Arsenal fell 13 points behind Premier League leaders Liverpool after failing to beat Nottingham Forest on Wednesday night – while seeing Arne Slot’s men defeat Newcastle at Anfield
Mikel Arteta admitted Arsenal are lacking a “spark” after his goal-shy players drew another blank.
Arsenal fell further behind leaders Liverpool and the title race looks all but over with Arteta’s failing to find the net for the second game running. But Arteta insisted they will not give up on their season even after admitting wingers Bukayo Saka and Gabriel Martinelli are not close to a return.
Gunners boss Arteta said: “It doesn’t feel good. We’re here to win. But we showed unquestionable character, how much we wanted it and tried.
“We dominated the game. We tried in many different ways. We insisted but lacked that spark, that final pass to unlock a well organised team. We have to generate more shots on target.
“It was a very different standard to the West Ham game on Saturday. We defended with energy, purpose, fight, willingness to make things happen. It wasn’t because we lacked that. We tried until the end but weren’t able to do it.”
Kai Havertz and Gabriel Jesus are out for the season while Saka and Martinelli are still on schedule to return after the international break.
Arteta added: “Gabby and Bukayo have been out for a long time so we cannot rush it. Maybe Gabby is just ahead of Bukayo but we will have to find solutions and work with what we have.
“But there is a lot left in the season and there is a lot to play for. The Champions League is a beautiful competition and we look forward to playing in it. The only thing we can do is win our matches and see how many points we get.”
Forest boss Nuno said: “We played well. We were aggressive, determined and the big positive was a clean sheet. We have missed the City Ground and it gave us energy and an atmosphere. It was huge for us.”
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