Recap

Nottingham Forest Frustrate Arsenal in Tense 0-0 Draw at the City Ground

Arsenal’s Premier League title charge hit a momentary snag as they were held to a goalless draw by relegation-threatened Nottingham Forest on January 17, 2026, at the City Ground. Despite dominating possession and creating numerous chances, the Gunners could not break down a resolute Forest defense, missing the opportunity to extend their lead at the top to nine points following Manchester City’s earlier slip-up.

Match Overview and Final Score

The clash ended 0-0, with Nottingham Forest earning a vital point in their battle to climb away from the drop zone. Arsenal, sitting atop the table with 50 points from 22 games (15 wins, 5 draws, 2 losses), saw their advantage over Manchester City grow only to seven points rather than the potential nine. Forest, in 17th place with 22 points (6 wins, 4 draws, 12 losses), remain five points clear of the relegation places, boosting their survival hopes under manager Sean Dyche.

Played in front of a packed 30,729 attendance at the City Ground, the match kicked off at 5:30 PM GMT. Key timestamps highlighted Arsenal’s pressure: early threats around the 37th minute, halftime at 45, and late surges at 57, 76, 79, 89, and 90 minutes, but no goals materialized.

Key Events Timeline

Forest started brightly, showing resilience despite their lowly position. In the opening 20 minutes, Nicolas Dominguez saw a goalbound shot blocked by Arsenal’s Declan Rice, while Callum Hudson-Odoi narrowly missed connecting with Murillo’s through-ball.

• 37th minute: Arsenal began asserting control, threatening just before the half-hour but failing to convert.
• ~30th minute: A corner led to Noni Madueke’s volley finding Gabriel Martinelli at the far post, but he inexplicably volleyed wide from inside the six-yard box.
• 40th minute: Forest’s Murillo atoned for an error by denying Arsenal’s Viktor Gyökeres a clear chance.
• Late first half: Declan Rice crossed from the left for Bukayo Saka, whose guided header looked destined for the top corner until Forest goalkeeper Matz Sels produced a stunning flying save to tip it around the post.
• Second half onslaught: Saka’s trickery on the right set up Mikel Merino’s header, which nearly allowed Gabriel Jesus a tap-in, but Forest bodies blocked it. Merino then glanced another header wide.
• Late drama: A VAR review checked for a penalty after Ola Aina appeared to handle the ball, but no spot-kick was awarded. Forest held firm through six added minutes.

Highlights from NBC Sports and Arsenal’s official channels captured the tension: Saka pulling back for Rice, who forced a save from Sels; Murillo’s recovery tackles; and Forest’s defensive clearances under pressure.

Standout Player Performances

Matz Sels (Nottingham Forest) – Match-Winner Between the Posts

Forest’s Belgian goalkeeper was the undisputed Man of the Match, producing a series of crucial saves to deny Arsenal’s firepower. His flying stop to deny Saka’s header in the first half stood out as a game-changer, while he also thwarted Declan Rice’s effort early in the second half. Sels’ command of his box and quick reflexes preserved the clean sheet against the league leaders.

Bukayo Saka (Arsenal) – Dangerous but Unlucky

Arsenal’s star winger tormented Forest down the right flank all evening. His trickery created multiple openings, including the header brilliantly saved by Sels and a pull-back for Rice. Saka’s energy and crossing were constant threats, though he couldn’t find the final touch.

Declan Rice (Arsenal) – Defensive Rock and Attacking Outlet

The Englishman was everywhere: blocking Dominguez’s shot early, delivering the cross for Saka’s header, and forcing a save himself. Rice’s versatility exemplified Arsenal’s control, though he might rue a disappointing finish on one chance.

Murillo (Nottingham Forest) – Defensive Hero

The Brazilian defender was pivotal in Forest’s rearguard action. He recovered from a mistake to deny Gyökeres, launched forward passes like the one to Hudson-Odoi, and made key clearances. Murillo’s composure helped Forest compete from kickoff.

Other notables included Noni Madueke’s volley for Arsenal, Ola Aina’s clearance under VAR scrutiny, and Gabriel Jesus’ blocked efforts. Forest’s Nicolas Dominguez and Callum Hudson-Odoi showed fight in transition.

Tactical Analysis: Arsenal’s Dominance Meets Forest’s Resilience

Arsenal, under Mikel Arteta, entered the game knowing a win would put them in the strongest position yet in their title bid—their first since 2004. With City losing earlier, the Gunners aimed for a nine-point cushion with 16 games left. They dominated possession, pinning Forest back with intricate build-up play and wide overloads via Saka and Martinelli.

Tactically, Arsenal exploited the flanks: Rice’s crosses from the left and Saka’s dribbles from the right created chaos. Corners and set-pieces posed constant danger, with Merino emerging as an aerial threat. However, their finishing was profligate—Martinelli’s six-yard miss epitomized wastefulness, reminiscent of past title collapses, including at this very ground three years prior.

Forest, managed by Sean Dyche, executed a compact, well-drilled low block perfectly. They absorbed pressure, stayed organized, and hit on counters early through Dominguez and Hudson-Odoi. Murillo and the backline dropped deep but remained disciplined, forcing Arsenal into low-percentage shots. Sels’ heroics and blocks from bodies like Aina turned the game into a siege Forest withstood.

A game-changing moment? Arguably Sels’ save on Saka—without it, Arsenal might have led and shifted momentum. The VAR non-call on Aina’s handball also loomed large, potentially costing Arsenal a penalty in a tight contest.

Broader Implications for Title Race and Relegation Battle

For Arsenal, the draw extends their lead to seven points over City (43 points) and Villa (43 from 21 games), but it’s a missed opportunity. As ESPN noted, they \”failed to capitalise on Man City’s slip,\” echoing frustrations against Liverpool recently. Arteta’s side must sharpen their edge to end that 22-year title drought.

Forest’s point is huge: five clear of Burnley (14 points) and Wolves (7 from 21). It halts a slide and proves Dyche’s defensive setup works against top sides. The Telegraph called Arsenal’s path to glory \”an ordeal,\” and Forest exemplified why.

Post-match, Arsenal’s highlights reel admitted: \”Despite dominating, we settled for a share of the spoils.\” Forest fans celebrated a gritty stand, with attendance underscoring the electric atmosphere.

Looking Ahead: Form, Fixtures, and What It Means

Arsenal’s form remains strong (PL table leaders), but efficiency is key. Forest’s survival fight intensifies.

• Arsenal next face a chance to bounce back, maintaining their +26 goal difference edge.
• Forest aim to build on this, targeting mid-table safety.

This stalemate underscores the Premier League’s unpredictability: even table-toppers grind for points at fortress-like venues like the City Ground. Arsenal lead, but the race stays wide open.