ARTETA CREDITS FOREST FORTRESS

Gunners boss rues missed chances as Dyche makes ‘cancel football’ claim if penalty given

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William Saliba (left) and Ben White reflecting after Arsenal fail to beat Nottingham Forest on Jan 17 despite not facing a shot on target.

(PHOTO: AFP)

Arsenal increased their lead at the top of the English Premier League table following a goalless draw with Nottingham Forest on Jan 17, but it was a bittersweet result for their manager Mikel Arteta.

Manchester City had earlier slumped to a 2-0 defeat by Manchester United, giving Arsenal the opportunity to open up a nine-point gap, but they could not find the back of the net against Forest.

Gunners winger Noni Madueke admitted it felt like “a missed opportunity”.

Arteta, meanwhile, told broadcaster TNT: “We came here to win the game and again, we haven't managed to do that, and credit to them, the manner that they are organised.

Arsenal lead the standings on 50 points, seven ahead of City and third-placed Aston Villa, who play Everton on Jan 18 in a match that ended after press time.

Arteta's side were also denied a late penalty when the ball struck the arm of Forest defender Ola Aina, but a video assistant referee (VAR) review found that no infringement had taken place.