Arsenal Boost Premier League Edge to Seven Points in Stalemate at Nottingham Forest

Arsenal widened their Premier League advantage to seven points even though they could not find a way past a determined Nottingham Forest in a goalless draw at the City Ground on Saturday.

The Gunners were poised to extend that gap to nine points following Manchester Citys 2-0 defeat to Manchester United in the earlier match.

Arsenals sluggish opening 45 minutes came back to haunt them as Forest stood firm and improved their prospects of avoiding the drop.

Nevertheless Mikel Artetas squad stays well placed to secure their first title in 22 years.

Nottingham Forests manager had criticised his teams display during their FA Cup exit to League Two outfit Wrexham the previous weekend.

He got the reaction he wanted with the hosts fighting resiliently to move five points above the bottom three.

Manchester City have offered no real challenge to Arsenal lately amid a winless streak of four Premier League outings since January.

Still consecutive 0-0 results versus Liverpool and Forest have stopped Arsenal from opening up a substantial cushion.

Aston Villa in third could reduce the deficit to four points if they overcome Everton on Sunday.

The away team managed zero efforts on goal during the initial half.

Only after Arteta utilised his bench options in the second half did Forest start to feel the pressure.

Leandro Trossard entered at halftime alongside Bukayo Saka Mikel Merino and Gabriel Jesus who all featured before the 60th minute.

Saka went nearest to scoring with a curling header from Declan Rices delivery that was superbly tipped away by keeper Matz Sels.

Merino missed a golden opportunity failing to direct Rices precise free kick goalwards.

Arsenals dependable backline ensured they at least increased their lead at the summit courtesy of a 11th shutout from 22 league fixtures.