Viktor Gökeres and Martin Odegaard falter as Elliott Anderson takes control – Nottingham Forest vs Arsenal player ratings

Mikel Arteta’s side had a chance to extend a similar big lead against Liverpool a few weeks ago, but they once again ended up drawing 0-0.

Forest played well and their game plan should be praised.

This game could be a key point after relegation rivals Leeds United and Burnley both picked up points on Saturday.

But how did the players from both teams fare in this Premier League match? TNT Sports provides player ratings from the City Ground.

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Mats Sells – 9 – The Forest goalkeeper made one of his best saves of the season, producing a fingertip save to deny Bukayo Saka. A clean sheet against the league leaders is not a bad result.

Ola Aina – 7 – The Nigerian dominated in the first half against Gabriel Martinelli and looked confident in the second half against Leandro Trossard. However, there is an argument that they were lucky not to give a penalty.

Nikola Milenkovic – 7 – Another solid defensive performance, handling Victor Goqueres and Gabriel Jesus with great ease.

Murillo – 8 – The Forest big man made a crucial goal-saving tackle just before the break to deny Gokeres an early goal and once again become the last giants.

Neco Williams – 9 – A great performance from the former Liverpool man. In the first half, they did not allow Noni Madueke to take the lead. Saka caused some problems in the second half, but he rose to every challenge he faced. He was the best defender on the pitch by a mile.

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Ibrahim Sangare – 7- Did a decent job in the middle of the park, allowing Elliott Anderson to roam.

Elliott Anderson – 9 – The England international was named the Stadium’s Player of the Match and it’s no surprise. It was one of his best performances in recent weeks and it would be no surprise if he is almost certain to start for England at this summer’s World Cup.

Nicolas Dominguez – 7 – Another great performance in midfield.

Callum Hudson-Odoi – 7 – He was the hosts’ biggest threat but lacked his edge in the final third.

Morgan Gibbs-White – 6 – For a player of his quality, he was never able to really prove his authority consistently in the game. There were some great touches, but there were also a lot of missed passes.

Igor Jesus – 7 – Struggling with performance but is very isolated on his own.

Dan Ndoye – N/A

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David Raya – 7 – After an impressive sweeper-keeper moment in the first half, he had a horror moment before half-time when he popped out and missed the ball. There’s not much to deal with other than the cross.

Ben White – 6 – Expected more overlapping runs, but a solid defensive performance.

William Saliba – 7 – Recovered from a first-half knock and was solid at the back. But Arsenal fans won’t be happy to see him attempt a late cross on the right.

Gabriel Magalhães – 7 – A typical Gabriel performance, the only thing he lacked was a goal from a set piece.

Julian Timber – 6 – Lucky not to give away a penalty after bringing down Hudson-Odoi just outside the penalty area. It will be interesting to see him play more as a midfielder when the Gunners have possession.

Declan Rice – 8 – The England midfielder made two important blocks in each half to thwart Forest’s attack, but was unlucky to be thwarted by Celts in the second half.

Martin Odegaard – 4 – The captain had a truly disappointing performance and had little impact when the team needed it most.

Martin Zvimendi – 5 – He was better than Odegaard but couldn’t help the Gunners much in the attacking third.

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Noni Madueke – 5 – He played more of a dual winger role in the first half, but still lacked any real edge.

Gabriel Martinelli – 5 – Struggling to win individual matches against Ola Aina and missed a great chance to give Arsenal the lead after 29 minutes. He hooked Trossard at half-time.

Leondro Trossard – 5 – He is usually Arsenal’s main player off the bench, but has failed to make much of an impact.

Bukayo Saka – 7 – His impact has been felt, his quality has shone through and he should now play every game for the Gunners.

Victor Goqueres – 4 – Had an important chance before the break, but Murillo lost the ball. He still looked a bit weak against the two centre-backs, but he was lucky to have stayed this long.

Mikel Merino – 6 – He managed to outlast Gokeres and win an important free-kick for his team, but his game will be remembered for a big miss from close range in the closing stages.

Gabriel Jesus – N/A

Eberechi Eze – N/A

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