Arsenal's quest to solidify their position atop the Premier League encountered unexpected resistance as they were held to a 0-0 draw by a spirited Nottingham Forest side. The stalemate, played at the City Ground on Saturday, January 17, 2026, extended Arsenal's lead to seven points, but left manager Mikel Arteta visibly frustrated.
The Gunners came into the match with the opportunity to capitalize on Manchester City's earlier defeat to Manchester United, and West Ham United’s win against Tottenham Hotspur, with a victory that would have put them nine points clear. However, they found themselves up against a determined Forest team, fighting to distance themselves from the relegation zone.
The first half was a cagey affair, with neither side able to find a breakthrough. Arsenal had a couple of near misses, with Gabriel Martinelli and Martin Zubimendi both shooting wide from promising positions. Forest, meanwhile, defended resolutely and looked to hit Arsenal on the counter-attack.
Arsenal upped the tempo after the break, with the introduction of Bukayo Saka as part of a triple substitution injecting fresh impetus into their attack. Saka was quickly involved, setting up Declan Rice whose volley was tipped aside by Forest goalkeeper Matz Sels. Sels then produced an even better save to deny Saka's header, leaving the Arsenal winger visibly frustrated.
Arsenal felt they should have had a penalty when Ola Aina appeared to handle the ball in the Forest box, but the VAR ruled that the handball was part of a natural movement. Arteta expressed his disappointment, stating, "It is a clear penalty that has not been given".
Despite Arsenal's pressure, Forest continued to battle and could have snatched a winner themselves when Morgan Gibbs-White fired wide from Callum Hudson-Odoi's cross. In the end, Arsenal were left to rue their missed chances and the heroics of Sels, as they failed to secure the victory that would have significantly strengthened their title bid.
Forest manager Sean Dyche praised his team's commitment and defensive display, saying, "To get a clean sheet is amazing". He added, "The commitment to the shape, the basics, the hard yards of the game? And I thought we did that fantastically well as a group".
The draw means Arsenal have now gone two Premier League games without a goal, a concern for Arteta as they enter a crucial stage of the season. They will need to rediscover their cutting edge in front of goal if they are to maintain their lead at the top of the table. Arsenal's next challenge is to ensure that they convert opportunities into goals to maintain their position in the league.
