Breaking Update: Here’s a clear explanation of the latest developments related to Breaking News:Arsenal player ratings vs Nottingham Forest: Gabriel Martinelli and Viktor Gyokeres blow big chances as lethargic Gunners miss opportunity to move nine points clear in Premier League title race– What Just Happened and why it matters right now.
Arsenal missed the chance to move nine points clear of second-placed Manchester City at the top of the Premier League as they played out an underwhelming goalless draw at lowly Nottingham Forest. Viktor Gyokeres and Gabriel Martinelli wasted excellent chances for Mikel Arteta’s side as Forest more than matched the leaders, and while the Gunners widened the gap over their title rivals, they failed to take full advantage of City’s earlier loss to Manchester United.
Despite Forest hovering just above the relegation zone, Arsenal found it difficult to get going in Nottingham. Martinelli missed a gilt-edged opening in the first half, but could only sidefoot wide from close range, before Gyokeres dawdled in attack when Murillo’s mistake had presented him with an opportunity to run in on goal.
Arteta rang the changes after the break, and just when it looked like substitute Bukayo Saka had headed in a sublime header, Forest goalkeeper Matz Sels reached out a telescopic arm to save the hosts. Mikel Merino nodded a header just wide from a teasing Declan Rice cross, and then Arsenal felt they had a good shout for a penalty after Ola Aina appeared to handle the ball in the box.
In the end, Arsenal didn’t really look like breaking the deadlock through any other means than a set-piece, and they are now seven points clear of City and third-placed Aston Villa, though the latter do have a game in hand, at home to Everton on Sunday.
GOAL rates Arsenal’s players from the City Ground…