Arsenal player ratings vs Nottingham Forest: Martin Odegaard struggles again as Leandro Trossard has no impact | OneFootball

Arsenal controlled match for large periods but had little threat in attack

Arsenal were dealt yet another blow in the title race as they were held to a draw at Nottingham Forest.

The Gunners dominated much of the possession at the City Ground, but their injury-hit attack failed to create many clear-cut chances.

Riccardo Calafiori hit the post in the first half and Mikel Merino, who was playing as a striker again, had a good header saved after the break.

Arsenal created very little other than that and Forest had few chances of their own, with Gunners goalkeeper David Raya largely left with little to do.

Simon Collings was at the City Ground to see Arsenal in action...

David Raya 6

Did not have much to do as Arsenal saw plenty of the ball. Made a smart save midway through the second half to keep out Chris Wood.

Jurrien Timber 7

Forest’s best attacking moments came down the other flank and the Dutchman kept Anthony Elanga quiet. A strong showing.

William Saliba 7

Made a brilliant tackle midway through the second half to deny Wood. Did not give the New Zealand striker much to feed off all night.

Gabriel 7

Largely untroubled as Arsenal dominated possession. Made a big tackle on Wood in the first 15 minutes.

Riccardo Calafiori 6

An eventful 45 minutes before coming off at the break. Booked inside the first three minutes, had a penalty shout against him and hit the post.

Riccardo Calafiori’s curling strike hit the post in the first half

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Martin Odegaard 6

Struggling for form at the moment. Tried to get on the ball and make things happen, but could not open Forest up.

Jorginho 7

Brought into the team in place of Thomas Partey and put in a solid performance. Controlled play from the base of midfield.

Declan Rice 7

Tried to give Arsenal some drive from midfield, but lacked runners ahead of him. His set-pieces were Arsenal’s biggest attacking weapon.

Ethan Nwaneri 6

Looked lively at points and had some bright moments, especially in the first half. Went at his full-back as much as he could.

Mikel Merino 5

Tasked with playing as the team’s No9, again. Had a header from a corner early in the second half well saved.

Leandro Trossard 5

Like the rest of Arsenal’s attack, he was largely quiet. Struggled to get into the game and make an impact.

Substitutions

Kieran Tierney (Calafiori 45’) 7

On at half-time and put in a bright performance. Crossed some dangerous balls into the box.

Oleksandr Zinchenko (Jorginho 70’) 6

Played in midfield for the second game in a row and was solid.

Raheem Sterling (Nwaneri 77’) N/A

Thomas Partey (Odegaard 85’) N/A

Ben White (Timber 85’) N/A

Subs not used: Neto, Kiwior, Kabia, Butler-Oyedeji