Arsenal could not take advantage of Manchester City’s derby defeat as they failed to take their chances at Nottingham Forest.

For the second time in the space of a fortnight Mikel Arteta watched on as his side faltered in their attempt to extend their lead at the top of the table, failing to score at the City Ground just as they had in the stalemate with Liverpool.

Two big opportunities missed that would've made The Gunners position so much more commanding as they hunt to end their 22-year wait for the title. Instead, Arsenal’s lead at the top of the table could be cut when Aston Villa face Everton on Sunday.

Arteta made the call to start with Noni Madueke instead of Bukayo Saka in the same rotated front three which began the win at Bournemouth earlier this month. Yet, unlike on the south coast, Arsenal looked far from the outfit that claimed three points on that occasion, and it was perhaps little surprise that changes were sooner rather than later.