Nottingham Forest 0-0 Arsenal – PLAYER RATINGS: Who went missing for Arsenal when they needed him? And who is developing into a fine player for Forest?
Arsenal’s title challenge took another dent as they failed to break down a stubborn Nottingham Forest side on Wednesday night.
The Gunners’ lack of a recognised centre forward again proved crucial as they failed to score in a second match in a row in a blow in their bid to overhaul Premier League leaders Liverpool.
Riccardo Calafiori came closest to breaking the deadlock when the Italian’s strike came off the post before he was replaced at half time.
Forest’ best chance, meanwhile, fell to Morgan Gibbs-White but Arsenal keeper was able to save smartly while Callum Hudson-Odoi fired a decent chance over the ball with five minutes to play.
The hard-won point for Forest keeps them dreaming of a Champions League spot with Nuno Espirito Santo’s third-place side, two clear of Chelsea in fifth.
Mail Sport’s TOM COLLOMOSSE rates the players at the City Ground on a frustrating night for Arsenal.
Morgan Gibbs-White came close to breaking the deadlock for Forest but his effort was saved
Arsenal skipper Martin Odegaard drives forward but is unable to inspire his side to victory
Murillo seemed to be everywhere at the City Ground, putting out fires for Nottingham Forest
NOTTINGHAM FOREST (4-2-3-1)
Matz Sels – 6.5
Important block to stop a Wood shot at source and rarely looked worried by the Forest attack. When he did, he was rescued by the offside flag.
Ola Aina – 7.5
Trossard is a tricky customer but Aina was alert from the off and made the Arsenal man work hard for space.
Nikola Milenkovic – 6.5
Earned a foolish booking for stopping a free-kick and was beaten all ends up by Nwaneri close to half-time. Otherwise solid.
Murillo – 7.5
Held his position well and produced one crucial covering challenge to stop Nwaneri. Forest much more solid after a dodgy few weeks.
Neco WIlliams – 6.5
It was understandable that he should struggle at times against a talent as big as Nwaneri but he still delivered a competitive display.
Elliot Anderson – 6
As energetic as ever in midfield though not as precise as he might have been with some of his passing. Ended the game on the left flank.
Nicolas Dominguez – 6
Hard-working display from the Argentine in the centre though, like Anderson, could have used the ball more carefully. Taken off on the hour.
Callum Hudson-Odoi – 7
Switched to the right to run at Calafiori, the winger got his marker booked early on and was Forest’s liveliest attacker initially. Did well defensively too.
Morgan Gibbs-White – 8
Not as many chances to create as he would like but worked hard defensively and made good decisions when he did gain possession. Maturing into a fine player.
Anthony Elanga – 5.5
Deployed on the left instead of the right, the winger found it tough going against Timber and was replaced on the hour mark.
Forest striker Chris Wood gets physical with Arsenal’s Gabriel in a real scrap at the City Ground
Chris Wood – 6.5
His movement is excellent and it was only his lack of express pace that stopped him troubling Gabriel and Saliba more. Second-half shot saved.
Substitutes
Ryan Yaes – 6
Took the baton from Dominguez in midfield and put in his usual shift
Danilo – 6
Alongside Yates, the Brazilian gave Arsenal a completely new central midfield pair to handle.
Manager: Nuno Espirito Santo 6.5
Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta’s frustrations are clear as his side’s title chances take a hit
ARSENAL (4-3-3)
David Raya – 6.5
Once appeared on the halfway line to keep an Arsenal attack going. Had very little to do until making an important stop from Wood midway through the second half.
Jurrien Timber – 7.5
The Dutchman was quickly into his task of shackling Elanga and tried to support Nwaneri in attack when he could. A good performance.
William Saliba – 6.5
Important block to stop a Wood shot at source and rarely looked worried by the Forest attack. When he did, he was rescued by the offside flag.
Gabiel Magalhaes – 6.5
Used his ability to cover the ground to good effect to stop Wood troubling Raya after a swift counter-attack. A formidable operator at the back.
Riccardo Calafiori was adventurous than usual going forward as Arsenal chased a winning goal
Riccardo Calafiori – 6
The left-back is happier going forward than turning to face his own goal and struggled to contain Hudson-Odoi, though was unlucky to hit the post. Substituted at half-time.
Martin Odegaard – 6.5
As tidy as usual on the ball but somehow lacking a little of the sparkle of his best days – just when Arsenal need his creativity the most.
Jorginho – 6
Brought in for Thomas Partey at the base of midfield, he knitted things together nicely without ever having a huge influence.
Declan Rice – 6.5
The classic ‘English hero’ midfielder – a true leader, full of purpose, with a remarkable engine. Needs colleagues with the artistry to complement his energy, though.
Ethan Nwaneri again proved what a special talent he is with a fine performance for Arsenal
Ethan Nwaneri – 7.5
A special talent. English football has a jewel on its hands and both club and country must do everything to ensure he fulfils his potential.
Mikel Merino – 6
Not his fault he’s a midfielder trying to do the job of a centre-forward. Went close with a header early in the second half.
Leandro Trossard – 5.5
Aina is a tricky opponent for any winger and Trossard found it hard to get much change from the Forest full-back.
Substitutes
Kieran Tierney – 6.5
On for the second half in place of Calafiori, might have done better with a close-range header
Oleksandr Zinchenko – 6
If in doubt, bring on a left-back. That seems to be Mikel Arteta’s motto as the Ukrainian became the third to feature in this game.
Raheem Sterling – 6
Manager: Mikel Arteta 5.5
Referee: Andy Madley 6
Attendance: 30,200
