Nottingham Forest vs Arsenal LIVE: Premier League result, latest updates and reaction after Gunners blow

Arsenal take on Nottingham Forest in the Premier League tonight and there is nothing to split the sides at half-time. There has been little in the way of clear-cut chances, with Riccardo Calafiori going closest when his curling effort bounced back off the woodwork.

Arsenal come into this match after defeat to West Ham on Saturday, in what could prove to be the decisive blow in the title race. Mikel Arteta’s side trail Liverpool by 11 points, though do have a game in hand, and they are now relying on a major slip-up from the Reds. The Gunners continue to have problems in attack, with Mikel Merino having to start up front again. Jorginho comes into the midfield to replace Thomas Partey, while Myles Lewis-Skelly is suspended

Forest will hope to take full advantage of a lack of confidence in the Arsenal ranks, as they look to bolster their own Champions League hopes. They have not been at their best, though, in recent weeks, having lost back-to-back matches against Fulham and Newcastle. Follow all the action with Standard Sport’s LIVE blog below, featuring expert analysis from Simon Collings at the City Ground!

Nottingham Forest vs Arsenal latest news

• WOODWORK! Calafiori inches away from opener

• How to watch: TNT Sports

• Nottingham Forest confirmed team news

• Arsenal confirmed team news

FT: Nottingham Forest 0-0 Arsenal

21:22 , Matt Verri

And that’s full-time at the City Ground.

If Liverpool hold on to beat Newcastle at Anfield, they will be 13 points clear at the top of the table.

Have to think that the title race is over.

Nottingham Forest 0-0 Arsenal

21:22 , Matt Verri

90+4 mins: One last chance for Arsenal. Rice standing over a free-kick, up come the defenders. Now or never.

Forest holding the line just outside their area.

Rice pings it in... terrible.

Nottingham Forest 0-0 Arsenal

21:20 , Matt Verri

90+2 mins: Arteta trying to keep the energy up for the visitors, but Forest look the more likely to snatch a winner.

Sterling flops over on the edge of the box, grabs the ball... and gives away the free-kick for handball.

Nottingham Forest 0-0 Arsenal

21:18 , Matt Verri

90 mins: Anderson swings in a cross... Hudson-Odoi not far away from getting on the end of it at the back post!

Four minutes added on.

Nottingham Forest 0-0 Arsenal

21:16 , Matt Verri

88 mins: Get the sense that Forest fancy their chances of snatching this late on.

Williams’ cross is deflected behind by White, huge roar as the home side prepare to take this corner.

Will be retake, after some shoving in the middle. Looks a lot like Sterling is marking Awoniyi...

Nottingham Forest 0-0 Arsenal

21:13 , Matt Verri

85 mins: Late Forest change. Awoniyi is on for Wood.

Two more Arsenal subs, too. Partey and White on, replacing Odegaard and Timber.

Nottingham Forest 0-0 Arsenal

21:11 , Matt Verri

83 mins: HOW HAS HE NOT SCORED?!

Odegaard with two massive chances, but he missed them both.

Zinchenko’s cut-back put it on a plate for Odegaard, his scuffed effort was cleared off the line by Murillo.

Came back to the Arsenal captain, denied by Sels at point-blank range.

Offside flag then goes up, stand down. Neither would have counted.

Nottingham Forest 0-0 Arsenal

21:09 , Matt Verri

81 mins: Forest lump a long ball into the box, having won a free-kick ten yard inside the Arsenal half.

Milenkovic a bit too keen as he challenges in the air, that’s a foul.

Nottingham Forest 0-0 Arsenal

21:07 , Matt Verri

79 mins: Tierney’s cross charged down, Arsenal will have their latest chance to swing in a corner.

Rice loops it to the back post, again Merino gets up and his header is deflected behind. Take two.

Few appeals for handball, it did hit Wood’s hand. He was looking the other way, though. VAR clears it.

Nottingham Forest 0-0 Arsenal

21:04 , Matt Verri

76 mins: Hudson-Odoi clips in a cross, Arsenal deal with the first ball and Odegaard then takes a whack on the head.

He’ll be fine to continue.

Arteta turning to his bench again. Sterling on for Nwaneri.

