Nottingham Forest vs Arsenal LIVE!
Pace setters Arsenal travel to Nottingham Forest this evening knowing that they can stretch their lead at the top of the Premier League table. Mikel Arteta’s side go into this game at the City Ground today buoyed after the result at Old Trafford, where Manchester United swept past Manchester City 2-0 on Michael Carrick’s second bow as interim manager earlier this afternoon. It means that the Gunners can go nine points clear at the summit, with Aston Villa also potential beneficiaries when they face Everton.
The north Londoners are in good form, unbeaten since the start of December when they were defeated in the final minutes at Villa Park by Unai Emery’s Aston Villa. They showed real grit to grind out a 3-2 win at Stamford Bridge in the Carabao Cup in midweek, overcoming a tricky Chelsea side that just would not lie down, and they responded to a real scare in the FA Cup when Portsmouth took an early lead in the third round at Fratton Park.
Forest, meanwhile, will be desperate for a win to move themselves further clear of the dreaded drop zone, where they sit seven points clear but just one place above the dotted line. Keep up to date with all the action with our live blog below.
Nottingham Forest vs Arsenal latest news
- GREAT SAVE! Sels stops Saka header
- GOOD SAVE! Sels denies Rice
- CLOSE! Gyokeres deneid through on goal
- CLOSE! Martinelli misses sitter
Arsenal player ratings
19:43 , Oli GentThe Gunners wasted their chance to take advantage of Man City’s derby defeat earlier in the day, but how did they actually play?
Arthur Ferridge was on hand to rate their players...
Gunners miss chance to extend lead with Forest draw
19:42 , Oli GentAn entertaining encounter, but the spoils are shared on Trentside.
FT: Nottingham Forest 0-0 Arsenal
19:26 , Oli GentThat’s it! Forest survive, and grind out a huge point. Arsenal miss the chance to move nine clear.
Nottingham Forest 0-0 Arsenal
19:25 , Oli Gent90+4 mins: Hudson-Odoi, now off the left, looks to float one into Hutchinson, ghosting in at the far post, but it curls out of play for a goal kick. The winger isn’t happy with his team-mate, but Dyche bellows at him to get back into position.
Nottingham Forest 0-0 Arsenal
19:22 , Oli Gent90+3 mins: Forest, defensively, have been man-mountains to keep out the league leaders. Murillo and Milenkovic have marshalled Gyokeres and Jesus superbly, and Saka, while lively, has been handled well by Neco Williams. Trossard has found it tough against Aina.
Nottingham Forest 0-0 Arsenal
19:20 , Oli Gent90+1 mins: Five added minutes.
Arthur Ferridge reports
19:19 , Oli Gent89 mins: A standing ovation from the home fans for Nicolas Dominguez, who is replaced by Omari Hutchinson.
Nottingham Forest 0-0 Arsenal
19:18 , Oli Gent88 mins: It’s all Arsenal now in these dying embers. Can Forest hold out?
Nottingham Forest 0-0 Arsenal
19:14 , Oli Gent85 mins: Free kick, Forest. Anderson does well to hold off Timber, and the Dutchman hauls him down.
Arthur Ferridge reports
19:11 , Oli Gent82 mins: No penalty! Finally, a moment of sense from VAR. Would have been a travesty if that was given handball against Aina.
Nottingham Forest 0-0 Arsenal
19:10 , Oli Gent81 mins: Ooo... VAR are looking at a potential handball from Ola Aina... a real problem here for the hosts.
Nottingham Forest 0-0 Arsenal
19:09 , Oli Gent80 mins: You expect now that that’ll be Rice as the anchor, with Merino and Eze the free-roaming No8s.
Arthur Ferridge reports
19:09 , Oli Gent79 mins: Arteta's final dice is rolled as Zubimendi is withdrawn in favour of Eze. The Spaniard scored a brace in the reverse of this fixture but has not quite been at his best today.
Arthur Ferridge reports
19:07 , Oli Gent77 mins: The official attendance this evening, if you care, is 30,729.
Nottingham Forest 0-0 Arsenal
19:06 , Oli Gent75 mins: Movement on the Forest bench. Dan Ndoye is on for Igor Jesus.
