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Arsenal were left frustrated after being held to a 0-0 draw by a stubborn Nottingham Forest side at the City Ground in the Premier League on Saturday evening.
Mikel Arteta’s side dominated possession and created several clear chances, but they failed to find a way past an inspired Matz Sels in the Forest goal. The Belgian goalkeeper produced a string of fine saves, denying headers from Gabriel Magalhães, Mikel Merino and substitute Gabriel Jesus, as well as blocking efforts from close range.
Forest, meanwhile, offered very little going forward but defended with great discipline and organisation, frustrating Arsenal throughout the 90 minutes. The closest the home side came was a Morgan Gibbs-White effort that was well blocked.
The Gunners made five changes during the second half in an attempt to unlock the game, bringing on Bukayo Saka, Gabriel Jesus, Mikel Merino, Leandro Trossard and new signing Eberechi Eze but even these alterations could not break the deadlock.
The result sees Arsenal maintain their place at the top of the Premier League table, but their lead is now under serious threat with several teams having games in hand. The draw extends their unbeaten run in the league to 11 matches, while also marking the third consecutive clean sheet against Nottingham Forest.
Speaking after the match, Arteta acknowledged his side’s lack of cutting edge:
“We created enough situations to win the game, but we lacked the final quality in the box. Credit to Forest they defended very well but we have to be more clinical in these moments.”
Arsenal will now turn their attention to their upcoming fixtures as they look to bounce back and strengthen their grip on the title race.
