Arsenal extended their lead at the top of the Premier League to seven points with a 0-0 draw against Nottingham Forest at the City Ground, but manager Mikel Arteta was left frustrated by a denied penalty. Forest earned a valuable point through strong defensive work and a superb save from goalkeeper Matz Sels. The result leaves Arsenal nine points clear of potential challengers, pending other results.
The Premier League clash at the City Ground on January 17, 2026, ended in a stalemate, with Arsenal dominating possession but unable to break down a resolute Nottingham Forest defense. Arsenal created several clear chances, including a missed opportunity by Gabriel Martinelli in the first half and a header from Bukayo Saka brilliantly saved by Matz Sels late in the game. Mikel Merino also squandered a golden chance, failing to connect properly with a Declan Rice cross.
A major talking point was a VAR-reviewed handball incident involving Ola Aina. As the ball headed out for a corner, Aina appeared to control it with his arm, but officials deemed it struck his shoulder first and his arm was in a natural position. Arteta was incensed post-match, stating, “We created four big chances. On top of that, there is a clear penalty that has not been given. No, it is true he [Aina] plays it with his shoulder, but then he brings the arm in to keep the ball inside the pitch, so it is a clear penalty.”
Forest boss Nuno Espírito Santo praised his team's commitment: “It’s not easy playing these sides, the commitment is different... And I thought we did that fantastically well as a group. To get a clean sheet against them is amazing.” He highlighted Sels' save on Saka: “That was a great save... he sees it late. That was a big moment of course.”
Arsenal made several substitutions, including Bukayo Saka, Mikel Merino, and Gabriel Jesus replacing Martin Ødegaard, Noni Madueke, and Viktor Gyokeres around the hour mark. Forest responded with changes like Omari Hutchinson for Nico Dominguez and Dan Ndoye for Igor Jesus. Despite Arsenal's pressure, Forest grew in confidence after halftime, nearly capitalizing on counter-attacks.
The draw pulls Forest five points clear of relegation danger, while Arsenal's lead holds firm, though Aston Villa could close the gap to four points with a win the following day.