Arthur Ferridge reports
19:03 , Oli Gent73 mins: Dyche's assistants have been in the fourth official's ear all evening, and Ian Woan is rightly booked. The away end are calling him unprintable names.
Arthur Ferridge reports
19:02 , Oli Gent72 mins: That is two Declan Rice free-kicks wasted in quick succession. The first didn't beat the first man, but Merino really should have done better with his headed effort for the second. Arsenal knocking on the door now.
Nottingham Forest 0-0 Arsenal
19:00 , Oli Gent71 mins: Corner, Arsenal. Saka delivers with a cute cross that Gabriel knocks down towards Jesus, but a combination of Anderson and Murillo hacks it behind.
Nottingham Forest 0-0 Arsenal
18:59 , Oli Gent70 mins: A chance for Rice over this Arsenal free kick. Three in the Forest wall. Too far and angled for a shot, so here comes the delivery... but it’s poor and Murillo nods away.
Arthur Ferridge reports
18:57 , Oli Gent67 mins: Jesus is down in a heap after being outmuscled by Milenkovic, but is promptly back to his feet after realising Michael Oliver had waved away his appeal.
Nottingham Forest 0-0 Arsenal
18:56 , Oli Gent65 mins: Great save! Rice finds space down the left and clips one up to Saka at the far post. The winger cranes his neck and looks to loop a header back from whence it came, but Sels produces a superb stop!
Nottingham Forest 0-0 Arsenal
18:54 , Oli Gent64 mins: Close! Imaginative from Trossard, looking for that fizzed ball into the near post for Merino, who makes a dart from midfield. On the stretch, however, the Spaniard cannot make contact.
Arthur Ferridge reports
18:50 , Oli Gent61 mins: Almost immediate impact from Saka as he breaks to the byline and finds Rice in the box - Sels does well to deny his bouncing volley. Looks like these subs might vindicate Arteta...
Nottingham Forest 0-0 Arsenal
18:49 , Oli Gent60 mins: Good save! The first work the Forest keeper has to do as he denies Rice. Corner, Arsenal, with the pressure still on.
Arthur Ferridge reports
18:48 , Oli Gent58 mins: Something of a surprise to see Madueke withdrawn here - I thought he had looked lively thus far. Odegaard has been invisible, though, and Gyokeres all too visible. His attacking play has been glaringly poor this afternoon. That is a whole new front four, with just 57 minutes played.
Nottingham Forest 0-0 Arsenal
18:47 , Oli Gent57 mins: Changes afoot for Arsenal as Arteta prepares a triple substitution. Here comes the cavalry, with Saka, Mikel Merino and Gabriel Jesus all on. Madueke, Gyokeres, and Odegaard all sacrificed.
Nottingham Forest 0-0 Arsenal
18:45 , Oli Gent55 mins: Corner, Forest. Anderson delivers, but Trossard hooks it clear.
Nottingham Forest 0-0 Arsenal
18:41 , Oli Gent52 mins: Sustained Arsenal possession at the start of this second period. Could we see Saka be introduced soon?
Nottingham Forest 0-0 Arsenal
18:40 , Oli Gent49 mins: More movement on the Arsenal touchline as Jesus and Havertz go through the motions. Could Gyokeres get hooked at some point?
Kick off!
18:35 , Oli Gent46 mins: Back underway, as Trossard replaces Martinelli.
Fan reaction
18:26 , Oli GentWhen will the rest of the Arsenal players learn how to play gyokeres a decent ball? It doesn’t help the team in any way putting the ball down the wings to him. Play him through the middle or cross it into him. Pick one of the two ffs. #NFOARS
— R U Mine? (@jayZillingworth) January 17, 2026
Fan reaction
18:22 , Oli GentHalf time; Forest 0 - Arsenal 0.
— Carl Bovis ⚽ (@CarlBovis_AFC) January 17, 2026
Should be leading, Martinelli missed a sitter and Gyokeres breakaway shot was blocked by a last ditch challenge.
Dominated possession but Forest sitting in a low block making it difficult. #NFOARS
Arthur Ferridge reports
18:20 , Oli GentA thoroughly unconvincing half from both sides. Arsenal have dearly lacked quality going forward, but Forest haven't done nearly enough to unsettle Saliba and Gabriel. I would expect both sides to make changes here.
