EPL: Arsenal held by Forest as title lead extends to seven points

Arsenal missed the opportunity to extend its Premier League lead to nine points after being held to a goalless draw by Nottingham Forest at the City Ground on Saturday.

The Gunners were hoping to capitalise on second-placed Manchester City’s 2-0 defeat to local rivals Manchester United earlier in the day, but could only add a single point against a disciplined and resilient Forest side.

A poor first-half display proved costly for Mikel Arteta’s men, who failed to register a shot on target before the break.

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Forest also struggled to create clear chances as both sides cancelled each other out in a cagey opening 45 minutes.

Arsenal improved after the interval as Arteta turned to his bench, introducing Leandro Trossard at half-time before bringing on Bukayo Saka, Mikel Merino and Gabriel Jesus before the hour mark.

Saka came closest to breaking the deadlock when his looping header from a Declan Rice cross was superbly tipped over by goalkeeper Matz Sels. Merino also wasted a promising opportunity, failing to convert Rice’s inviting free-kick delivery.

At the other end, Arsenal’s defence remained solid, securing an 11th clean sheet in 22 league matches. However, back-to-back goalless draws against Liverpool and Forest have prevented the Gunners from building a commanding lead at the top.

Despite the draw, Arsenal remain well-positioned in the Premier League title race and are still chasing a first league crown in 22 years.

They ended the day seven points clear at the summit, with third-placed Aston Villa able to cut the gap to four points if they beat Everton on Sunday.