NOTTINGHAM: Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta said his team lacked creativity to break through Nottingham Forest’s goal and had to settle for a 0-0 draw which affected their chances of winning the Premier League title this season.
Arteta has no options up front with Bukayo Saka, Gabriel Martinelli, Gabriel Jesus and Kai Havertz unavailable through injury.
Arsenal also failed to score in a 1-0 defeat at West Ham on Saturday. They are now 13 points behind leaders Liverpool.
Despite playing one less game, Arsenal’s hopes of catching up with Arne Slot’s men and ending their 21-year title drought are fading.
“We controlled the game. We tried different ways. We tried but lacked creativity, the last pass that could split the opposition. We need to create more accurate attempts,” said Arteta.
Forest remain third in the league, ahead of reigning champions Manchester City.
Nuno Espirito Santo’s team has struggled a bit in recent matches, winning only once in their last five league games.
But after three defeats in four games, the Forest manager is happy his defence is back on track.
“After a period where we conceded frequently, it’s important for us to get back to basics – being solid, not conceding.
“In terms of play, it’s positive because we’re back to being the team that has been successful this season,” said Nuno.