Premier League 2025-26: Arsenal frustrated by feisty Forest but sit seven points clear at the top

Arsenal missed a host of chances in a 0-0 draw with Nottingham Forest on Saturday, but moved seven points clear at the top of the Premier League following Manchester City’s 2-0 defeat to Manchester United.

Mikel Arteta’s side had a golden opportunity to extend their lead at the top, but thanks to a dogged defensive performance from Forest and some wasteful finishing from Arsenal’s attackers, they could only take one point from a match they dominated for a long time.

Nicolas Dominguez brought the home crowd to their feet in the twelfth minute, sending a deflected shot wide of goal for a corner after a promising move from Forest and Arsenal turned the screw.

Ben White scored a promising cross, and from the resulting corner a shot from Noni Madueke found its way to Gabriel Martinelli, who sent his shot narrowly wide from close range.

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Brazilian defender Murillo recovered well from a foul on the halfway line to deny Arsenal striker Viktor Gyokeres, who again struggled to justify the high transfer fee Arsenal paid to Portuguese side Sporting Lisbon for his services.

The best chance of the match fell to Arsenal substitute Bukayo Saka, who headed Declan Rice’s cross back towards the far post, but Forest keeper Matz Sels made a brilliant fingertip save to deny him.

Moments later, Rice fired a free-kick into the penalty area and although substitute Mikel Merino got his head on it, he flashed his effort wide as the Forest rearguard held firm.

Arsenal climbed to 50 points from 22 games, seven ahead of Manchester City and third-placed Aston Villa, who play Everton on Sunday. Forest remained in 17th place with 22 points, five ahead of West Ham United.

Published on January 18, 2026