Arsenal extended their lead at the top of the Premier League to seven points despite being held to a 0–0 draw by a resilient Nottingham Forest at the City Ground on Saturday.
The Gunners had been presented with an opportunity to move nine points clear earlier in the day after Manchester City suffered a 2–0 defeat to rivals Manchester United. However, a flat first-half performance allowed Forest to dig in and frustrate the league leaders.
Despite the draw, Mikel Arteta’s side remains in a strong position in the title race as they continue their bid to end a 22-year wait for the Premier League crown.
Forest manager Sean Dyche had sharply criticised his players following their FA Cup exit to second-tier Wrexham last weekend.
His team delivered the response he demanded, defending with discipline and intensity to edge five points clear of the relegation zone.
Arsenal struggled to impose themselves early on and failed to register a shot on target in the first half. It was not until Arteta turned to his bench after the break that the visitors began to stretch the home side.
Leandro Trossard was introduced at half-time, with Bukayo Saka, Mikel Merino, and Gabriel Jesus all coming on before the hour mark.
Saka went closest to breaking the deadlock when his looping header from a Declan Rice cross was superbly tipped over by Forest goalkeeper Matz Sels.
Merino later squandered another promising opportunity, failing to make clean contact from Rice’s inviting free-kick delivery.
Forest rarely threatened going forward, but Arsenal’s defensive solidity once again proved reliable. The goalless draw secured their 11th clean sheet in 22 league matches, allowing them to move further clear at the summit.
City’s four-game winless run has eased pressure on Arsenal, though consecutive draws against Liverpool and Forest have prevented Arteta’s men from opening a commanding gap.
Third-placed Aston Villa could cut Arsenal’s lead to four points if they defeat Everton on Sunday.