Simon Collings at the City Ground

21:03 , Matt Verri

Forest finally showing some signs of life, here.

They've been so flat for much of this game, but at last now coming forward.

Nottingham Forest 0-0 Arsenal

21:03 , Matt Verri

75 mins: Very high boot from Merino to bring down Yates.

Forest free-kick just outside the Arsenal box... trouble for the visitors.

Nottingham Forest 0-0 Arsenal

20:59 , Matt Verri

72 mins: Nearly disastrous from Saliba!

He slices a clearance into Wood’s path, the Forest striker is clean through on goal... but Saliba gets across and slides in perfectly to clear the danger.

Nottingham Forest 0-0 Arsenal

20:57 , Matt Verri

69 mins: Nearly something out of nothing for Forest!

Long ball forward, great strength from Gibbs-White and he plays the ball into Wood’s path.

He holds off Gabriel and gets the shot away, comfortable save for Raya.

Here is that Arsenal change - Zinchenko on for Jorginho.

Nottingham Forest 0-0 Arsenal

20:56 , Matt Verri

68 mins: It’s hard to see how Arsenal are going to score.

Plenty of nice play, largely in control... but basically creating nothing from open-play.

Zinchenko about to come on for the Gunners. Sterling sat on the bench wrapped up.

Nottingham Forest 0-0 Arsenal

20:54 , Matt Verri

66 mins: Arsenal win a free-kick in a decent position, take it short and are soon back on the halfway line.

Not sure that’s quite how Jover drew it up...

Nottingham Forest 0-0 Arsenal

20:52 , Matt Verri

64 mins: First Forest attack of the half and it brings a corner, as Tierney doesn’t know what’s behind him and takes no risks in knocking the ball behind.

Rice there at the near post to win the initial header and Arsenal deal with it.

Nottingham Forest 0-0 Arsenal

20:50 , Matt Verri

62 mins: Nuno has seen enough, with his side under real pressure and struggling to get out.

Yates and Danilo are on, as Dominguez and Elanga make way.

Nottingham Forest 0-0 Arsenal

20:47 , Matt Verri

59 mins: Guess what? Arsenal corner coming up.

Rice normally so reliable with his delivery and it is a great ball in - Sels has a bit of a flap at it.

Jorginho squares it with the goalkeeper on the floor, but Forest scramble the ball clear.

Simon Collings at the City Ground

20:45 , Matt Verri

Arsenal, unsurprisingly, having their best chances from set-pieces.

Jover like a jack in the box on the sidelines with these corners.

Nottingham Forest 0-0 Arsenal

20:43 , Matt Verri

55 mins: Timber beats Williams, drills in a low cross and it’s yet another corner. Relentless pressure from Arsenal.

Will Merino again be the target at the back post?

No, it’s to the near post this time, Tierney wins the header but can’t direct it. Really good chance, even if he did get a shove from Merino in the process.

Nottingham Forest 0-0 Arsenal

20:41 , Matt Verri

53 mins: Tierney shifts the ball onto his left foot and whips in a brilliant cross.

Nobody there for Arsenal, but Williams doesn’t know that and nods it behind at the back post for another corner.

Nottingham Forest 0-0 Arsenal

20:38 , Matt Verri

50 mins: Half-hearted Arsenal appeals for a penalty, they’ll have to settle for another corner.

Rice swings it in, Merino free at the back post and it’s a great save from Sels!

Merino should probably have scored.

Nottingham Forest 0-0 Arsenal

20:36 , Matt Verri

48 mins: Scrappy start to this half.

Gabriel decides to launch himself to the floor in the hope that persaudes the referee he got a shove from Wood.

It doesn’t.

Simon Collings at the City Ground

20:35 , Matt Verri

Suspect that Calafiori substitution is due to his yellow card.

He was genuinely Arsenal's most threatening player going forward in the first half.

Back underway!

20:33 , Matt Verri

There’s been a change at the break for Arsenal.

Tierney is on at left-back, replacing Calafiori. Interesting decision, even if the Italian was on a yellow card...

As good as it got...

20:28 , Matt Verri

Riccardo Calafiori has been Arsenal’s biggest goal-threat...

