Arsenal missed a golden opportunity to stretch their lead at the top of the Premier League after being held to a frustrating 0–0 draw by a disciplined Nottingham Forest side.

With news filtering through of Manchester City’s defeat, Mikel Arteta’s men knew victory would have opened up a commanding nine-point cushion in the title race. Instead, it was another evening of dominance without reward. Arsenal controlled possession, dictated territory and applied relentless pressure, but — much like their recent clash with Liverpool — found no way through a flawlessly organised defence.

The clearest chance of the match fell to Bukayo Saka. Rising well inside the box, the winger powered a header goalwards, only to be denied by an outstanding reaction save from Matz Sels, whose intervention proved decisive for the hosts.

Despite the dropped points, Arsenal remain top of the table, with their advantage now standing at seven points. However, that margin could be reduced to four should Aston Villa claim victory on Sunday.

2025-26, England - Premier League

Nottingham Forest - Arsenal 0:0

Nottingham Forest: Sels; Williams N.; Murillo; Milenković; Aina; Sangaré I.; Hudson-Odoi; Anderson E.; Gibbs-White; Dominguez N. (Hutchinson, 89); Igor Jesus (Ndoye D., 76)
Substitution: Ndoye D. (from 76); Hutchinson (from 89)
Bench: Gunn; Morato F.; Savona; Douglas Luiz; Yates; Mcatee; Awoniyi
Yellow Cards: Aina 90

Arsenal: Raya; Saliba; White B.; Gabriel M.; Timber J.; Zubimendi (Eze, 79); Odegaard (Merino, 57); Rice; Madueke (Saka B., 57); Martinelli (Trossard, 46); Gyökeres (Gabriel Jesus, 57)
Substitution: Trossard (from 46); Saka B. (from 57); Merino (from 57); Gabriel Jesus (from 57); Eze (from 79)
Bench: Arrizabalaga; Mosquera Cr.; Lewis-Skelly; Havertz
Yellow Cards: Timber J. 37