HT: Nottingham Forest 0-0 Arsenal
18:19 , Oli GentThere’s the interval, and Forest are growing back into the contest after enduring a lot of pressure. Two huge Arsenal chances falling to Martinelli and Gyokeres in that first period.
What will the second half have in store?
Nottingham Forest 0-0 Arsenal
18:16 , Oli Gent45+1 mins: Three added minutes.
Nottingham Forest 0-0 Arsenal
18:15 , Oli Gent45 mins: Mix up! Raya makes a mess of his clearance as he rushes way out of his area to meet the loose ball, but he makes immediate amends, smashing it into the stands.
Arthur Ferridge reports
18:11 , Oli Gent43 mins: Viktor Gyokeres simply has to score there. He obviously isn't known for his pace, but to be caught that easily is so poor.
Nottingham Forest 0-0 Arsenal
18:11 , Oli Gent42 mins: Now, Gyokeres! Arsenal break from the long ball as Murillo has a lapse in concentration, but the Swede looks nervous as he bears down on goal, and the Brazilian makes the block! Corner.
Nottingham Forest 0-0 Arsenal
18:11 , Oli Gent41 mins: A chance for Forest off the long throw as Aina wheels one up. It’s hurled in, but Rice clears well.
Arthur Ferridge reports
18:09 , Oli Gent40 mins: Frankly, wouldn't be surprised to see two of the front three changed at half time. Madueke the only one who has provided any serious threat. Milenkovic and Aina have made light work of Gyokeres and Martinelli.
Nottingham Forest 0-0 Arsenal
18:09 , Oli Gent39 mins: A free kick it is as Anderson whips one in, but Raya fists it clear.
Nottingham Forest 0-0 Arsenal
18:08 , Oli Gent38 mins: Free kick, Forest. A really close call for Timber, who fells Hudson-Odoi right on the edge of the penalty area, and he gives away the free kick and earns himself a yellow. VAR are checking this...
Nottingham Forest 0-0 Arsenal
18:06 , Oli Gent37 mins: A rare foray for Forest now after their strong start. Dominguez makes a lung-busting burst down the left, but there’s no-one in the box for him to aim at!
Arthur Ferridge reports
18:04 , Oli Gent35 mins: Kai Havertz is warming up now, and he will surely be in Viktor Gyokeres' peripheral vision. The Swede has not been at his best so far. Saka and Eze are also down the touchline.
Nottingham Forest 0-0 Arsenal
18:01 , Oli Gent33 mins: Arsenal tightening the screw as more and more Forest players drop deeper and deeper. Jesus is getting a bit more isolated up top...
Arthur Ferridge reports
18:00 , Oli Gent31 mins: How on Earth has he missed? Martinelli has a shot at goal from barely a yard out, and somehow shoots wide.
Nottingham Forest 0-0 Arsenal
17:59 , Oli Gent30 mins: What a miss! The initial delivery is cleared, but Madueke throws another into the box and Martinelli ghosts in... but what a miss!
Nottingham Forest 0-0 Arsenal
17:59 , Oli Gent29 mins: Close! A great cross from White that evades Gyokeres at the front stick, and Rice coming in at the far post can’t get the touch! It’s deflected behind, and they have a corner...
Arthur Ferridge reports
17:56 , Oli Gent27 mins: Forest are not pleased with the officiating here, at all. Dyche and his assistants have been in the fourth official's ear for most of the evening.
Nottingham Forest 0-0 Arsenal
17:56 , Oli Gent26 mins: It’s floated up to the back post, but the referee blows for a foul. Dyche is furious.
Nottingham Forest 0-0 Arsenal
17:55 , Oli Gent25 mins: Corner, Forest. Anderson over the set play as he sets up this outswinger. What can he produce?
Nottingham Forest 0-0 Arsenal
17:54 , Oli Gent23 mins: Superb proactive goalkeeping from Raya, who sprints some 30 yards out to beat Hudson-Odoi to a through-ball.
