Photo credit: GETTY IMAGES
Arsenal’s Premier League title hopes have been dealt a severe blow following a goalless draw with third-placed Nottingham Forest, allowing Liverpool to extend their lead at the top of the table.
Nottingham Forest and Arsenal drew 0-0 at The City Ground in a hotly anticipated Premier League match. Both teams were eager to bounce back from recent defeats, but neither side could find the breakthrough in a match that saw plenty of action but no goals.
The game began with a flurry of activity, as both teams picked up bookings within the first three minutes. Riccardo Calafiori of Arsenal was cautioned for tugging back Callum Hudson-Odoi, while Nottingham Forest’s Nikola Milenkovic received a yellow card for not retreating at a free kick.
Arsenal dominated possession in the early stages, with Declan Rice and Martin Odegaard orchestrating the midfield. Despite their control, the Gunners struggled to create clear-cut chances. The closest they came to scoring in the first half was when Calafiori struck the post with a curling effort.
Nottingham Forest, on the other hand, looked dangerous on the counter-attack. Chris Wood had a couple of opportunities, but Arsenal’s defense, led by Gabriel and William Saliba, held firm.
The second half saw Arsenal continue to press for a goal. Mikel Merino, playing as a makeshift striker due to injuries, had a header saved by Forest goalkeeper Matz Sels from a corner. Kieran Tierney, who came on as a substitute, also had a header go wide from another corner.
Nottingham Forest’s defense, marshaled by the impressive Murillo, remained resolute throughout the match. The home side had their own chances, with David Raya making a crucial save to deny Chris Wood, and Saliba making a last-ditch tackle to prevent another opportunity.
Despite Arsenal’s dominance in terms of possession and chances created, they were unable to find the back of the net. The result leaves the Gunners 11 points behind league leaders Liverpool, further denting their title hopes. Nottingham Forest, meanwhile, will be pleased with the point as they continue their push for a Champions League finish.
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