Gunners misfire again as Forest hold firm in stalemate

The Gunners, missing their usual attacking flair, couldn't find a way past a stubborn Forest side, leaving them 13 points adrift of leaders Liverpool - despite having a game in hand.

Mikel Arteta's men have been plagued by injuries this season, with key forwards Bukayo Saka, Gabriel Martinelli, Gabriel Jesus, and Kai Havertz all sidelined.

The absences showed, as Arsenal struggled to create clear-cut chances. Mikel Merino, filling in as a makeshift striker, came closest with a second-half header that Forest goalkeeper Matz Sels tipped away brilliantly.

"We controlled the game and tried everything, but we lacked that killer touch to break them down," Arteta said after the match. "We need to get more shots on target."

The draw follows a surprise 1-0 home loss to West Ham on Saturday, piling pressure on Arsenal as their hopes of a first title since 2004 fade.

Arteta, however, remained defiant. "I'd give up on the title race over my dead body," he had said before the game. Post-match, he doubled down: "We just have to keep winning our games and see where it takes us."

For Nottingham Forest, the point was a welcome return to resilience after a rocky spell. Nuno Espirito Santo's team have won only once in their last five league matches but held firm to stay third, ahead of Manchester City. "After conceding too much lately, it was vital to get back to basics - solid defending and a clean sheet," Nuno said. "This is the foundation of who we are."

The game itself offered little for fans to cheer. Arsenal's Riccardo Calafiori struck the post in the first half after a clever turn, while Forest's Chris Wood forced a late save from David Raya. But with just one shot on target apiece, both sides lacked the cutting edge. Arsenal substitute Kieran Tierney nearly stole it with a header that flashed wide, but Forest stood tall, thanks to a heroic last-ditch tackle from Nikola Milenkovi on Wood.

Recent updates from Arsenal's camp show no quick fixes on the horizon. Arteta confirmed on X after the game that Saka and Martinelli remain weeks away, leaving fans anxious about the road ahead.

Forest, meanwhile, will take confidence from their defensive display as they brace for a tight race in the top four. For Arsenal, it's back to the drawing board as time is running out to reignite their season.

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