Victor Gokeres was unable to break through the Nottingham Forest defense. (Image: Getty Images)
Arsenal missed an opportunity to make the most of Manchester City’s stumble at Old Trafford. The title race remains as they held a goalless draw away to Nottingham Forest for the second consecutive season. The Gunners had some promising chances in the first half, which they probably should have converted. Gabriel Martinelli managed to get a shot off the left post and over the goal, but Victor Goqueres was unable to capitalize on Murillo’s slip-up.
Mikel Arteta, clearly dissatisfied with the performance, made four changes by the 60th minute. Ola Aina’s possible handball was reviewed and dismissed by VAR, but this will no doubt be a topic of discussion after the match. Here’s how we rated the Arsenal players…
David Raya – Showed great promise by going out and clearing the ball aimed at Callum Hudson-Odoi. However, when called upon again, the Spaniard required two attempts to clear the ball, causing several heart-stopping moments. 7.
Ben White – Positioned high on the right flank, keeping the Forest defense busy and creating space for Maduke. But it was clear from Arteta’s touchline reaction that things weren’t going well structurally for much of the game. 6.
William Saliba – Received a hard punch to the back from Igor Jesus early in the match. He sometimes stepped forward when in possession, complementing the width White provided. 6.
Gabriel Magalhães – As always defensively solid, he had to contend with numerous aerial threats in the first half. 7.
Julian Timber – Playing again as a left-back, the Dutchman was effective as a midfielder, primarily with the back four forming a back three. He was booked for a foul on Callum Hudson-Odoi in front of the box, but thankfully a VAR check confirmed there was no penalty. 6.
Martin Zvimendi – Had a chance to score and missed the shot wide of the left post when perhaps better options were available. Arteta was furious at the Spaniard’s decision-making during the build-up of the first half, often making rash decisions unbecoming of a midfielder. 5.
Declan Rice – Made a great block to deny Nicolas Dominguez’s attempt on goal. Saka headed home a great shot from open play in the second half, and his free-kick to Merino was also a gem. 8.
Martin Odegaard against Nottingham Forest. (Image: Getty)
Martin Odegaard – He dropped incredibly deep in the first half to help with the build-up and was on the edge of the attack. He made virtually no impact and was substituted just 12 minutes into the second half. 4.
Noni Maduke – took over corner duties after registering two assists against Portsmouth. Although he was an active and bright player, he lacked decisiveness and was substituted early in the second half. 6.
Victor Gokeres – Lost the ball in a dangerous position in his own half early on, but fortunately his next chance didn’t result in a goal. Murillo’s blunder allowed the Swede to drive through, but the defender blocked and denied the shot that would have tested Sels. 5.
Gabriel Martinelli – His shot from close range was blocked after the ball fell to him from a corner. He then missed a high-angle chance from close range, crossed the goal line with his left foot and missed the target, and was substituted at half-time. 5.
Leandro Trossard – came on for Gabriel Martinelli at half-time but struggled to keep possession of the ball. 5.
Gabriel Jesus – The Brazilian quickly became involved, linking passes, winning tackles and helping in a more successful build-up, but could not find the right touch for goal. 6.
Bukayo Saka – Forced Sells into a great save with a header from a Rice cross, and the keeper managed to deny the ball. Arguably Arsenal’s most threatening player on the pitch in this game, Arteta’s gamble to leave him on the bench backfired spectacularly. 7.
Mikel Merino – came close to opening the scoring with two great shots, the second a chance to head in from a Rice free-kick, but just missed the right post. 7.
Eberechi Eze – came on but couldn’t control the ball bouncing inside the box which could have led to a chance. 5.
