January 17, (THEWILL) — Arsenal dropped two points at the City Ground on Saturday evening, drawing 0-0 with Nottingham Forest. The result came after Manchester City suffered defeat to Manchester United earlier in the day, presenting Mikel Arteta’s team with a chance to establish a nine-point lead at the top of the English Premier League table.
Instead, the Gunners remain seven points ahead with 16 matches remaining. Arteta made four substitutions before the hour mark in an attempt to break down a stubborn Forest defence. Gabriel Martinelli, who missed a close-range chance, was withdrawn at half-time for Leandro Trossard.
Ten minutes into the second period, Bukayo Saka, Gabriel Jesus and Mikel Merino replaced Noni Madueke, Viktor Gyokeres and Martin Odegaard, respectively. The visitors managed eight first-half attempts without forcing a single save, their worst such return in an opening period under Arteta since December 2019.
Forest’s physical approach frustrated Arsenal throughout, with tackles on Jesus and Odegaard drawing loud approval from home supporters. Sean Dyche’s side defended with determination, doubling up on attackers and refusing to allow space.
City have strengthened in January with the £62.5 million signing of Antoine Semenyo from Bournemouth and are pursuing Marc Guehi from Crystal Palace. Arsenal’s inability to capitalise on City’s slip may prove significant come May, particularly given Guardiola’s team have previously overturned larger deficits.
Jude Obafemi is a versatile senior Correspondent at THEWILL Newspapers, excelling in sourcing, researching, and delivering sports news stories for both print and digital publications.
