Arsenal struggled to hit top gear in a disappointing first half against Nottingham Forest this afternoon. The Gunners failed to register a shot on target in a forgettable opening 45 minutes despite having the bulk of the possession at the City Ground.The visitors, who were hoping to close the gap to Premier League leaders Manchester City back to three points, offered very little going forward with Kai Havertz, Bukayo Saka and Eberechi Eze creating little.FOLLOW THE GAME LIVE HEREForest were without key midfielder Morgan Gibbs-White due to injury but still created the first half-chance with Dan Ndoye firing a shot into the sidenetting after 20 minutes.Arsenal responded by almost going ahead from a corner seven minutes later. Forest failed to clear Sakas right-wing delivery, enabling Gabriel to attempt an audacious back heel that appeared to be heading in before hitting defensive partner Ezri Konsa and Forest got the ball clear.Arsenal had another opportunity seven minutes before the break. Saka won a free-kick with a shocking dive under minimal contact from Xaver Schlager and Declan Rices whipped delivery was headed over by Havertz when he arguably shouldve done better.Havertz then shot into the side netting from a tight angle as Arsenal cranked up the pressure approaching half-time. Topics Arsenal F.C. Nottingham Forest F.C. If you enjoy reading this article, you can help support our independent football journalism by adding 101 Great Goals as a preferred source You Should Also Read LIVE Nottingham Forest v Arsenal: Commentary, updates, goals and stats Jon Fisher 18th October, 2026 Nottingham Forest v Arsenal live: Confirmed team news and full line-ups as Gibbs-White misses out Jon Fisher 18th October, 2026 Nottingham Forest v Arsenal: Preview, expected line-ups, stats and where to watch Jon Fisher 17th October, 2026 Fantasy Premier League 2026/27 : Bruno Fernandes among five players to either sell or avoid in Gameweek 7 Jon Fisher 15th October, 2026 Fantasy Premier League 2026/27 : Manchester City duo headline five players to consider ahead of Gameweek 7 Blake Hurst 15th October, 2026 Mikel Merino insists Arsenal are ready to win Premier League and Champions League double Mitch Fretton 14th October, 2026
