Arsenal's Premier League title hopes were left in tatters as they drew 0-0 with Nottingham Forest at the City Ground on Wednesday night.
The closest either side came to opening the scoring in the first half was through Riccardo Calafiori, who struck the post after excellently turning onto his right foot inside the penalty area.
Mikel Arteta's side pushed for a winner in the second half and managed to pen their hosts in, but they created little in the final third once again.
The result leaves Forest in third place with 48 points, while the Gunners are in second place with 54 points and could fall 13 behind league leaders Liverpool.
SPORTS MOLE'S VERDICT
© Imago
Nottingham Forest have now dropped points in four of their last five Premier League games - losing three - but their hunt for a European spot remains in their hands.
However, Arsenal's hopes of winning the title have taken another blow after their draw with Nuno Espirito Santo's side, and the Champions League remains their only realistic chance of silverware.
If the Gunners finish second for a third consecutive season, fans may soon start to question whether the team have missed their best chance of winning the title since they last achieved Premier League glory in 2003-04.
NOTTINGHAM FOREST VS. ARSENAL HIGHLIGHTS
22nd min: Callum Hudson-Odoi (Nottingham Forest) no penalty
© Imago
Callum Hudson-Odoi beats Calafiori down Forest's right flank and drives towards the penalty area before the defender clips him inside the box, but the referee waves play on.
Forest feel they should have had a penalty!
24th min: Riccardo Calafiori (Arsenal) hits post
"SO unlucky!" 😳
— Football on TNT Sports (@footballontnt) February 26, 2025
Forest and Arsenal continue to battle for the first goal of the evening with Calafiori's effort rattling the post.
📺 @tntsports & @discoveryplusUK pic.twitter.com/48ZQMpqzBI
Calafiori has the ball on the left side of Forest's box and twists his body, cutting inside on his right foot before bending an effort off the right post, and the rebound falls to Matz Sels.
A great strike from the left-back!
69th min: Chris Wood (Nottingham Forest) shot
© Imago
Sels plays a long kick up the pitch and Gibbs-White collects possession before turning to slip in Chris Wood on goal in the penalty area, but the striker's effort is hit away by David Raya.
What a chance!
MAN OF THE MATCH - NICOLAS DOMINGUEZ
© Imago
Nicolas Dominguez was vital for Nottingham Forest in midfield, making nine defensive actions and winning six of his nine ground duels.
His side were forced to sit deep and defend for much of the game, and the Argentine excellently shuttled across the pitch, blocking off passing lanes to keep Arsenal away from central areas.
NOTTINGHAM FOREST VS. ARSENAL MATCH STATS
Possession: Nottingham Forest 35%-65% Arsenal
Shots: Nottingham Forest 6-13 Arsenal
Shots on target: Nottingham Forest 2-1 Arsenal
Corners: Nottingham Forest 3-11 Arsenal
Fouls: Nottingham Forest 10-17 Arsenal
BEST STATS
For the first time this season, Arsenal have failed to score in back-to-back Premier League games ⚽️❌ pic.twitter.com/aBVGD7CmNi
— Football on TNT Sports (@footballontnt) February 26, 2025
WHAT NEXT?
Forest's next game comes against Ipswich Town in the FA Cup at the City Ground on March 3, and they return to Premier League action on March 8 against Manchester City.
As for the Gunners, they will face PSV Eindhoven in the Champions League round of 16 on March 4 before taking on Manchester United at Old Trafford on March 9 in the Premier League.
Lewis Nolan
