Arsenal's Title Hopes Diminish After Stalemate Against Nottingham Forest

Arsenal’s pursuit of the Premier League title took a hit after they were held to a 0-0 draw against Nottingham Forest at the City Ground on February 26, 2025. Despite dominating possession, the Gunners struggled to break down a resolute Forest defense, leaving them trailing Liverpool by 13 points in the title race.

The match highlighted Arsenal's ongoing attacking struggles, with key forwards such as Gabriel Jesus, Kai Havertz, Bukayo Saka, and Gabriel Martinelli missing due to injury. Mikel Arteta was forced to experiment with Mikel Merino in an unfamiliar forward role, but the tactic yielded little in terms of creativity or goal-scoring opportunities. The team managed just one shot on target throughout the game, reflecting their lack of clinical finishing.

At the other end, Arsenal's defense remained solid, with standout performances from William Saliba and Gabriel Magalhães. Saliba in particular was praised for his composed display, although it was ultimately not enough to earn the three points.

Tempers flared towards the end of the match, as Declan Rice and Gabriel Magalhães were seen in a heated exchange on the pitch, underscoring the frustration building within the squad. This result followed a disappointing 1-0 defeat to West Ham United, marking Arsenal’s second consecutive match without scoring.

With Liverpool extending their lead at the top, Arsenal may now turn their attention to securing a top-four finish and Champions League qualification, as their chances of winning the title appear slim.