Match Analysis Nottingham Forest vs Arsenal – Key Moments and Tactical Insights
Arsenal travelled to the City Ground on February 26, 2025, for a crucial Premier League clash against Nottingham Forest. In this Match Analysis Nottingham Forest vs Arsenal, we break down the key moments, tactical battles, and standout performances that shaped the game. With both teams fighting for vital points, the match delivered intense action, strategic shifts, and decisive plays. From Arsenal’s attacking patterns to Forest’s defensive resilience, here’s a detailed look at how the game unfolded.
Date: February 26, 2025
Venue: City Ground, Nottingham
Competition: Premier League
Final Score: Nottingham Forest 0-0 Arsenal
Pre-Match Expectations
Team News & Lineups
Arsenal entered the match against Nottingham Forest on February 26, 2025, facing significant injury challenges. Key forwards Gabriel Jesus and Kai Havertz were sidelined for the remainder of the season due to injuries, with Jesus undergoing surgery for an anterior cruciate ligament injury sustained in January. Additionally, wingers Bukayo Saka and Gabriel Martinelli were recovering from hamstring issues, with manager Mikel Arteta expressing hope for their return after the international break.
In response to these absences, Arteta made strategic adjustments to the lineup. Jorginho was introduced into the midfield, replacing Thomas Partey, marking his first Premier League start since early January. Mikel Merino continued in an advanced role, despite a less impactful performance in the previous match against West Ham United. Defensively, Jurriën Timber started at right-back, while Riccardo Calafiori was positioned at left-back, filling in due to Myles Lewis-Skelly‘s suspension following a red card in the previous fixture. Ben White returned to full fitness and was available on the bench, making a late appearance in the match.
Nottingham Forest, managed by Nuno Espírito Santo, fielded a strong lineup aiming to capitalize on Arsenal’s injury woes. Their defence featured Ola Aina, Nikola Milenkovic, Murillo, and Neco Williams. The midfield comprised Nicolás Domínguez and Elliot Anderson, with an attacking trio of Anthony Elanga, Morgan Gibbs-White, and Callum Hudson-Odoi supporting striker Chris Wood.
Recent Form
- Arsenal: The Gunners experienced a dip in form, highlighted by a 1-0 home defeat to West Ham United prior to the Forest match. This loss, coupled with a goalless draw against Nottingham Forest, extended their winless streak and further dented their title aspirations.
- Nottingham Forest: The hosts entered the fixture with a mixed record, having won only twice in their previous five league outings. Despite this, their strong home form and defensive solidity posed a potential challenge to Arsenal’s attacking lineup.
Key Storylines
- Arsenal’s Title Challenge Under Threat: With recent setbacks, the Gunners needed a victory to keep their diminishing title hopes alive.
- Impact of Injuries and Suspensions: The absence of key players like Jesus, Havertz, Saka, Martinelli, and Lewis-Skelly forced Arteta to rely on squad depth and tactical adjustments.
- Nottingham Forest’s European Aspirations: Sitting in third place, Forest aimed to secure points to bolster their chances for European competition next season.
- Defensive Resilience vs. Attacking Innovation: The match promised a tactical battle between Forest’s organized defence and Arsenal’s restructured attack.
The stage was set for a compelling encounter at the City Ground, with both teams eager to achieve their respective objectives.
First Half: Tactical Breakdown
Arsenal’s Approach
Arsenal dominated possession from the outset, looking to break down Nottingham Forest’s deep defensive block. Mikel Arteta deployed a fluid 4-3-3 system, with Declan Rice dictating play from midfield, supported by Martin Ødegaard and Jorginho, who replaced Thomas Partey in the starting XI. With Jurriën Timber at right-back and Riccardo Calafiori at left-back due to Myles Lewis-Skelly’s suspension, Arsenal aimed to stretch the play and overload the wide areas.
Key Tactical Elements:
- Slow buildup play with an emphasis on patient possession, probing Forest’s compact shape.
- Calafiori’s overlapping runs provided width, but his final delivery lacked precision.
