Arsenal vs Nottingham Forest: Stat Reveals Worst First Half Since Arteta Debut
Arsenal were left fuming with a frustrating 0-0 draw away to Nottingham Forest on January 17, 2026, throwing away a golden opportunity to put their noses even further out in front at the top of the Premier League table.
With a surprising loss at Manchester City earlier that day, the Gunners were staring at the chance to go nine points clear at the summit – but instead they now sit a more modest seven points ahead and will have to keep fighting to stay in that commanding position in the title race.
The result has left everyone connected with Mikel Arteta’s team scratching their heads, as their ongoing struggles in front of goal have once again cost them precious points.
Shocking First-Half Stat: Worst Since Arteta’s Debut in 2019
Arsenal’s performance in the opening 45 minutes was pretty woeful, and a fairly mind-boggling statistic highlights the lack of cutting edge. They managed eight shots in the first half – but none even managed to test the goalkeeper.
This is the highest number of shots in a Premier League first half that have all come to nothing since Mikel Arteta took the reins back in December 2019, when they played Bournemouth and ended up with nine shots off target in a scoreless draw.
It’s a funny coincidence that this result mirrors Arteta’s debut match – but now the stakes are a lot higher. Arsenal have been transformed under Arteta’s leadership over the past six years – from a club in shambles to a strong title contender capable of winning multiple trophies this season.
Also Read: Former Referees Chief Says Arsenal Denied Clear Penalty vs Nottingham Forest
Missed Chances Galore: Arsenal’s xG Wasted in Front of Goal
Despite dominating the ball and creating plenty of opportunities, Arsenal simply couldn’t finish, racking up an impressive xG of around 2.37 but failing to score a single goal.
On another day this could easily have been a 5-0 thrashing – but clinical finishing just wasn’t on the cards.
Several of Arsenal’s key players missed big chances, including:
- Gabriel Martinelli completely missed the target with a sitter early in the first half when he was left unmarked at the far post.
- Viktor Gyokeres, one of their summer signings and a striker to boot, was unable to capitalize when he was played through on goal, struggling to control the ball in the process.
- Declan Rice completely mis-hits the cross for a potential easy tap-in during the second half.
- Mikel Merino headed a major chance off target.
Bukayo Saka, who came on as a sub, got closest to scoring a goal – a well-placed header that forced an outstanding save from Forest goalkeeper Mats Sels.
Forest’s resolute defence, combined with Sels’ heroics, was enough to keep the score at 0-0 despite Arsenal’s pressure and also despite not having to face a single shot on target.
Why This Draw Hurts More Than Ever
Arsenal are still the team to beat when it comes to the Premier League title – a trophy they’ve been chasing now for 22 long years since that last one in 2004 – and giving up points against some of the lower teams just isn’t the way they want to be doing this.
Arteta’s team have made huge strides since his arrival – it’s a whole new team – but this result shows just how much they need to step up their game when it really matters.
Still though they pick up a point, and that keeps them 7 clear at the top, which is safer than we’d like. And with their current form – they are going to fancy their chances of bouncing back up the league table with some style to come – the silverware is still within their sights.
Also Read: Arteta: ‘It’s a Very Clear Penalty – Nottingham Forest vs Arsenal
Arsenal vs Nottingham Forest: Stat Reveals Worst First Half Since Arteta Debut