Arsenal fail to capitalise on City’s derby defeat as Forest hold the leaders to a stalemate
Arsenal were forced to settle for a frustrating point at the City Ground as Nottingham Forest held the Premier League leaders to a goalless draw.
The result denied Mikel Arteta’s side the chance to move nine points clear at the top of the table after Manchester City’s defeat earlier in the day.
Instead, Arsenal end the game seven points ahead, a cushion that still reflects control of the title race but felt like a missed opportunity.
Forest delivered a disciplined and spirited performance, matching Arsenal across the pitch and limiting the leaders to few clear openings.
The first half was short on quality and chances, with neither side registering a shot on target in a cagey opening 45 minutes.
Arsenal struggled to find rhythm following changes to the starting XI, while Forest were content to defend deep and disrupt.
The clearest chance of the half fell to Gabriel Martinelli, who poked wide from close range when well placed inside the six-yard box.
Forest, for their part, offered energy and physicality but lacked precision in the final third.
Arteta responded after the break by introducing Bukayo Saka, with Gabriel Jesus and Eberechi Eze later added as Arsenal searched for a spark.
The change brought greater urgency and width, and Arsenal finally began to apply sustained pressure.
Saka almost made the difference immediately, forcing an excellent save from Matz Sels with a close-range header.
Declan Rice then tested the Forest goalkeeper with a driven effort, while Mikel Merino narrowly failed to connect with a dangerous delivery.
Despite that spell, Arsenal rarely looked like overwhelming their hosts, who defended with commitment and organisation.
Forest’s centre-backs stood firm, while their midfield pressed aggressively and tracked runners diligently.
The game’s most contentious moment arrived without reward for Arsenal when a strong appeal for a penalty was waved away, a VAR decision that appeared inexplicable given the contact involved.
That moment summed up an evening where fine margins refused to fall Arsenal’s way.
Forest even threatened late on, briefly pushing forward as Arsenal remained cautious.
In the end, the points were shared, a result greeted warmly by the home support after a valiant collective effort.
The Gunners remain firmly in charge at the summit, but this was a chance to stretch their advantage that ultimately slipped away.
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