- Ødegaard’s advanced positioning aimed to create space between the lines, but he was often crowded out by Forest’s disciplined midfield.
Nottingham Forest’s Response
Nuno Espírito Santo set his team up in a 4-2-3-1 defensive shape, remaining compact and looking for quick transitions. Morgan Gibbs-White operated as the link between midfield and attack, while Anthony Elanga and Callum Hudson-Odoi provided pace on the flanks. Chris Wood was isolated up front but served as an outlet for long balls to relieve pressure.
Key Tactical Elements:
- Low defensive block to congest central areas and limit Arsenal’s passing lanes.
- Quick counter-attacks, often targeting Arsenal’s left side when Calafiori pushed high.
- Set-piece focus, with Milenkovic and Murillo looking to capitalize on Arsenal’s occasional vulnerability from dead-ball situations.
Key Moments in the First Half
- ⚠️ 10′ – Arsenal’s first warning sign
- Martin Ødegaard played a precise through-ball to Leandro Trossard, who cut inside but fired his shot over the bar.
- 🧤 17′ – Raya denies Gibbs-White
- A misplaced pass from Jorginho led to a quick break for Forest. Morgan Gibbs-White unleashed a powerful shot from outside the box, forcing David Raya into a diving save.
- 🎯 29′ – Calafiori strikes the post
- Arsenal’s best chance of the half saw Riccardo Calafiori cut inside onto his right foot and curl a shot from the edge of the box, beating the keeper but hitting the post.
- ⚔️ 38′ – Forest’s defensive discipline
- Arsenal continued to control possession but struggled to penetrate the final third, with Forest’s deep block absorbing pressure effectively.
- ⏱️ 45+1′ – Halftime frustration for Arsenal
- Despite 72% possession, the Gunners ended the half goalless, with Forest’s defence holding firm and Arsenal lacking sharpness in the final pass.
Halftime Verdict
Arsenal controlled the game but lacked cutting edge in attack, while Nottingham Forest executed their defensive strategy effectively. Could Arteta’s substitutions or a shift in tactical approach change the momentum in the second half?
Second Half: Turning Points
Managerial Adjustments
At the start of the second half, Mikel Arteta made a strategic substitution to enhance Arsenal’s defensive stability and maintain offensive pressure. Kieran Tierney replaced Riccardo Calafiori, who had received a yellow card in the first half, aiming to provide more defensive solidity on the left flank.
As the match progressed, Arteta introduced Oleksandr Zinchenko in the 71st minute for Jorginho, seeking to add creativity and forward thrust from midfield. In the 78th minute, Raheem Sterling came on for Ethan Nwaneri, injecting pace and experience into the attack. To reinforce the defence in the closing stages, Ben White replaced Jurrien Timber in the 86th minute. Additionally, Thomas Partey was brought on to strengthen the midfield, providing defensive cover and facilitating transitions.
On the Nottingham Forest side, manager Nuno Espírito Santo made key substitutions to freshen his midfield and attack. In the 71st minute, Danilo and Ryan Yates replaced Nicolás Domínguez and Anthony Elanga, respectively, aiming to introduce fresh energy and maintain defensive solidity. Later, in the 88th minute, Taiwo Awoniyi came on for Chris Wood, providing a different attacking option as Forest looked to capitalize on counter-attacks.
Key Moments
- ⚠️ 47′ – Early Second-Half Opportunity Shortly after the restart, Mikel Merino had a chance to break the deadlock, but his effort was well-saved by the Forest goalkeeper.
- 🚨 85′ – Nottingham Forest’s Counter-Attack As Arsenal pressed forward, Forest launched a swift counter-attack. Morgan Gibbs-White slipped a pass to Chris Wood, whose shot was expertly saved by David Raya, keeping the score level.
- ⏱️ 90+3′ – Final Whistle Despite Arsenal’s dominance in possession and multiple attempts, they were unable to find a breakthrough. The match concluded in a 0-0 draw, a result that further dented Arsenal’s title aspirations.