Simon Collings at the City Ground

20:22 , Matt Verri

Arsenal controlled the game and enjoyed a lot of the ball.

Creativity and attacking issues still there, as expected, although Calafiori hit the post with a great turn and shot.

Forest looked most lively down their right with Hudson-Odoi.

HT: Nottingham Forest 0-0 Arsenal

20:17 , Matt Verri

Goalless at the break.

Arsenal went closest as Calafiori hit the post, but there’s otherwise been basically nothing in terms of chances.

Nottingham Forest 0-0 Arsenal

20:15 , Matt Verri

45 mins: Saliba of all people is out on the right wing trying to trick his way past Elanga.

Tries to then just run straight through Elanga, who goes down holding his face and eventually gets up, realising nobody is paying him any attention.

One minute added on.

Nottingham Forest 0-0 Arsenal

20:13 , Matt Verri

42 mins: Arsenal threaten from a corner for the first time.

Deep to Merino who is free at the back post, he nods it back into the six-yard box but the ball doesn’t drop for a blue shirt.

Simon Collings at the City Ground

20:12 , Matt Verri

When Arsenal have the ball, Calafiori looks like he is basically going upfront.

Pushing high and central near Merino.

Nottingham Forest 0-0 Arsenal

20:11 , Matt Verri

40 mins: Merino left wing, Calafiori up front, Nwaneri floating around...

Lots of rotation for Arsenal when they have the ball around the Forest area. Still looking for someone to provide that magic though.

Nwanier very nearly does with a sublime turn, but he can’t squeeze in a finish from a tight angle.

Nottingham Forest 0-0 Arsenal

20:08 , Matt Verri

37 mins: Merino slides in on Aina, referee initially lets it go and Arsenal think they are away on the counter.

But the whistle eventually goes a couple of seconds later, free-kick for Forest.

Home side a bit fortunate there.

Nottingham Forest 0-0 Arsenal

20:05 , Matt Verri

35 mins: Odegaard floats it in, but once again the whistle has already gone.

Jorginho penalised for a block for the second time tonight. Might want to try doing something a bit more subtle than running straight into someone while looking away from the ball.

Nottingham Forest 0-0 Arsenal

20:04 , Matt Verri

33 mins: Forest are happy to let Arsenal have the ball in defence, everyone sitting back in their own half and waiting for the chance to counter.

Arsenal patiently work it side to side, before Anderson goes in late and catches Merino. Free-kick just over 30 yards out.

Nottingham Forest 0-0 Arsenal

20:00 , Matt Verri

30 mins: Odegaard drives forward and rolls a pass... straight out for a goal-kick.

Arsenal have made a decent enough start to this match, against tricky opposition.

But they haven’t looked like scoring, beyond Calafiori hitting the post out of nothing.

Simon Collings at the City Ground

19:58 , Matt Verri

Say what you want about Calafioiri, but it's never dull with him is it.

Nottingham Forest 0-0 Arsenal

19:56 , Matt Verri

26 mins: Trossard looks for options 25 yards out, sees none so tries his luck. Immediately charged down.

Calafiori might need to move up front, on current evidence...

Nottingham Forest 0-0 Arsenal

19:54 , Matt Verri

23 mins: OFF THE POST!

Calafiori absolutely sensational at the other end!

Twists and turns into space in the box, right-footed effort is curled towards the far corner... smacks off the woodwork.

Nottingham Forest 0-0 Arsenal

19:53 , Matt Verri

22 mins: Hudson-Odoi skips away from Calafiori, into the box and then goes down.... was there a touch from the Arsenal defender?

Referee says no. Think that’s probably the right decision, very little contact. VAR agrees.

Calafiori needs to be very, very careful though, already on a yellow card.

Nottingham Forest 0-0 Arsenal

19:52 , Matt Verri

21 mins: Hudson-Odoi flicks the ball up into Trossard’s stomach, right in front of Arteta.

You can imagine his reaction when the referee blows for handball.

Nottingham Forest 0-0 Arsenal

19:49 , Matt Verri

19 mins: Another Arsenal corner coming up, decent spell for the visitors. They haven’t really created anything, though.

