ARSENAL wasted the chance to go nine points clear at the top of the Premier League.
The Gunners saw Manchester City lose 2-0 in the derby at Old Trafford earlier in the day.
Arsenal slipped up with a 0-0 draw at Nottingham ForestCredit: Shutterstock Editorial
Bukayo Saka came closest but saw his header pushed awayCredit: Getty
But they failed to take advantage away at Nottingham Forest.
They drew 0-0 in the evening kick-off, with Bukayo Saka’s header brilliantly clawed away by Matz Sels.
Here’s how SunSport’s Simon Collings rated Mikel Arteta’s men…
David Raya – 6
Back in the team after being on the bench for the last two games, which were in the FA Cup and Carabao Cup. Largely untroubled, but did have to be quick off his line a few times to stop Forest on the counter.
Ben White – 6
Started his third game in seven days. Put in another steady performance and looks dangerous when he gets forward. Put in a brilliant cross that was inches away from both Declan Rice and Viktor Gyokeres.
William Saliba – 7
Cruised around at the back for much of the game as Arsenal dominated possession. Did not really put a foot wrong and was one of the few Gunners players to come out of this with much credit in the bank.
William Saliba was solid as ever at the backCredit: Getty
Gabriel – 6
Dealt well with his Brazilian team-mate, striker Igor Jesus. In fact, Forest did not even manage a single shot on target all game. Shackled at set pieces, though, and did not carry his usual threat.
Jurrien Timber – 5
Picked to play at left-back for the second game in a row, with Arteta once again overlooking Myles Lewis-Skelly. Did not look comfortable there and was booked for bringing down Callum Hudson-Odoi.
Martin Odegaard – 5
Never really got into the game. Forest’s midfield deserve credit for that, with Elliot Anderson lively and snapping into tackles. Guilty of slowing Arsenal’s attack down at times and he was taken off with over 30 minutes to go.
Martin Zubimendi – 6
Scored the winner on Wednesday at Stamford Bridge, but seemed a little leggy, here. Squandered a decent opening in the first half when he flashed a shot wide of the post.
Martin Odegaard was taken off early in the second halfCredit: Alamy
Declan Rice – 7
Incredibly had the first shot on target of the game after nearly an hour’s play. Created a good chance for Saka, too, which Matz Sels stopped with a top save. It was his free-kick that Merino was guilty of heading wide as well.
Noni Madueke – 6
Given the nod on the right wing as Arteta opted to rest Bukayo Saka. He was Arsenal’s best attacker in the first half and caused problems by cutting in from the right. Martinelli should have diverted his effort home to score.
Viktor Gyokeres – 5
A quiet game after his good showing at Chelsea on Wednesday night. Had a right old battle with Murillo. Gyokeres almost got the better of him when the Forest defender fluffed a clearance, but he got back to block the shot.
Gabriel Martinelli – 4
The hero last weekend with his hat-trick at Portsmouth in the FA Cup, but he had a stinker this time around. Missed a golden chance from yards out when Madueke’s shot found him at the back post. Hooked at half time.
Gabriel Martinelli squandered a glorious opportunityCredit: Reuters
SUBS
Leandro Trossard (Martinelli 46’) – 5
On at the break as Arteta tried to spark his attack into life. So often the go-to man in tight games but he could not get into this one.
Gabriel Jesus (Gyokeres 57’) – 6
Buzzed around up top and brought some energy. Thought he had won a penalty for handball when battling with Forest defender Ola Aina, but VAR cleared it.
Bukayo Saka (Madueke 57’) – 7
Immediately made an impact by beating his man and crossing for Rice, whose shot was saved. Rice returned the favour soon after – but Sels somehow kept out Saka’s header. Arteta may regret not starting him.
Mikel Merino (Odegaard 57’) – 6
Wasted a glorious chance when Rice’s free-kick picked him out. Had a decent 30 minutes and will probably start in Milan on Tuesday.
Eberechi Eze (Zubimendi 79’) – N/A
Subs not used: Arrizabalaga, Mosquera, Lewis-Skelly, Havertz
Eberechi Eze did not have time to make an impactCredit: Getty
Eze Chidiebere Paul
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