Post-Match Reflections
The goalless draw leaves Arsenal trailing league leaders Liverpool by a significant margin, with their title hopes diminishing. Manager Mikel Arteta acknowledged the team’s lack of offensive spark and emphasized the need for increased creativity and efficiency in the final third.
Nuno Espírito Santo expressed satisfaction with his team’s defensive discipline and their ability to execute the game plan effectively, earning a valuable point against a top-tier opponent.
This result leaves Arsenal’s title ambitions in jeopardy, while Nottingham Forest continues to solidify their position in the league.
Player Ratings & Individual Performances
Arsenal Player Ratings
| Player | Rating | Key Contributions |
|---|---|---|
| David Raya | 7.5 | Made a crucial save to deny Chris Wood and kept Arsenal in the game with his solid shot-stopping. |
| Jurriën Timber | 7.6 | Strong defensively, provided overlapping runs but lacked the final ball in attack. |
| William Saliba | 8.0 | Arsenal’s best defender on the night, composed on the ball and won key duels. |
| Gabriel Magalhães | 7.2 | A solid presence at the back, dominant in aerial battles but not tested much. |
| Riccardo Calafiori | 6.8 | Hit the post in the first half but struggled at times with Forest’s counter-attacks. |
| Martin Ødegaard | 6.7 | Struggled to influence the game against Forest’s deep block, but worked hard off the ball. |
| Jorginho | 6.2 | Had difficulty progressing the ball, leading to his substitution in the second half. |
| Declan Rice | 7.4 | Controlled the midfield well, breaking up play and keeping possession moving. |
| Ethan Nwaneri | 7.1 | Showed confidence and energy, but lacked a final decisive moment in attack. |
| Mikel Merino | 6.5 | Inconsistent performance, some good link-up play but faded as the game went on. |
| Leandro Trossard | 7.1 | Arsenal’s biggest attacking threat but was denied by Matz Sels late on. |
| Kieran Tierney | 6.9 | Came on at halftime and was steady defensively, offering some attacking width. |
| Oleksandr Zinchenko | 5.9 | Struggled to make an impact after coming on, misplaced several passes. |
| Raheem Sterling | 5.9 | Failed to make an impression, looked off the pace. |
| Ben White | NA | Late cameo, not enough time to make an impact. |
| Thomas Partey | NA | Came on late, had little time to influence the game. |
Nottingham Forest Player Ratings
| Player | Rating | Key Contributions |
|---|---|---|
| Matz Sels | 7.6 | Made key saves, commanded his box well under pressure. |
| Neco Williams | 7.6 | Strong defensively, contributed to counter-attacks with overlapping runs. |
| Murillo | 6.9 | Solid in defence, won a few important aerial battles. |
| Nikola Milenkovic | 7.3 | Led the backline well, made crucial clearances. |
| Ola Aina | 6.5 | Defended well but offered little going forward. |
| Elliot Anderson | 6.7 | Did his job in midfield but was largely quiet. |
| Nicolás Domínguez | 7.1 | Worked hard to disrupt Arsenal’s midfield but was subbed off. |
| Anthony Elanga | 6.1 | Showed flashes of pace but was ineffective overall. |
| Morgan Gibbs-White | 7.1 | Forest’s most creative player, looked dangerous in transition. |
| Callum Hudson-Odoi | 7.3 | Caused problems on the left flank, looked lively in attack. |
| Chris Wood | 5.1 | Struggled to get involved and missed a big chance in the second half. |
| Ryan Yates | 6.6 | Added energy in midfield after coming on as a substitute. |
| Danilo | 6.4 | Provided defensive cover in midfield but did little to influence the game. |
| Taiwo Awoniyi | NA | Came on late and had minimal impact. |
Overall Analysis
- Best Arsenal Player: William Saliba (8.0) – Dominated defensively and kept Forest’s attackers quiet.
- Best Nottingham Forest Player: Matz Sels (7.6) – The goalkeeper was key in earning Forest a valuable point.
