Aston Villa the big winners as blunt Arsenal lack ‘killer instinct’ in Nottingham Forest stalemate – Martin Keown

Keown believes Villa were the biggest beneficiaries on a day when the league’s leading contenders dropped points.

“It’s been a good day for Aston Villa,” Keown told TNT Sports. “It’s a point more than Man City, but it’s twice now that Arsenal have had opportunities – the draw at home to Liverpool being another one of those – to really stretch their lead at the top.

“They won’t panic as Forest are fighting for their lives. This is more like the Forest team that we saw last season, so we have to respect them. Definitely, there were plenty of opportunities today for Arsenal to win this game.”

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The Gunners created a host of chances but failed to convert, with Gabriel Martinelli missing the clearest opening when he steered a close-range effort wide with the inside of his heel.

Declan Rice and Mikel Merino also passed up presentable opportunities, while Forest goalkeeper Matz Sels produced a remarkable fingertip save to deny substitute Bukayo Saka.

“There were gilt-edged opportunities for Arsenal that weren’t taken,” Keown continued.

“That’s what it came down to today. They created those chances, and the Forest goalkeeper seemed inspired. Certainly, the save from Saka was top-level. It reminded me of Peter Shilton back in the day at this ground.

“I think the Saka chance, you know that things are against you when a goalkeeper makes a save like that. There were enough opportunities. Forest dealt with Arsenal’s set pieces very well, and they just lacked that killer instinct.”

Steven Gerrard echoed those sentiments, highlighting Martinelli’s miss as pivotal.

“The Martinelli chance was the big one,” Gerrard said. “That just needed a side-foot into the corner, but it comes off his heel. That should have been a goal, and then Forest would’ve had to come out.

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“Now, I think the Champions League (against Inter Milan in midweek) will be a bit of a nice break for them as it’s another big competition that they’re expected to do well in. They’ll be really confident then at home to beat Manchester United, but they will be coming with a bit more confidence and belief (after beating City).”

Gerrard also praised Forest’s resilience, describing the draw as a significant result for the hosts.

“It’s a huge result for Nottingham Forest. Sean Dyche will be delighted with how his players, to a man, all over the pitch they put so much work in and they battled.

“They deserved to take something from the game as Arsenal were wasteful in the first half and then couldn’t find that killer instinct. Who knows if this point may be very important for Arsenal. Dyche will use this defensive performance as a base to kick on.”

Arteta: We created four massive chances

Arsenal return to Premier League action with a home league fixture against Manchester United next Sunday, knowing missed opportunities may yet prove costly in a title race showing no signs of slowing.

Despite the frustration, Arteta insisted Arsenal remain well placed in the title race.

“Every week is an opportunity,” he said. “We want to win every game. We came here to win, and we haven’t managed that for different reasons.

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“Credit to (Forest) because they are really well organized, and they are really good at breaking momentum when you have dominance in the game.

“The reality is we created four massive chances. (Gabriel) Martinelli’s open goal, Declan Rice (had) a tap in, Mikel (Merino) and the header of Bukayo (Saka).

“Without conceding a shot on target again, the fact we cannot win the game with that is disappointing. We have to do it (think of it as a good point).

“We have to try and learn and improve. The league shows how difficult it is because no one is winning game after game. It’s so tough, and especially when we have a situation like we had today, we have to put them away and there are other areas as well that you have to give credit to our opponents.”