Nottingham Forest contributed to a goalless draw against Arsenal, as two of the Premier League’s top three clubs balanced each other out.
Arsenal’s greatest chance came throughout the first half. Riccardo Calafiori tangled Nicolas Dominguez before looping a shot at goal that rattled off the post and gratefully into Matz Sels’ arms.
Forest had a few half-chances. Chris Wood went into good positions twice, but as is frequently the case with Arsenal, Gabriel Magalhaes was there to save the day.
Ultimately, a point stops the rot somewhat for Forest. It also likely ends the title race, with the Gunners now sitting 13 points behind leaders Liverpool having played a game less and with a trip to Anfield still looming.
Nuno Espirito Santo silenced Martin Keown after some disrespectful comments following the game. He got his tactics spot on and was the mastermind behind this superb defensive display.
Martin O’Neill makes Evangelos Marinakis claim after Forest draw with Arsenal
The man who lasted just 19 games as the club’s manager – not that he ever mentions it – was on pundit duties last night as the TNT Sports cameras bowled into town for the latest Forest fixture.
O’Neill was pretty happy with the Forest point. Marinakis was in place at the City Ground to watch this game and he was asked whether European football would have been a top priority when he first came to the club all those years ago.
He said live on TNT Sports: “”He and I don’t get on all the time but this would’ve been the very thing he was pushing for the minute he walked through the door for the first time, it would be great to see them qualify.”
Forest take another step towards European football for 2025/26
Any form of European action next season would mean the world to Forest fans, but given how long the team has been ranked third, there is real hope that Champions League participation may be guaranteed.
Marinakis will undoubtedly be dreaming about the major competition, and bringing Champions League football to the City Ground is something he will be hoping for ahead of next season.
With 11 games remaining, Forest are in a good position. Two further points last night would have truly secured things, but with Newcastle and Bournemouth both losing in midweek, this has to be regarded as a positive point.
O’Neill may appear to have something against Forest. However, as a player who won the European Cup with the club, he would be hard pressed not to smile if the club is able to return to the competition next season.
