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Arsenal Held to 0-0 at Nottingham Forest, Lead Extends Only to Seven Points

Wasteful finishing against a resolute Forest left the leaders with only a seven-point cushion following Manchester City's defeat.

Overview

  • The stalemate at the City Ground denied Arsenal the chance to move nine points clear after Manchester City lost 2-0 to Manchester United earlier in the day.
  • Gabriel Martinelli missed from close range and substitute Bukayo Saka saw a looping header brilliantly saved by goalkeeper Matz Sels.
  • A late VAR check on Ola Aina for handball resulted in no penalty, with officials judging the contact to be off the shoulder and the arm in a natural position.
  • Mikel Arteta rotated his side by benching Saka and recalling David Raya, then turned to multiple second-half changes as Saka, Mikel Merino and Gabriel Jesus lifted the tempo.
  • Forest earned a valuable point in their survival fight, staying 17th and five clear of the drop, as they defended stoutly and did not allow a shot on target for Arsenal until after the hour.