Premier League 2025-26: Arteta rues missed chances as Arsenal draw against Forest

Arsenal extended their lead at the top of the Premier League after a goalless draw with Nottingham Forest on Saturday, but it was a bittersweet result for manager Mikel Arteta.

Manchester City had previously slumped to a 2-0 defeat to Manchester United, allowing Arsenal to open a nine-point lead, but could not find the back of the net against Forest.

“We came here to win the game, and again we didn’t succeed, and I thank them for the way they organised,” Arteta told the broadcaster TNT.

“When you have the four big chances we have with (Gabriel) Martinelli, an open goal, Declan Rice, Mikel Merino and Bukayo Saka, you have to find the margin at the end to win the game because again, we didn’t consider a single shot on target.”

Arsenal lead the standings with 50 points, seven ahead of Manchester City and Aston Villa, who play Everton on Sunday.

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Arteta’s side were also denied a late penalty when the ball struck the arm of Forest defender Ola Aina, but a VAR investigation found no foul had taken place.

«You have to create that moment. We have created certain moments, but we also thank them because they are very well organized and they also constantly disrupt your momentum in clever ways,» Arteta said.

Forest manager Sean Dyche was very happy with his team’s performance against the league leaders.

“I would be very disappointed if that punishment was given, and I would be incredibly happy if it was given for us,” he told the newspaper. BBC.

Forest are 17th with 22 points, five points clear of the relegation zone.

«We have to be realistic about where we are now. A lot of good work has been done now and there is a lot of good work happening today, but there is more to come,» Dyche said.

Published on January 18, 2026