Arsenal title hopes fade with Forest draw

Arsenal’s Premier League title challenge suffered another damaging blow after they were shut out by Nottingham Forest in a 0-0 stalemate on Wednesday.

The Gunners’ lack of forward options due to a series of injuries was evident as Mikel Arteta’s men managed just one shot on target.

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Arsenal cut Liverpool’s advantage to 10 points, but the leaders can surge 13 clear with victory over Newcastle later.

A point is enough to keep Forest in third, ahead of defending champions Manchester City.

Arsenal’s title chances have been hampered by injuries suffered by Bukayo Saka, Gabriel Martinelli, Gabriel Jesus and Kai Havertz.

Midfielder Mikel Merino was retained by Arteta in a centre-forward role despite failing to impress in a shock 1-0 home defeat to West Ham on Saturday.

In the absence of fit and in-form attackers, Arsenal have been reliant on defenders coming up with big goals and Riccardo Calafiori nearly obliged.

The Italian international came closest to scoring for the visitors when his first-half effort came back off the inside of the post.

Merino forced Matz Sels into his only serious save with a header from a corner early in the second period.

Arsenal did at least limit Forest to precious little as an attacking threat.

Chris Wood had the hosts’ only chance 20 minutes from time but Forest’s talisman fired too close to David Raya.

However, after three defeats in their last four league games, Nuno Espirito Santo may see this as a point gained in his side’s challenge to reach the Champions League for the first time, having last played in the European Cup in 1980.