Nottingham Forest 0-0 Arsenal: Player ratings

Arsenal were held to a frustrating 0-0 draw at Nottingham Forest as missed chances and VAR controversy slowed their title momentum.

Arsenal were forced to settle for a goalless draw against Nottingham Forest on January 17, 2026, as the league leaders dropped points at the City Ground despite controlling large spells of the Premier League contest. The result denied the Gunners a chance to stretch their lead at the summit to nine points following Manchester City’s defeat earlier in the day.

Forest’s disciplined defensive display, combined with an outstanding second-half performance from goalkeeper Matz Sels, ensured the hosts claimed a crucial point in their fight to stay clear of the relegation zone. Arsenal remain seven points clear at the top, but the draw marked their second consecutive 0-0 league stalemate — a sequence not seen since the opening weeks of the 2012/13 season.

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The opening 45 minutes produced little goalmouth action, with neither side registering a shot on target. Arsenal enjoyed territorial control and patient build-up play but struggled to penetrate Forest’s compact back line.

Gabriel Martinelli went closest before the break with two efforts from inside the area, both blocked or dragged wide, while Martin Zubimendi fired over from a promising position. Forest threatened sporadically on the counter, with Nicolas Dominguez seeing an early effort deflected, but sustained pressure proved elusive.

Arsenal Pressure Grows After Substitutions

Arteta introduced attacking reinforcements after the interval, with Leandro Trossard, Gabriel Jesus, Bukayo Saka, and Mikel Merino all entering the contest before the hour mark. The changes lifted Arsenal’s intensity and urgency.

Declan Rice forced Arsenal’s first shot on target in the 59th minute with a fierce volley that Sels pushed clear. Saka followed with a looping header that demanded an outstanding save, while Merino twice went close with headers as Arsenal pressed relentlessly.

Forest responded through Callum Hudson-Odoi, who caused problems on the break and earned a free-kick on the edge of the box after contact from Jurrien Timber. Referee and VAR officials again opted against awarding a penalty.

The game’s most contentious moment arrived late on when a cross struck Ola Aina inside the Forest box. Despite VAR intervention, officials ruled the ball had come off the defender’s shoulder first, denying Arsenal a penalty.

Arteta strongly disagreed with the decision, later stating that the timing and intention made it “a very clear penalty” in his view. Forest saw out the closing minutes with late introductions of Dan Ndoye and Omari Hutchinson to secure the draw.

Match Summary

Arsenal dominated possession throughout but lacked incision in the final third. Forest remained compact and disciplined, limiting clear chances while relying on Sels’ shot-stopping to preserve the clean sheet.

Despite late pressure and multiple near-misses, neither side could find a breakthrough, leaving both to settle for a point.

Arsenal Player Ratings

David Raya (GK): 7/10 – Calm distribution and good anticipation in a quiet outing.

Ben White (RB): 6/10 – Provided width but lacked end product.

William Saliba (CB): 6/10 – Composed despite an early knock.

Gabriel Magalhães (CB): 7/10 – Dominant in aerial duels and positioning.

Jurrien Timber (LB): 6/10 – Inverted role worked defensively but limited attacking impact.

Martin Zubimendi (DM): 5/10 – Wasteful in possession and missed a good chance.

Declan Rice (CM): 8/10 – Arsenal’s standout performer with energy, blocks, and a shot on target.

Martin Ødegaard (AM): 4/10 – Struggled to influence proceedings; withdrawn early.

Noni Madueke (RW): 6/10 – Lively but lacked final delivery.

Viktor Gyökeres (ST): 5/10 – Failed to capitalize on rare openings.

Gabriel Martinelli (LW): 5/10 – Missed two big chances; substituted at halftime.

Substitutes:

Leandro Trossard: 5/10

Gabriel Jesus: 6/10

Bukayo Saka: 7/10

Mikel Merino: 7/10

Eberechi Eze: 5/10

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