Arsenal’s Premier League Title Hopes in Ruins After Goalless Draw at Nottingham Forest
Arsenal’s title dreams suffered a devastating blow as Mikel Arteta’s men were held to a disappointing 0-0 draw at Nottingham Forest. With Liverpool leading the league by 13 points, the Gunners’ chances of lifting the Premier League trophy are now all but over.
The frustration of Arsenal’s missed opportunity boiled over at full-time when Declan Rice confronted Gabriel, expressing his anger in a heated exchange. The altercation was captured by TNT Sports, showing Rice gesturing and shouting at his teammate.
Declan Rice Confronts Gabriel After Full-Time Frustration
The reason behind Rice’s confrontation with Gabriel Magalhães remains unclear, but the England midfielder was visibly upset after another disappointing performance.
With Kai Havertz and Gabriel Jesus sidelined for the season, Arsenal have struggled in front of goal, relying on set-pieces for attacking opportunities. Rice, responsible for taking free-kicks, failed to deliver quality deliveries throughout the match. His last attempt, a free-kick in stoppage time, hit the first man, summing up Arsenal’s lack of cutting edge.
Arsenal’s English midfielder #41 Declan Rice prepares to shoot a corner kick during the English Premier League football match between Nottingham Forest and Arsenal at The City Ground in Nottingham, central England, on February 26, 2025. (Photo by Darren Staples / AFP) / RESTRICTED TO EDITORIAL USE. No use with unauthorized audio, video, data, fixture lists, club/league logos or ‘live’ services. Online in-match use limited to 120 images. An additional 40 images may be used in extra time. No video emulation. Social media in-match use limited to 120 images. An additional 40 images may be used in extra time. No use in betting publications, games or single club/league/player publications. / (Photo by DARREN STAPLES/AFP via Getty Images)
Mikel Arteta Reacts to Arsenal’s Frustrating Draw
Manager Mikel Arteta acknowledged his team’s dominance but admitted that Arsenal lacked the final spark to break down a well-organized Nottingham Forest side.
“[We showed] unquestionable character, how much we wanted it and tried. We dominated the game. We tried in many different ways. We insisted but lacked that spark, that final pass to unlock a well-organized team. We have to generate more shots on target,” Arteta told BBC Sport.
Despite his team’s improved energy levels compared to their 3-0 defeat to West Ham, Arteta was left disappointed with the result.
“It was very different from West Ham. We defended with energy, purpose, and fight. But we weren’t able to find that breakthrough. The only thing we can do is win our matches and see how many points we get.”
NOTTINGHAM, ENGLAND – FEBRUARY 26: Declan Rice of Arsenal runs with the ball whilst under pressure from Nicolas Dominguez of Nottingham Forest during the Premier League match between Nottingham Forest FC and Arsenal FC at City Ground on February 26, 2025 in Nottingham, England. (Photo by Stuart MacFarlane/Arsenal FC via Getty Images)
Arsenal’s Attacking Struggles Continue Without a Recognized Striker
Arsenal’s goal drought is becoming a serious problem. They have failed to score in back-to-back league games, a worrying trend at such a crucial stage of the season.
Without Gabriel Jesus and Kai Havertz, Arteta’s side lacks a focal point in attack. Eddie Nketiah struggled to make an impact, while Arsenal’s reliance on set-pieces failed to bear fruit.
The Gunners remain third in the table, but with Liverpool and Manchester City pulling away, their Premier League title aspirations are fading fast.
NOTTINGHAM, ENGLAND – FEBRUARY 26: Declan Rice of Arsenal acknowledges the fans after the draw in the Premier League match between Nottingham Forest FC and Arsenal FC at City Ground on February 26, 2025 in Nottingham, England. (Photo by Michael Regan/Getty Images)
Arsenal must regroup quickly as they prepare for their next fixture. With Champions League qualification still on the line, Arteta will need his team to rediscover their scoring touch and finish the season strongly.
The question remains: Can Arsenal bounce back, or is their season already over?