Rice takes it, fired into the near post... where nobody in an Arsenal shirt is.

Nottingham Forest 0-0 Arsenal

19:47 , Matt Verri

17 mins: Space opens up for Rice just outside the area, lashes a strike at goal and it takes a big deflection, looping over for a corner.

Odegaard with the in-swinger, bodies everywhere in the six-yard box and the referee blows for a foul. Jorginho and Calafiori both with some fairly unsubtle blocking.

Simon Collings at the City Ground

19:46 , Matt Verri

After a limp showing against West Ham, the Gunners needed to show a reaction, here, and some fight.

Gabriel doing just that and celebrated a good tackle on Wood like he'd scored.

Nottingham Forest 0-0 Arsenal

19:46 , Matt Verri

15 mins: Brilliant challenge from Gabriel!

Forest break quickly, long ball forward and it’s two-on-two.

Gibbs-White slides in Wood, but it’s a heavy touch and Gabriel slides in to make the challenge, knocking the ball off the striker and out for a goal-kick.

Nottingham Forest 0-0 Arsenal

19:44 , Matt Verri

13 mins: Rice looks for a big switch out to Nwaneri, who bundles Williams over as he tries to win it back for Arsenal.

On current form, getting Nwaneri the ball is Arsenal’s best bet of finding a goal. Maybe the only bet.

At the other end, Raya just about clears the ball in time as Elanga charges in to close him down.

Nottingham Forest 0-0 Arsenal

19:41 , Matt Verri

10 mins: Gibbs-White whips a brilliant cross into Wood’s path, as Saliba gets caught under it.

Decent first touch from the striker, before he has a shot charged down with th e second.

Nottingham Forest 0-0 Arsenal

19:39 , Matt Verri

9 mins: Elanga allowed to run nearly the length of the left wing, but nobody really gets up with him and Arsenal can crowd the winger out.

Already been a couple of signs, though, that Forest could cause problems on the break.

Simon Collings at the City Ground

19:36 , Matt Verri

Nottingham Forest fans enjoying these opening moments and baiting the travelling Arsenal supporters: "Second again, ole, ole!"

Nottingham Forest 0-0 Arsenal

19:36 , Matt Verri

5 mins: Arsenal take a short corner, before Jorginho eventually swings in a deep cross.

Merino there at the back post, Wood stops him jumping and the Spaniard goes down holding his face. Never getting anything for that.

Nottingham Forest 0-0 Arsenal

19:34 , Matt Verri

4 mins: Just over three minutes played... two yellow cards.

Milenkovic stops Gabriel taking a quick free-kick and he earns himself a very pointless booking.

Well on track for another Arsenal game with a red card.

Nottingham Forest 0-0 Arsenal

19:33 , Matt Verri

3 mins: Arsenal haven’t got going at all.

Hudson-Odoi just knocks the ball past Calafiori, who drags him back without even trying to entertain that foot race.

Yellow card already for the Arsenal left-back.

Nottingham Forest 0-0 Arsenal

19:32 , Matt Verri

2 mins: It takes barely a minute for Gibbs-White to find space and drive at the Arsenal defence - midfield is nowhere to be seen.

Jorginho isn’t getting back, as it’s worked wide and crossed it. Gabriel hacks the ball clear.

KICK-OFF!

19:30 , Matt Verri

Up and running at the City Ground!

19:27 , Matt Verri

Both sets of players are out onto the pitch. Reminder that Forest have only lost once here since September.

Would be a hugely impressive win for Arsenal, if they can find a way to pull it off.

Here we go...

19:24 , Matt Verri

Teams will be in the tunnel in the next couple of minutes.

Does feel like Arsenal need to score the first goal tonight. If Forest get it, and the home fans are up, it’s hard to see that Arsenal bench turning things around.

Simon Collings at the City Ground

19:17 , Matt Verri

Arsenal's shooting practice ends with Trossard firing a shot wide, hitting Rice and winding him.

Nuno explains Forest team selection

19:13 , Matt Verri

Nuno Espirito Santo is asked why he has named an unchanged lineup tonight, considering Nottingham Forest were 4-1 down to Newcastle at half-time in their last match.

