EPL: Arsenal’s title hopes fade further after goalless draw at Nottingham Forest

Arsenal’s slim chances of winning the Premier League took another hit after a goalless draw against Nottingham Forest at the City Ground.

The result leaves the Gunners 13 points behind league leaders Liverpool, who now appear to be cruising towards the title. Following their recent home defeat to West Ham and now dropping points against third-placed Forest, Arsenal’s hopes of staying in the race seem all but over.

Before the match, manager Mikel Arteta insisted his team would keep fighting, but Wednesday’s result further weakened their position. Despite dominating possession, Arsenal struggled to break down Forest’s defense, with injuries to key players affecting their attacking play.

Without Bukayo Saka, Gabriel Jesus, Gabriel Martinelli, and Kai Havertz, Arsenal lacked a cutting edge up front. Leandro Trossard and Mikel Merino were tidy in possession but failed to provide a real goal threat. The closest Arsenal came to scoring was when Riccardo Calafiori’s effort bounced off the post and into the hands of Forest goalkeeper Matz Sels. Merino also had a header saved early in the second half.

On the other end, Arsenal’s dominance limited opportunities for Forest’s top scorer Chris Wood, but when he finally received a chance in the second half, David Raya made a crucial block to keep him out.

The draw keeps Forest in the mix for a Champions League spot, as they now sit six points behind Arsenal and two points ahead of Chelsea in fifth place.