Arteta calls for reflection and a fresh start after failing to secure all three points against Nottingham Forest.

Arsenal drew 0-0 with Nottingham Forest in a key match of the 22nd round of the 2025/26 Premier League season, missing scoring opportunities in both halves. Mikel Arteta stated that the team struggled to capitalize on their chances but urged the players to reflect and start afresh.

Nottingham Forest defender Murillo made a mistake while controlling the ball in the 41st minute, and Dzekeresh gained possession and ran all the way to the penalty area before firing a shot, but the ball went wide of the goal line.

In the 71st minute of the second half, Rice took a free kick, and Merino headed the ball but it went wide of the post. In the 80th minute, Nottingham Forest's Aina made contact with the ball with his hand while defending, but after VAR intervention, the referee did not award a penalty.

Arsenal ultimately drew 0-0 away to Nottingham Forest. After three wins and two draws in their last five matches, Arsenal currently sit atop the table with 50 points, seven points ahead of second-placed Manchester City.

Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta said, "Our clear objective here was to win the game, and we certainly created the chances we needed. But we failed to capitalize on them, so it can only be described as disappointing. We again prevented the opponent from getting any shots on goal, and created four excellent chances, including Martinelli with an open goal, chances from Rice and Merino, and Saka's header which was made an incredible save by the goalkeeper. In addition, there was a very clear penalty that wasn't awarded."

"The game became more difficult later on because the opponent was a very well-organized team, making it hard to create continuous attacks, so this draw was very disappointing. We must take advantage of our opportunities, especially to break through their defense, particularly given the way they play."

Arteta also stated, "We tried many things and made adjustments, getting more players into the penalty area and placing more creative players around them. But when you really get those moments, if you want to win, you have to take your chances, and we failed to do that."

In addition, Arsenal will travel to the San Siro Stadium for the 7th round of the UEFA Champions League to challenge Serie A leaders Inter Milan.

Arteta commented, "This is just another small step, and the schedule is indeed very tight. We just played the semi-final against Chelsea two and a half days ago, and both sides put in a tremendous effort. After that, we have to play Inter Milan, and then Manchester United. So we need to reflect on this and then move on."