“The second-half was good,” is the blunt response from the Forest boss.

Fair enough. Forest very nearly rescued a point, but fell to a 4-3 defeat against the Magpies.

Simon Collings at the City Ground...

19:05 , Matt Verri

No Alexander Isak for Newcastle at Anfield.

Good night for Liverpool already.

Simon Collings at the City Ground

19:02 , Matt Verri

Arsenal know they MUST bounce back from the weekend defeat to West Ham...

Arteta: This is one of my proudest seasons

18:53 , Matt Verri

Mikel Arteta believes Arsenal have made “big strides” this season and the current campaign is one of his “proudest moments” as a manager.

Arsenal have been hit hard by injuries this season and are currently without four forwards.

They have also had five red cards in 26 league games and Arteta says the way his side have handled the challenges will stand them in good stead going forward.

“I think we have made big strides this season - big time,” he said. “Because we should be in a very different position with everything that has happened.

“Because there’s no team in Premier League history with five red cards and the amount of injuries we’ve had that were in the position that we are in today. [It] hasn’t been done.

“One of the most proud [I have been], because this could have gone… and there’s something that’s held it together. That foundation, culture, mentality and that’s what is holding it together.”

Arsenal need Odegaard to step up

18:45 , Matt Verri

Martin Odegaard has had a difficult season, but Arsenal need their captain to deliver more than ever right now.

Saturday’s defeat to West Ham has left the Gunners 11 points behind Premier League leaders Liverpool and the title feels like it is on its way to Anfield.

Lose at third-placed Nottingham Forest and Arsenal will only be three points ahead of them.

Mikel Arteta’s side could all of a sudden be looking over their shoulders, when for so long this season they have had their sights set on chasing Liverpool down.

Arteta struck a defiant mood in his press conference on Tuesday morning and insisted the title race is not over.

Odegaard is understood to have echoed that message to the squad as Arsenal look to bounce back from their setback against West Ham.

It has been a challenging season for the Norwegian.

In each of the past three campaigns, he has hit double figures in the Premier League for combined goals and assists. Right now, his tally stands at two goals and three assists.

A first major injury of his career has played its part in that, but the 26-year-old would admit himself he can do more. When it comes to analysing his performances, he is his harshest critic.

Click here for the full story!

Simon Collings at the City Ground

18:37 , Matt Verri

Mikel Arteta opts to keep changes to a minimal after Saturday's defeat to West Ham, which is perhaps an indication of his limited options.

Jorginho starting in midfield should bring some control, although I would worry about his physicality and speed if Forest hit Arsenal on the break.

In the building!

18:30 , Matt Verri

The Gunners have arrived at the City Ground...

Arsenal make one change

18:24 , Matt Verri

Jorginho comes into the starting lineup for Arsenal, replacing Thomas Partey in midfield.

Mikel Merino continues to lead the line, with Ethan Nwaneri and Leandro Trossard either side of him.

Mikel Arteta opts for Jurrien Timber and Riccardo Calafiori as the full-backs. Ben White once again on the bench, while Myles Lewis-Skelly is suspended.

Nottingham Forest team news

18:19 , Matt Verri

Nottingham Forest XI: Sels, Aina, Milenkovic, Murillo, Williams, Dominguez, Anderson, Elanga, Gibbs-White, Hudson-Odoi, Wood

Subs: Hennessey, Morato, Sangaré, Moreno, Yates, Danilo, Awoniyi, Silva, Sosa

Arsenal team news

18:16 , Matt Verri

Arsenal XI: Raya, Timber, Saliba, Gabriel, Calafiori, Jorginho, Rice, Odegaard, Nwaneri, Trossard, Merino.

Subs: Neto, Kiwior, White, Zinchenko, Tierney, Partey, Sterling, Kabia, Butler-Oyedeji

Team news to come...

18:03 , Matt Verri

Just under 15 minutes to go until we get all the team news from the City Ground.

Mikel Merino up front again for Arsenal? Not a whole of other options...

Tuchel holds talks with White over England return

17:55 , Matt Verri

England head coach Thomas Tuchel has held talks with Arsenal's Ben White as he prepares to name his first Three Lions squad at the start of next month.

