Arsenal dominate possession but are held to goalless draw by Nottingham Forest

Arsenal controlled the ball for long periods but could not find a way through a well-organised Nottingham Forest defence as the sides went into the break level at 0-0 in Premier League week seven.

Mikel Arteta’s side had 78% possession after the opening 15 minutes, with Nottingham Forest limited to 22%, but struggled to turn their dominance into clear chances. The visitors continued to build patiently in midfield while looking for a gap in the defensive line.

Bukayo Saka was frequently involved, sending a number of dangerous balls into the penalty area. However, Matz Sels dealt confidently with the threat, punching one curling cross clear before racing off his line to intercept another pass intended for an unmarked Arsenal player.

Kai Havertz came closest for Arsenal in the early stages. He met a free-kick delivery near the penalty spot and headed just over the crossbar before later receiving the ball inside the area and sending a controlled effort narrowly wide of the left post.

Declan Rice also attempted to create an opening with a long free-kick, but a Nottingham Forest defender rose to clear it. Rice was later penalised for bringing down Liam Delap in a dangerous position close to the box, while another challenge involving Delap and Ezri Konsa resulted in a free-kick for Arsenal.

Nottingham Forest’s best opportunities came on the counter-attack and from set-pieces. James McAtee’s powerful free-kick struck the defensive wall, while his corner was claimed by David Raya after the Arsenal goalkeeper read the flight of the ball and came off his line.

Delap then tried his luck from distance, with his shot deflecting behind for a corner. Dan Ndoye came closer when he was found by Delap on the edge of the box, but his left-footed attempt passed narrowly wide of the left post.

Arsenal created further pressure through Saka, Ben White and Gabriel Magalhaes. White’s cross lacked the accuracy needed to find a team-mate, while Gabriel reached a corner but saw his shot blocked by a defender. Saka also had a cross cut out and was later caught offside.

Nottingham Forest defended resolutely as Saka was denied during one individual run and another Arsenal attack was stopped by a timely challenge on White. The home side also dealt with a late corner from Neco Williams, heading the ball away from danger.

The match briefly stopped for treatment to Murillo Costa and after Bruno Guimaraes was struck in the face by the ball. Neco Williams was also involved in an earlier move that ended with his cross being diverted behind for a corner.

After 30 minutes, Arsenal’s possession had risen to 74%, with Nottingham Forest on 26%, but the score remained unchanged. A Nottingham Forest player was booked for a foul on Rice, and the referee added two minutes at the end of the half.