Arsenal missed the chance to go nine points clear at the top of the Premier League after they were held to a frustrating goalless draw by Nottingham Forest with Declan Rice the standout performer and Martin Odegaard struggling
19:49, 17 Jan 2026
NOTTINGHAM, ENGLAND - JANUARY 17: Martin Odegaard of Arsenal is tackled by Murillo of Nottingham Forest during the Premier League match between Nottingham Forest and Arsenal at City Ground on January 17, 2026 in Nottingham, England. (Photo by Shaun Botterill/Getty Images)
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Martin Odegaard played poorly against Nottingham Forest(Image: Shaun Botterill, Getty Images)
Arsenal missed a golden opportunity to capitalise on Manchester City's failure at Old Trafford, with a goalless draw for the second consecutive season leaving the title race open.
The Gunners had two promising opportunities in the first half that 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 mistake from Murillo.
Clearly unhappy 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 is sure to be a talking point after the match.
NOTTINGHAM, ENGLAND - JANUARY 17: Matz Sels of Nottingham Forest makes a save to push the ball wide of the goal during the Premier League match between Nottingham Forest and Arsenal at City Ground on January 17, 2026 in Nottingham, England. (Photo by Shaun Botterill/Getty Images)
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Matz Sels kept Arsenal at bay(Image: Shaun Botterill, Getty Images)
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Here's how the Daily Star Sport rated the Arsenal players' performances:
David Raya – Showed excellent anticipation to come out and clear a ball destined for Callum Hudson-Odoi. However, he needed two attempts to clear the ball when called upon a second time, causing a few heart-stopping moments. 7.
Ben White – Positioned himself high up the right-hand side, keeping the Forest back line busy and creating space for Madueke. However, it was clear from Arteta's touchline antics that things weren't quite clicking structurally for much of the match. 6.
William Saliba – Took a hefty hit in the back from Igor Jesus early in the match. He pushed forward when in possession at times, complementing the width provided by White. 6.
Gabriel Magalhaes – As solid as ever at the back, dealing with a barrage of aerial threats in the first half. 7.
Jurrien Timber – The Dutchman was effectively playing as a midfielder while operating as a left-back, with the back four often forming a back three. He was booked for fouling Callum Hudson-Odoi just outside the box, but a VAR check confirmed no penalty. 6.
Martin Zubimendi – He squandered a scoring opportunity by firing wide of the left post when perhaps a better option was available. Arteta was visibly frustrated with the Spaniard's decision-making during the first half build-up, as he made some uncharacteristic rash decisions. 5.
Declan Rice – Made an excellent block to thwart a Nicolas Dominguez shot on target. His delivery from open play found Saka's head in the second half, and his free-kick to Merino was another gem. 8.
Martin Odegaard – He dropped incredibly deep in the first half to assist with build-up and was largely absent from attacks. He was substituted just 12 minutes into the second half, having had little impact. 4.
Noni Madueke – He was tasked with corner kicks following his two assists against Portsmouth. He was energetic and bright but lacked the final product and was substituted early in the second half. 6.
Viktor Gyokeres – The Swede had a shaky start, losing the ball in his own half early on, but luckily no goal resulted from the ensuing chance. A defensive error by Murillo gave him an opportunity to drive through, but the defender recovered enough to block the shot. 5.
Gabriel Martinelli – His close-range attempt was blocked after a corner kick fell to him. He missed another golden opportunity from a tight angle, sending the ball wide of the goal line 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 involved in the game. 5.
Gabriel Jesus – The Brazilian made an immediate impact, linking passes, winning tackles and aiding the build-up play, but he couldn't find the right touch to score. 6.
Bukayo Saka – Forced a superb save from Sels with a header from Rice's cross, the keeper just managing to keep the ball out. He was undoubtedly Arsenal's biggest threat in this match. 7.
Mikel Merino – Had two promising attempts at opening the scoring, the second, a header from a Rice free-kick, falling agonisingly wide of the right post. 7.
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Eberechi Eze – Struggled to control a bouncing ball in the box that could have led to a chance after coming on. 5.