Nottingham Forest vs Arsenal: Title race back on as Aina and resolute Forest defence hold Gunners

Arsenal entered the clash with a golden opportunity to extend their lead at the summit to nine points following Manchester City’s defeat in the derby earlier in the day. However, they lacked their usual clinical edge.

Mikel Arteta's men were struggling to find their groove in the opening exchanges, but Gabriel Martinelli would have been bitterly disappointed not to break the deadlock when his angled close-range finish crept past the far post.

The Gunners gradually moved through the gears, as Martín Zubimendi miscued his effort after a lovely through ball from Noni Madueke.

Forest, though, were showing admirable resilience and ended the half strongly following a spell of sustained pressure, although they were unable to create any clear-cut opportunities.

It was much of the same in the second half, with Forest pinned back and the visitors probing for large periods without any real headway.

Ultimately, neither side could snatch the victory as the spoils were shared. As a result, Arsenal are now seven points clear at the top of the table.