Arsenal missed the chance to open up a nine-point gap on Manchester City as they were held to a goalless draw against Nottingham Forest at the City Ground.
The Gunners looked to take advantage of second-placed City’s defeat in the Manchester derby but could only add a point to their lead against their well-organized hosts.
Gabriel Martinelli missed his best chance of the first half when he fired needlessly from a few yards out and Forest needed Matz Sels to make an exceptional save from substitute Bukayo Saka’s header to keep the Gunners away in the second half.
Arsenal’s frustrations were compounded when an apparent handball in the Forest box by Ola Aina, while attempting to prevent a corner in the 80th minute, went unpunished despite a VAR check.
According to the Premier League Match Centre, officials “considered the ball to have been played first over Aina’s shoulder, while her arm was also in a ‘natural position'”.
Sean Dyche’s side failed to have a shot on target during the match, but they defended fiercely, aided by the excellent Elliot Anderson, who organized the midfield impressively as the hosts withstood long periods of pressure from Arsenal.
It was another frustrating outing for Arsenal after their goalless draw against Liverpool at the Emirates Stadium, where they also failed to take full advantage of a Manchester City error.
This is the first time Arsenal have recorded consecutive goalless draws in the Premier League since the opening two games of the 2012/13 season against Sunderland and Stoke City.
Mikel Arteta’s side still have a healthy seven-point lead over Pep Guardiola’s side, but will feel the margin should be greater. Forest, meanwhile, can celebrate a hard-earned point that keeps them five points clear of the relegation zone.
More to follow.
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