Arsenal’s Premier League title hopes took another hit after they were held to a 0-0 draw by Nottingham Forest on Wednesday. The Gunners struggled offensively, managing just one shot on target, a clear sign of their lack of attacking options due to a series of injuries. Despite the draw, they were able to reduce Liverpool’s lead to 10 points, but the Reds can extend that to 13 with a win over Newcastle later.
Arsenal’s injury woes, with key players like Bukayo Saka, Gabriel Martinelli, Gabriel Jesus, and Kai Havertz all sidelined, are taking a toll. Mikel Arteta opted to play midfielder Mikel Merino in a forward role, but he failed to make an impact, especially after a disappointing 1-0 loss to West Ham on Saturday. With no fit and in-form attackers, Arsenal were left relying on defenders to score, with Riccardo Calafiori coming closest, hitting the post in the first half.
While Forest didn’t create many chances, they did have a few opportunities, with Chris Wood’s shot in the 70th minute being the only real threat. However, his effort was too close to Arsenal keeper David Raya. Forest will likely view this draw as a valuable point, especially as they continue their push for a Champions League spot, having last appeared in European competition in 1980.
For Arsenal, three defeats in their last four league matches put their title challenge in serious jeopardy, and it’s clear that they’ll need to find a way to cope with their injury crisis if they want to stay in the race.
