Nottingham Forest – Arsenal: Stubborn Forest Battle To Hold Gunners To Goalless Draw (0-0)

A stubborn Nottingham Forest held league leaders Arsenal to a goalless draw at The City Ground. The 0-0 draw meant Arsenal failed to open up a 9-point gap at the summit of the Premier League table. 

Tactical analysis and match report by Gaurav Krishnan.

As the crowd sang fervently at The City Ground throughout the game appreciating every pass, every tackle and every defensive action, league leaders Arsenal found it rather difficult to break down a stubborn Forest defense in what was an extremely hostile atmosphere & tough away game for Mikel Arteta’s Gunners.

This was Arsenal’s chance to put some daylight between themselves and the rest of the Premier League chasing pack. A win would mean that Arsenal would be 9 points clear of City and Villa, however, it didn’t pan out that way.

Forest have been somewhat resurgent under Sean Dyche, the grit, the fight and the tenacity have returned to the club, who perhaps over-performed last season under Nuno Espirito Santo. However, after rising tensions with the ownership Espirito Santo was sacked and replaced by Ange Postecoglu rather briefly until Dyche took over the reigns at Forest.

It was a contrast in terms of table position; Arsenal the league leaders while, Forest started this game in 17th with a four point cushion over 18th placed West Ham. So this was arguably the best team in England against a side just about safe from the relegation zone.

But in this game, Forest showed what they’re all about. A gritty & spirited performance, aided by Matz Sels’ superb saves to deny . . .