- Most Disappointing Player: Chris Wood (5.1) – Failed to make an impact up front and missed Forest’s best chance.
Tactical Insights & Analysis
Arsenal’s Possession Dominance but Lack of Cutting Edge
Arsenal controlled the ball for large periods, finishing the game with 67% possession, but their inability to break down Nottingham Forest’s low block proved costly. Mikel Arteta set up his side in a 4-3-3 shape, with Declan Rice acting as the pivot and Martin Ødegaard pushing high to create overloads in the final third. However, Forest’s deep defensive structure forced Arsenal into wide areas, where their delivery into the box lacked quality.
- Wide Play Focus – With Forest clogging central spaces, Arsenal relied on Jurriën Timber and Riccardo Calafiori/Kieran Tierney to provide width. However, their crossing output was inefficient, with Forest’s defenders comfortably dealing with aerial balls.
- Lack of Direct Runners – With Bukayo Saka and Gabriel Martinelli missing, Arsenal lacked a winger who could stretch the defence with direct runs behind the backline. Leandro Trossard and Ethan Nwaneri tried to compensate, but they were more suited to combination play rather than stretching the pitch.
- Slow Transitions – Arsenal’s passing sequences often lacked urgency, allowing Forest to recover their defensive shape before danger could develop.
Forest’s Defensive Resilience and Smart Counterattacks
Nuno Espírito Santo set his team up in a disciplined 4-2-3-1 shape, ensuring that Arsenal had minimal space between the lines. The defensive duo of Nikola Milenkovic and Murillo marshalled the box excellently, repelling Arsenal’s crosses and through balls.
- Low Block Efficiency – Ryan Yates and Nicolás Domínguez dropped deep to form a defensive shield in midfield, limiting Ødegaard’s ability to receive the ball on the half-turn.
- Quick Counters Through Gibbs-White & Hudson-Odoi – Nottingham Forest’s main attacking strategy involved winning possession in deep areas and launching quick counters through Morgan Gibbs-White and Callum Hudson-Odoi. Their pace exposed Arsenal’s advanced full-backs on a few occasions, with Chris Wood and later Taiwo Awoniyi acting as the focal point.
- Set-Piece Threat – Nottingham Forest looked dangerous on set pieces, with Murillo and Milenkovic making strong runs into the box. Arsenal defended well in these moments, with William Saliba winning most of his duels.
Key Tactical Adjustments
- Arsenal’s Second-Half Changes:
- Oleksandr Zinchenko replaced Jorginho to add a more progressive passer in midfield, but his lack of defensive awareness left Arsenal exposed on the break.
- Raheem Sterling came on for Ethan Nwaneri in an attempt to inject pace, but he struggled to impact the game.
- Thomas Partey was introduced late, possibly to protect against Forest’s counters, but had minimal influence in the short time he played.
- Forest’s Substitutions to Maintain Defensive Shape:
- Ryan Yates and Danilo replaced Domínguez and Elanga, ensuring Forest kept defensive energy late in the game.
- Taiwo Awoniyi replaced Chris Wood, offering a more mobile outlet for counterattacks in the final minutes.
Why Arsenal Struggled to Break Through
- Lack of Vertical Runs – Without Saka and Martinelli, Arsenal lacked runners who could stretch the defence vertically.
- Over-reliance on Wide Play – Most of Arsenal’s attacks came from the flanks, but their crossing lacked precision.
- Lack of Midfield Penetration – Despite Rice and Ødegaard’s efforts, Arsenal struggled to break the lines centrally due to Forest’s compact defensive setup.
Final Verdict
Arsenal’s failure to convert possession into clear-cut chances cost them valuable points in the title race. Nottingham Forest executed their game plan well, frustrating the Gunners with a well-organized defence and threatening on the break. For Arteta’s side, the result further highlights their over-reliance on key wingers and the need for more direct attacking play when faced with defensive blocks.
