Nottingham Forest 0-0 Arsenal: Player ratings as Gunners held at City Ground

Arsenal were held to a 0-0 draw at Nottingham Forest as they again failed to put any pressure on runaway league leaders Liverpool.

Mikel Arteta made one change ahead of this tough tie with Jorginho coming into the base of the midfield in place of Thomas Partey.

The Gunners dominated the opening half with the first big chance going their way. Riccardo Calafiori picked up the ball in the box and cut onto his weak foot before unleashing a curled effort that struck the post.

Following the break, Mikel Merino went close to opening the scoring when he rose highest during a corner but his strong header was kept out by Matz Sels.

Forest eventually started to come forward and Chris Wood was denied by a good save from David Raya before he was thwarted by a brilliant goal-saving challenge by William Saliba.

Martin Keown: “It didn’t happen because we’ve got Trossard, Merino & a young 17-year-old in the front three. We couldn’t find the solutions at the top of the team, but with what’s left to pick from, we shouldn’t be too surprised.” 🫠

🎥 @footballontnt pic.twitter.com/xRFcfcLGZ0
— afcstuff (@afcstuff) February 26, 2025

It ended goalless at the City Ground with neither side managing to find a crucial breakthrough. The draw sees Arsenal remain a great distance behind Liverpool who now look to be certainly running away in the title race.

Here are the Arsenal player ratings from their disappointing draw at Nottingham Forest.

Nottingham Forest 0-0 Arsenal player ratings

Chris Wood, William Saliba — Saliba passed the Chris Wood test | David Rogers/GettyImages

Goalkeeper & Defenders

David Raya (GK) - 7/10 - Was not called upon much in the first half but made a tremendous save to deny Chris Wood after the break.

Jurrien Timber (RB) - 7.5/10 - Defended well down the right side and kept the Forest threat to a minimum. Helped out in attack at times before being replaced in the final minutes.

William Saliba (CB) - 8.5/10 - Did really well at the back and limited Forest to very little. Played a misjudged clearance in the second half but made up for it with a brilliant goal-saving challenge on Wood.

Gabriel Magalhaes (CB) - 7.5/10 - Solid, just like his centre back partner. Made a good last man tackle in the first half to keep Forest out and did his job really well throughout the game.

Riccardo Calafiori (LB) - 6.5/10 - Booked in the opening minutes and was caught out of position at times but put in a decent performance. Almost scored the opener with a curled effort following a nice piece of skill. Replaced at the break.

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