NOTTINGHAM, ENGLAND - JANUARY 17: Viktor Gyoekeres of Arsenal shoots while under pressure from Murillo of Nottingham Forest duri
Viktor Gyokeres could not breach the Nottingham Forest defence. (Image: Getty Images)
Arsenal missed the opportunity to fully capitalise on Manchester City's stumble at Old Trafford. A goalless draw for the second consecutive season leaves the title race wide open. The Gunners had a couple of promising opportunities in the first half that perhaps should have been converted. Gabriel Martinelli somehow managed to send a shot from the left post across the goal and out, while Viktor Gyokeres failed to capitalise on a blunder from Murillo.
Clearly dissatisfied with the performance, Mikel Arteta made four substitutions before the 60th minute. A potential handball by Ola Aina was reviewed and dismissed by VAR, which will undoubtedly be a talking point after the match. Here's how we rated the Arsenal players...
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David Raya – Showed excellent anticipation to come out and clear a ball destined for Callum Hudson-Odoi. However, when called upon again, the Spaniard needed two attempts to clear the ball, causing a few heart-stopping moments. 7.
Ben White – Positioned himself high up the right flank, keeping the Forest defence busy and creating space for Madueke. However, it was clear from Arteta's touchline reactions that things weren't quite clicking structurally for much of the match. 6.
William Saliba – Received a hefty knock in the back from Igor Jesus early in the game. He pushed forward when in possession at times, complementing the width provided by White. 6.
Gabriel Magalhaes – As usual, a stalwart in defence, he had to contend with numerous aerial threats in the first half. 7.
Jurrien Timber – Once again playing as a left-back, the Dutchman effectively functioned as a midfielder with the back four primarily forming a back three. He was booked for fouling Callum Hudson-Odoi right on the edge of the box, but a VAR check confirmed no penalty, thankfully. 6.
Martin Zubimendi – Had an opportunity to score and sent a shot wide of the left post when perhaps a better option was available. Arteta was livid with the Spaniard's decision-making during the first half build-up, often making rash decisions which were out of character for the midfielder. 5.
Declan Rice – Made an excellent block to stop a Nicolas Dominguez attempt on goal. Another superb delivery from open play found Saka's head in the second half, and his free-kick to Merino was another gem. 8.
Martin Odegaard in action against Nottingham Forest.
Martin Odegaard in action against Nottingham Forest. (Image: Getty)
Martin Odegaard – Dropped incredibly deep in the first half to assist with build-up and was on the fringes of attacks. He was substituted just 12 minutes into the second half, having made virtually no impact. 4.
Noni Madueke – Took over corner duties following his two assists against Portsmouth. He was lively and bright but lacked the final product and was substituted early in the second half. 6.
Viktor Gyokeres – Early on, he lost the ball in a dangerous position within his own half, but luckily the subsequent opportunity didn't result in a goal. A blunder by Murillo allowed the Swede to drive through, but the defender managed to block and prevent the shot from testing Sels. 5.
Gabriel Martinelli – His close-range effort was blocked after the ball fell to him from a corner. He missed a significant chance from another tight angle at close range, sending it across the goal line and wide with his left foot – he was substituted at half-time. 5.
Substitutes
Leandro Trossard – Came on for Gabriel Martinelli at half-time but struggled to get hold of the ball. 5.
Gabriel Jesus – The Brazilian immediately got more involved, dropping back to link passes, win tackles and aid in a more successful build-up, but couldn't find the right touch for a goal. 6.
Bukayo Saka – Forced Sels into a fantastic save with a header from Rice's cross, with the keeper just managing to keep the ball out. Undoubtedly the most threatening player on the pitch for Arsenal in this match and Arteta's gamble to begin with him on the bench duly backfired. 7.
Mikel Merino – Had two decent attempts that nearly resulted in the opening goal, the second, a headed opportunity from a Rice free-kick, narrowly missing the right post. 7.
Eberechi Eze – Came on and failed to control a bouncing ball in the box that could have led to an opportunity. 5.
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