Arsenal extended their Premier League lead to seven points despite a 0-0 draw at Nottingham Forest on Saturday, as Mikel Arteta’s side struggled to break down a resilient City Ground defence.
The Gunners had an opportunity to stretch their advantage to nine points after Manchester City suffered a 2-0 defeat to local rivals Manchester United in the lunchtime kickoff, but a lacklustre first-half display allowed Forest to frustrate the leaders.
Despite the stalemate, Arsenal remain on course to end a 22-year wait for a league title, with back-to-back clean sheets highlighting their defensive solidity.
Forest boss Sean Dyche, who had criticised his side’s FA Cup exit to second-tier Wrexham last weekend, saw a marked improvement as the home team battled to move five points clear of the relegation zone.
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Manchester City’s recent struggles, including a four-game winless Premier League run since the start of the year, have prevented them from mounting pressure on Arsenal. However, back-to-back draws against Liverpool and Forest have also limited Arsenal’s opportunity to pull further ahead. Third-placed Aston Villa could cut the gap to four points with a win over Everton on Sunday.
Arsenal failed to register a shot on target in the first half, leaving the breakthrough to Arteta’s substitutions in the second period. Leandro Trossard came on at the break, followed by Bukayo Saka, Mikel Merino, and Gabriel Jesus before the hour mark.
Saka went closest to scoring when his looping header from Declan Rice’s cross was superbly tipped behind by Forest goalkeeper Matz Sels, while Merino could not convert Rice’s inviting free-kick.
Arsenal relied on their defence to preserve the draw, recording their 11th clean sheet in 22 league games and maintaining a comfortable position at the top of the table.
