Mikel Arteta’s Arsenal drew 0-0 at Nottingham Forest (Image: Getty)
Arsenal boss Mikel Arteta blamed his side’s goalless draw with Nottingham Forest on his players lacking “spark” and a “final pass”. The Gunners fell 13 points behind Premier League leaders after dropping points again.
Arteta ideally needed his team to respond to Saturday’s defeat against West Ham by beating over-achieving Forest. His players dominated possession but struggled to create clear-cut scoring opportunities.
Injuries have decimated ‘s attacking options, with midfielder Mikel Merino handed another start as a makeshift striker. Arteta said his players fell short in their attempts to win the game, having mustered only one shot on target.
The Spaniard told Sport: “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 doesn’t feel good. We were here to win. [We showed] unquestionable character, how much wanted it and tried.
“Very different standard [to the West Ham defeat]. 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.”
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