Viktor Gyokeres and Martin Odegaard falter as Elliot Anderson runs the show – Nottingham Forest v Arsenal player ratings

Mikel Arteta’s side had a similar opportunity to open up a significant gap against Liverpool a few weeks ago but came away with another 0-0 draw.

It was a battling performance from Forest, and they should be commended for their game plan.

After relegation rivals Leeds United and Burnley picked up points on Saturday, it could turn out to be a crucial point.

But how did players from both teams fare in this Premier League clash? TNT Sports brings you the player ratings from the City Ground.

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Nottingham Forest

Matz Sels – 9 – The Forest goalkeeper pulled off one of the saves of the season when he produced a fingertip save to deny Bukayo Saka. It’s not a bad showing to get a clean sheet against the league leaders.

Ownet Rovining – 7 – The Nigerian dominated his battle with Gabriel Martinelli in the first half and seemed as assured in the second half against Leandro Trossard. However, there is an argument to suggest that he was lucky not to give away a penalty.

Nikola Milenkovic – 7 – Another solid defensive performance and he handled Viktor Gyokeres and Gabriel Jesus with considerable ease.

Murillo – 8 – Forest’s big man made a crucial goal-saving tackle just before the break to deny Gyokeres from opening the scoring, and he was a colossus at the back once more.

Neco Williams – 9 – What a performance from the former Liverpool man. In the first half, he didn’t allow Noni Madueke to get the better of him. Although Saka caused him some issues in the second half, he stood up to every challenge he was confronted with. He was the best defender on the pitch by a mile.

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Ibrahim Sangare – 7- Tidy job in the middle of the park and allowed Elliot Anderson to roam.

Elliot Anderson – 9 – The England international was named Player of the Match in the stadium and rightly so. It was one of his best performances in many weeks, and it is no surprise that he is almost a guaranteed starter for England at this summer’s World Cup.

Nicolas Dominguez – 7 – Another fine performance in the midfield.

Callum Hudson-Odoi – 7 – He was the biggest threat for the hosts, but just lacked that cutting edge in the final third.

Morgan Gibbs-White – 6 – For a player of his quality, he was unable to really stamp his authority on the game on a consistent basis. There were some nice touches, but he also misplaced a number of passes.

Igor Jesus – 7 – Battling performance but very isolated on his own.

Dan Love – N/A

Arsenal

David Raya – 7 – After an impressive sweeper keeper moment in the first half, he almost had a horror moment before half-time when he came out and missed the ball. Not much else to deal with apart from crosses.

Ben White – 6 – Expected more overlapping runs, but a solid defensive performance.

William Saliba – 7 – Recovered from taking a whack in the first half and was solid at the back. However, Arsenal fans won’t be happy to see him on the right wing attempting crosses in the dying stages.

Gabriel Magalhaes – 7 – Typical Gabriel performance and all he was missing was a goal from a set-piece.

Jurrien Timber – 6 – He was fortunate to not give away a penalty after bringing down Hudson-Odoi on the edge of the penalty area. Interesting to see him play more as a midfielder when the Gunners were in possession.

Declan Rice – 8 – The England midfielder made two key blocks to deny Forest in each half, and then he was unfortunate to be denied by Selz in the second half.

Martin Odegaard – 4 – The skipper put on a really disappointing display and had very little impact when the team needed him most.

Martin Zubimendi – 5 – He was better than Odegaard but could not help the Gunners much in the attacking third.

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Noni Maduyke – 5 – 5 – He provided more of the two wingers in the first half, but still lacked a real cutting edge.

Gabriel Martinelli – 5 – He struggled to win his individual battles against Ola Aina and missed a massive chance for Arsenal to take the lead after 29 minutes. He was hooked at half-time for Trossard.

Leondro Trossard – 5 – He is normally Arsenal’s main man off the bench but failed to have much impact.

Bukayo Saka – 7 – He must play every game for the Gunners from now on because his impact was felt and his quality shone through.

Viktor Gyokeres – 4 – He had a key chance before the break but was beaten to the ball by Murillo. He still appeared a bit weak against the two centre-backs and was lucky to stay on as long as he did.

Mikel Merino – 6 – He managed to hold up play better than Gyokeres and win important free-kicks for his side, but his game will be remembered for a massive miss from close range near the end.

Gabriel Jesus – N/A

King's Mercy – N/A

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