Arsenal’s hopes of recovering from their disappointing loss to West Ham suffered another blow as they were held to a goalless draw by Nottingham Forest at the City Ground.
Despite having the majority of possession and chances, Mikel Arteta’s side failed to break down a stubborn Forest defense, leaving them with no goals to show for their efforts.
Arsenal Struggles with Absence of Striker
The Gunners’ challenge was compounded by their lack of a striker for the match, which forced Mikel Arteta to deploy Mikel Merino as a makeshift forward once again.
With star player Bukayo Saka still sidelined, Arsenal struggled to find their usual spark, and it became clear that the absence of a true striker was hurting their offensive play.
Forest’s Tactical Masterstroke
Forest manager Nuno Espirito Santo’s tactical decisions played a crucial role in securing the point.
When questioned by Martin Keown about his choice to switch to a back four instead of his usual five-man defense, Espirito Santo explained that the change was a direct response to Arsenal’s lack of a true striker.
By opting for a midfield overload and keeping his defense compact, Forest were able to stifle Arsenal’s attack and dominate the center of the park, an area where the Gunners are traditionally strong.
Arsenal’s Offensive Woes Continue
For Arsenal, this match further exposed their attacking inefficiencies.
Despite registering 13 shots on goal, only one of those was on target, making it a relatively easy night for Forest’s goalkeeper, Matz Sels.
With a mere 0.31 xG (expected goals) from open play, Arsenal struggled to create meaningful chances, highlighting their lack of cutting edge in front of goal.
Forest’s Champions League Dreams Remain Alive
Meanwhile, Nottingham Forest’s ambitions for Champions League qualification next season were bolstered by this valuable point against one of the top teams in the country.
After a narrow 4-3 defeat to Newcastle in the previous match, Forest showed resilience and have now consolidated their position in the top three of the table.
Their next challenge comes in the FA Cup against struggling Ipswich, before a tough stretch of fixtures that will likely determine their European aspirations for next season.
Upcoming Challenges for Forest
Forest’s run of games includes tough matchups against both Manchester clubs, as well as clashes with Aston Villa, Everton, and a visit to Tottenham.
These fixtures will be crucial in deciding which European competition the club will be playing in next season, adding more pressure on their solid run of form so far.