Key Takeaways & Looking Ahead
Key Takeaways from the Match
🔴 Arsenal’s Title Hopes Take Another Hit
- The goalless draw leaves Arsenal trailing league leaders Liverpool by 13 points with just 11 games left to play. Even with games in hand, Arsenal’s inability to turn dominance into goals is proving costly.
🛑 Forest’s Defensive Masterclass Frustrates Arsenal
- Nuno Espírito Santo’s tactical discipline ensured that Arsenal had very few clear chances. Nottingham Forest executed their defensive plan well, blocking central spaces and forcing Arsenal into ineffective wide play.
🚑 Injuries Are Taking Their Toll
- The absences of Bukayo Saka, Gabriel Martinelli, Gabriel Jesus, and Kai Havertz were painfully evident. Arsenal lacked direct runners who could stretch Forest’s defence, leading to a sluggish and predictable attacking display.
⚔️ William Saliba Shines Again
- Arsenal’s best player on the night, Saliba won crucial duels, marshalled the defence, and prevented Forest from creating many high-quality chances. His consistency at the back remains one of Arsenal’s biggest strengths.
❌ Arsenal’s Midfield Lacked Creativity
- Despite having 67% possession, Arsenal rarely broke through Forest’s compact shape. Jorginho struggled to progress the ball, and while Declan Rice and Ødegaard worked hard, they couldn’t unlock the defence.
🎯 Forest’s Counter-Attack Strategy Almost Paid Off
- Forest soaked up pressure and looked dangerous on the break, with Morgan Gibbs-White and Callum Hudson-Odoi causing Arsenal problems when given space. Chris Wood’s missed chance in the second half could have stolen the game for Forest.
Looking Ahead: What’s Next for Arsenal?
⚡ Immediate Response Needed in the Premier League
- Arsenal must bounce back quickly to avoid falling further behind in the title race. Their next fixture in the title race is against Manchester United at Old Trafford, a side that has been falling off as of recent years. A win is absolutely necessary to keep faint title hopes alive.
🩺 Hoping for Injury Returns
- Arteta will be desperate to get Saka, Martinelli, and Jesus back as soon as possible. Without them, Arsenal’s attack lacks cutting edge, and the inability to convert dominance into goals is a growing concern.
📊 Tactical Adjustments Needed
- With teams sitting deep against Arsenal, Arteta may need to consider using a two-striker setup or finding ways to get more late runners into the box. Simply relying on wide play isn’t enough against well-organized defensive teams.
🔥 Forest Building Towards Europe
- Nottingham Forest will be pleased with this point, but they remain in a tense European spots battle. Their next league match against Manchester City will be crucial in their fight to stay in the top 4.
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Final Thoughts
Arsenal dominated possession but lacked the final product to break down Nottingham Forest’s well-organized defence. Without key attacking players, the Gunners struggled to create clear-cut chances, highlighting their reliance on Bukayo Saka and Gabriel Martinelli. While William Saliba and David Raya ensured a clean sheet, Arsenal’s title hopes continue to fade as dropped points pile up.
On the other hand, Nottingham Forest executed their game plan perfectly, frustrating Arsenal and nearly snatching a late winner. For Mikel Arteta, the focus must now shift to finding solutions against defensive blocks while ensuring his team remains competitive in all competitions.
What’s Next for Arsenal?
🔜 PSV Eindhoven vs Arsenal – Champions League Round of 16 (1st Leg)
📅 Tuesday, March 4, 2025
📍 Philips Stadion, Eindhoven
Arsenal shift their focus to the Champions League knockout stage as they travel to face PSV Eindhoven in the first leg of their Round of 16 tie. After struggling to break down Nottingham Forest, Mikel Arteta will be hoping for a more clinical attacking display in Europe.
⚡ Key Questions Ahead of the Clash:
- Can Arsenal take control of the tie with a strong away performance?
- Will Arteta tweak his tactics to create more goal-scoring chances?
- Who will step up in the absence of key attacking players?
A massive European night awaits – can the Gunners make a statement in Eindhoven? 🔥