominant throughout. We defended well, but up top we did not create enough.
"The effort is there, we try and try and try. We need it to click again, and then the goals will come.
"I don't have an answer on why we could not score. I think we could have scored a lot of goals recently. We need to find a solution. That is down to the players and the staff, but I don't think it is down to effort. We played well tonight.
"We are a good group, we need to keep pushing as we are doing. There is not any magic ingredient, we just need to keep going.
"You always have to believe, but I don't think we need to look ahead at the moment. We need to focus on the next game right now."
Highlights: Arsenal title hopes dealt another blow with draw at Forest
Video credit: TNT Sports
21:41
Nottingham Forest
21:41
NUNO: OUR MAIN STRENGTH IS OUR BOND
"I see it as a good point, because it was a tough game and Arsenal are such a good team. We defended well, we were solid, and it was a good game for us.
"Because Arsenal don't have a recognized striker, we wanted to overload the midfield and not waste an extra player in defence, which is why we switched from five at the back.
"Arsenal are a very good team to press against, because they play so high. One of our strengths is how we recover and go. We had a couple of chances in transition tonight, but we could not make the most of them.
"The expectations are very high around us now. Our main strength is our bond. The players try to help each other and the team spirit is there.
"We try to avoid thoughts of Europe, we do not want to get distracted by this."
Image credit: Getty Images
21:38
Arsenal
21:38
MARTIN KEOWN: ARSENAL COULD NOT FIND SOLUTIONS AT THE TOP OF THE PITCH
"Arsenal just could not find the solutions at the top of the pitch, but with the options available at the top of the pitch, it should not be surprising.
"I think Calafiori was getting some joy, but the decision was made to take him off when he was on a booking. Maybe that's where the game went for Arsenal.
"I think Arsenal have suffered so much with red cards this season, so I imagine they didn't want to risk it.
"Just because you can't be champions, you can't throw everything away. With the lack of forwards available, they need to make sure they get in the top four," said TNT Sports pundit Martin Keown.
‘You weren’t listening, were you?’ - O'Neill and Keown clash over Arsenal's title chances
Video credit: TNT Sports
21:29
Arsenal
21:29
ARSENAL'S TOOTHLESS ATTACK COSTS THEM TITLE
Arsenal failed to score for the second game running, as they were held to a goalless draw at the City Ground.
The Gunners could be 13 points behind Liverpool tonight, who currently lead Newcastle 1-0 at Anfield.
No side has ever overturned such a deficit to win the Premier League.
Riccardo Calafiori went closest to scoring for Mikel Arteta's side, striking the post in the first half, but Arsenal never got closer than that throughout.
It is clear that the North London side are missing Bukayo Saka, Kai Havertz and Gabriel Jesus and with none of those available anytime soon, it seems the dream of another Premier League title is now too distant.
Both sides struggled to create at the City Ground, but Arsenal didn't put the impetus into the second half that was needed to break down one of the best defences in the league currently.
Another frustrating evening for Arteta.
'Sels beaten but not the post' - Calafiori smashes woodwork after dazzling skill
Video credit: TNT Sports
21:25
21:25
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'Sels beaten but not the post' - Calafiori smashes woodwork after dazzling skill
Video credit: TNT Sports
Highlights: Arsenal title hopes dealt another blow with draw at Forest
Video credit: TNT Sports