Arthur Ferridge reports
17:50 , Oli Gent21 mins: Sels is doing a good job of dealing with Arsenal's corner threat thus far. You get the impression set pieces will be important (as ever) for the visitors, as the match has been quite bitty. Both sides yet to find much of a rhythm.
Nottingham Forest 0-0 Arsenal
17:49 , Oli Gent19 mins: A nice switch from White to find Martinelli, who checks back rather than taking on Aina. It’s another corner, however, for the visitors, as Madueke sends another into the near post. A crowd forms around Sels, but Forest get it clear.
Nottingham Forest 0-0 Arsenal
17:47 , Oli Gent17 mins: Corner, Arsenal. Another chance, but with Rice over this one this time. It’s into the far post as Sels gets a piece of it but doesn’t clear convincingly. Dominguez hacks it away properly as Madueke tries to latch onto the loose ball.
Arthur Ferridge reports
17:45 , Oli Gent15 mins: Sean Dyche apoplectic here, he's screaming at the fourth official and gesturing wildly in Mikel Arteta's direction. Unclear what his complaint is.
Nottingham Forest 0-0 Arsenal
17:42 , Oli Gent13 mins: Close! Forest put together the best move of the match as Gyokeres gives it away cheaply. Williams feeds Hudson-Odoi, who flashes a cross into Dominguez, but his effort is deflected behind. Corner, Forest, which is cleared by Rice.
Arthur Ferridge reports
17:41 , Oli Gent12 mins: Referee halts play with Saliba down injured, much to the disgust of the Forest faithful. Igor Jesus seemed to miss his scissor kick and catch the Frenchman in the back.
Nottingham Forest 0-0 Arsenal
17:40 , Oli Gent10 mins: Forest are growing into this contest as the home support increase the decibel levels. A good foul won by Anderson in the Arsenal half.
Arthur Ferridge reports
17:36 , Oli Gent8 mins: Madueke's inswinger is into the side netting. Not a typical Arsenal set-piece, that.
Nottingham Forest 0-0 Arsenal
17:35 , Oli Gent7 mins: Corner, Arsenal. Chance here for the Gunners to whip one in as the big lads saunter forwards...
Arthur Ferridge reports
17:35 , Oli Gent5 mins: This much-changed Forest side are having the better of the opening exchanges. Attacking quite efficiently down the left flank, and Gabriel rises highest to clear Gibbs-White's cross away.
Nottingham Forest 0-0 Arsenal
17:33 , Oli Gent3 mins: A positive start from Arsenal who look to get on the front foot. An early spate of possession for the visitors, as you’d expect.
Kick off!
17:30 , Oli Gent1 min: We’re underway.
Five minute warning!
17:25 , Oli GentThe players are on their way out, and we’re approaching kick off.
Arthur Ferridge reports
17:20 , Oli GentForest were knocked out of the FA Cup by Wrexham on penalties last weekend, and, unsurprisingly, Sean Dyche rings the changes. Igor Jesus is the only man to keep his place in the starting XI.
Arteta's pre-match thoughts
17:20 , Oli GentShort and sharp from the Gunners’ boss.
"We don't need a boost" 🤔
— Football on TNT Sports (@footballontnt) January 17, 2026
Mikel Arteta has full focus on Nottingham Forest despite Man City's loss this afternoon 🧠
🎙️ @julesbreach | 📺 @tntsports & @discoveryplusUK pic.twitter.com/6tYiL5dWEM
'Much more than set pieces'
17:15 , Oli GentSean Dyche gives his pre-match thoughts...
"They’re much more than just set-pieces. That’s why they’re leading the table."
— Football on TNT Sports (@footballontnt) January 17, 2026
Sean Dyche on the quality Arsenal possess ahead of this evening’s clash 💪
🎙️ @julesbreach | 📺 @tntsports & @discoveryplusUK pic.twitter.com/8n0Uomi6Ng
Gerrard lauds Arteta
17:10 , Oli GentHigh praise from one of the best..
