Latest Nottingham Forest verdict as Sean Dyche's Reds draw 0-0 with Arsenal in Premier League clash at the City Ground
10:30, 18 Jan 2026
Nottingham Forest goalkeeper Matz Sels comes to the rescue as Gabriel Jesus attempts to score for Arsenal
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Nottingham Forest goalkeeper Matz Sels comes to the rescue as Gabriel Jesus attempts to score for Arsenal(Image: PA)
Media duties done, Matz Sels punched the air as he made his way off the pitch and down the tunnel amid loud applause from those Nottingham Forest fans still in the ground.
Contrast that with the X-rated reaction Declan Rice was caught on camera venting into the chilly Trentside air at full-time and it said everything about how Arsenal had been frustrated by their hosts. And by Sels specifically.
A point against the title-chasers would be reason to cheer at any time, but for Forest it felt more than that. It was a huge one in their battle to steer clear of relegation trouble and it was also a big step in the right direction.
There have been a few grumblings on the banks of the Trent in recent weeks. The mood has been somewhat gloomy amid some dismal performances.
Saturday was much better; much more like it. Below, NottinghamshireLive looks at some of the big talking points from the goalless stalemate between the Reds and the Gunners.
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Super Sels
Surely there is no longer a question over who Forest’s No.1 should be. Sean Dyche had preferred John Victor in the role for a while, until the Brazilian got injured, but Sels will take some shifting now.
Like others in the dressing room, the Belgian hasn’t quite been at his best this season - certainly compared to last term when he won the Golden Glove award. He was on top form against Arsenal, though, and will take a lot of confidence from a well-earned clean-sheet.
He didn’t have a lot to do for the best part of an hour, then made three excellent saves. Rice, Bukayo Saka and Gabriel Jesus were all denied by the Reds’ goalkeeper. Pundit Martin Keown even suggested he saw shades of Miracle Man Peter Shilton with the way Saka’s header was pushed away.
It wasn’t just about Sels, though, the hosts were solid and organised at the back in general. Having their first-choice defensive unit of Ola Aina, Nikola Milenkovic, Murillo and Neco Williams available makes a big difference and should set Dyche’s side up nicely for the weeks ahead.
Penalty shouts
With 10 minutes to go, it got a little nervy. Forest were doing so well and looked on course to notch up a massive result, surely there wouldn’t be a late kick in the gut from VAR?
Aina might well have held his breath while the check for a handball went on. It was eventually cleared but certainly Arsenal boss Mikel Arteta was not happy about it.
VAR deemed the ball to have come off Aina’s shoulder in the first instance, while his arm was said to have been in a natural position. He was also being nudged by Elliot Anderson as both were getting stuck in in a bid to keep the visitors at bay. A penalty would have been harsh.
The Reds felt they had their own case for a spot-kick in the first half when Callum Hudson-Odoi was brought down on the edge of the area. It was close but it did appear on the replays that the foul was outside the box.
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The difference maker
Back from international duty, Ibrahim Sangare was thrown straight back into the starting XI - and what a difference he made. It was a reminder of just how important the 28-year-old has become under Dyche.
Forest had missed him while he was at the Africa Cup of Nations. If that wasn’t evident in their performances during his absence, it was brought into focus by the impact he had against Arsenal.
Sangare is a stabilising and calming presence in the centre of the pitch. He also allows Anderson to shine - and shine he did on Saturday. Theirs is a hugely effective partnership.
“Sangare just gives you that feel. He has a nice balance to him,” Dyche said. "Elliot goes wandering with his pace and commitment to press. Sangare just holds the position so it is a nice mix in there.
"We knew that before he went away. I thought they both delivered a good performance again.”
A word also for Nicolas Dominguez. The Argentine moved out wide to accommodate Sangare and was excellent. He has been superb of late and deserved to keep his place, albeit in a different role. How Dyche manages his midfield options going forward will be interesting.
Looking ahead
A lengthy discussion took place pitchside in the build-up to kick-off. Owner Evangelos Marinakis, global technical director George Syrianos and head of recruitment Pedro Ferreira were deep in conversation.
By the end, the trio would surely have been pleased with what they had witnessed. This was a performance for Forest to be proud of.
They will know there is still some work to be done on and off the pitch, though. With little more than two weeks to go of the January window, transfers will be top of the agenda.
It is no secret a striker is required. The point was rammed home when Dyche turned to Dan Ndoye from the bench when he called time on Igor Jesus’ shift up front. The winger did well but the Reds desperately need a proper forward option.
On the pitch, the challenge for Forest is to replicate this type of display week to week. Under Dyche they have been excellent against the top sides but have struggled in other games.
The pressure was on going into this one. Sels admitted afterwards he was aware West Ham United had closed the gap with victory over Tottenham Hotspur before the City Ground clash kicked off.
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From the moment the evening game started, though, there was an energy and intent about the hosts that had been lacking in previous fixtures. They fought, they ran, they battled and they gave every last drop for the cause.
The crowd responded. The stadium reverberated to the noise, especially in the final minutes as Dyche’s side were carried over the line. It was exactly what all associated with the Reds needed after a tough few weeks.
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