White has been in a self-imposed exile from the England set up since leaving the camp midway through their 2022 World Cup campaign in Qatar.

Tuchel previously said that he would reach out to the 27-year-old and talks are now understood to have taken place between the pair, although it remains to be seen if White, who has only just returned from two months on the sidelines after knee surgery, changes his stance or makes the squad.

White has excelled at right-back since joining Arsenal from Brighton in a transfer worth up to £50million in 2021 and can also play at centre-back or in midfield - versatility which is likely to appeal to Tuchel.

The German’s first games in charge of England are the 2026 World Cup qualifiers against Albania and Latvia at Wembley on March 21 and 24 respectively, and he is likely to name his squad for those matches in around a fortnight.

Click here for more on that!

Arteta: We'll never give up on title race

17:44 , Matt Verri

Arsenal boss Mikel Arteta insists he will only give up on the title race “over my dead body”.

The Gunners are currently second in the Premier League table and 11 points behind leaders Liverpool ahead of a trip to take on Nottingham Forest.

Arteta believes Arsenal, who have a game in hand on Liverpool, could easily be mid-table instead of fighting for the title due to injuries and red cards this season.

Arsenal have had five dismissals in 26 league games, while they are currently without four forwards due to injury.

Arteta, however, is refusing to give up on chasing down Liverpool and has issued a rallying cry to his players.

Asked about giving up in the title race, Arteta said: “Over my dead body.

“If not, I’ll go home. Mathematically, it’s possible. You are there, you have to play every game.

“Suddenly, three days ago, we could close the gap [to five points] and you are like, you are one-and-a-half games away. It doesn’t matter. We have to continue to go.”

Stage is set!

17:36 , Matt Verri

Going to be very, very loud here later tonight...

Standard Sport prediction

17:28 , Matt Verri

This could be a tough night for Arsenal.

Forest took points off Liverpool last month and and a real threat on home soil, particularly with the Gunners struggling in attack.

Draw, 1-1.

Arsenal team news

17:22 , Matt Verri

Ethan Nwaneri has been passed fit to face Nottingham Forest.

Nwaneri was forced off with nine minutes to go during Arsenal’s defeat to West Ham on Saturday.

Mikel Arteta explained after the match that was due to “fatigue” and he has confirmed Nwaneri is fit to face Forest.

Arsenal will be without Myles Lewis-Skelly for the trip to Forest as he is suspended after being sent off during the defeat to West Ham.

Riccardo Calafiori could start at left-back or Arteta may move Jurrien Timber there and start Ben White at right-back.

White made his first appearance at the weekend after being out since November following knee surgery.

Arsenal have limited options in attack due to injuries, so Arteta could be forced to start Mikel Merino as a striker again.

Predicted Arsenal XI (4-3-3): Raya; White, Saliba, Gabriel, Timber; Odegaard, Partey, Rice; Nwaneri, Merino, Trossard

Nottingham Forest team news

17:14 , Matt Verri

Forest have a largely fully-fit squad to choose from tonight.

Chris Wood will be the key man up front, with only Erling Haaland, Alexander Isak and Mohamed Salah bettering his tally of 18 goals in the Premier League so far this season.

Ryan Yates could come into the side in midfield, which would likely see Nicolas Dominguez drop to the bench.

How to watch Nottingham Forest vs Arsenal

17:07 , Matt Verri

TV channel: The game will be broadcast on TNT Sports 2. Coverage starts at 6.30pm GMT ahead of an 7.30pm kick-off.

Live stream: Subscribers will be able to watch on a live stream via the Discovery+ app.

LIVE coverage: Follow all the action right here, featuring expert analysis from Simon Collings at the ground.

Good evening!

16:59 , Matt Verri

Hello and welcome to Standard Sport’s LIVE coverage of Nottingham Forest vs Arsenal!

The Gunners trail Liverpool by 11 points in the title race and know defeat here would near enough be the end of their slim hopes.

It’s a big, big test though, against a side in Forest who have been so impressive this season.

We’ll have all the latest updates, build-up and team news ahead of kick-off, which comes at 7:30pm GMT from the City Ground!