"His energy, his passion. That's him wanting to win" 👏
— Football on TNT Sports (@footballontnt) January 17, 2026
Steven Gerrard with the highest of praise for Mikel Arteta 👀
🎙️ @lynseyhipgrave1 | 📺 @tntsports & @discoveryplusUK pic.twitter.com/vw7JTrGkLX
Arthur Ferridge reports
17:03 , Oli GentArsenal, once again, are flexing their depth here. The standard of their attacking reinforcements on the bench - Saka, Trossard, Eze, Havertz, Jesus - puts that of Forest to shame. Among their options are Taiwo Awoniyi, Dan Ndoye, and Omari Hutchinson, who have five Premier League goal contributions between them this campaign.
Arthur Ferridge reports
16:55 , Oli GentStandard Sport’s Arthur Ferridge gives his pre-match thoughts ahead of this one.
"An opportunity to extend their lead."@ArthurFerridge gives his pre-match thoughts at the City Ground.
— Standard Sport (@standardsport) January 17, 2026
LIVE: https://t.co/vHi2hhlDlT #NFOARS pic.twitter.com/GMxpwGHHBB
Saka benched!
16:50 , Oli GentThe big news is that Bukayo Saka is on the bench for Arsenal this evening.
What does that mean for your FPL team?
Bukayo Saka starts on the bench for @Arsenal against Nottingham Forest 👀#FPL pic.twitter.com/2Xby55gYlG
— Fantasy Premier League (@OfficialFPL) January 17, 2026
Fan reaction
16:40 , Oli GentTime for @Arsenal to have at least one hand on that title later. 3pts is a must #NFOARS 🔵
— J-Nova 🇯🇲🇩🇲 (@MrJasonAlex) January 17, 2026
What a throwback!
16:35 , Oli GentAhead of Nottingham Forest &
— 80s&90sFootball ⚽ (@80s90sfootball) January 17, 2026
v Arsenal #NFOARS
Here's a flashback to a 4-1 away win for Arsenal against Forest at the City Ground in 1988
🎙from Brian Moore
pic.twitter.com/rWVBMvyuaF
Fan reaction
16:30 , Oli GentSafe to say this Forest fan isn’t too confident...
I don't hold out much hope for us today. We're playing a team whose fans celebrate getting corners as if they are penalties. 😅 #nffc #NFOARS
— Adam Gray (@adamgray50) January 17, 2026
Arthur Ferridge reports
16:26 , Oli GentJust the three changes for Arsenal here as Arrizabalaga makes way for Raya. On the wings, Saka and Trossard are replaced by Martinelli and Madueke.
Zubimendi, who scored a brace in the reverse of this fixture, will pull the strings in midfield.
He sits in front of an unchanged back four, with Mosquera making his return to the matchday squad on the bench.
Forest lineup
16:21 , Oli GentForest XI: Sels; Williams, Murillo, Milenkovic, Aina; Sangare, Anderson; Hudson-Odoi, Gibbs-White, Dominguez; Jesus
Subs: Gunn, Morato, Awoniyi, Luiz, Ndoye, Hutchinson, Yates, McAtee, Savona
Arsenal lineup
16:19 , Oli GentArsenal XI: Raya; White, Saliba, Gabriel, Timber; Rice, Zubimendi, Odegaard; Madueke, Gyokeres, Martinelli
Subs: Kepa, Mosquera, Lewis-Skelly, Merino, Eze, Trossard, Saka, Havertz, Jesus
Arsenal predicted lineup
16:15 , Oli GentHow might the Gunners line up this evening?
Dom Smith had a go at predicting what Mikel Arteta might do...
Who remembers?
16:10 , Oli GentFLASHBACK ⚡️ #NFOARS
— The Premiership Years (@PremiershipYrs) January 17, 2026
These were the two line-ups the very first time this fixture was played in the Premiership era, in October 1992. pic.twitter.com/GK1Px0fFgf
Arthur Ferridge reports
16:05 , Oli GentMore good injury news for Arsenal - Cristhian Mosquera has arrived with the squad. He hasn't appeared for the Gunners since coming off with a knee injury against Brentford on December 3.
Earlier this afternoon!
16:00 , Oli GentManchester United stunned Man City 2-0 in Michael Carrick’s first game of his second caretaker spell at Old Trafford.
It gives Arsenal a huge advantage in the title race.
Touchdown!
15:51 , Oli GentPremier League action returns 🙌
— Arsenal (@Arsenal) January 17, 2026
📍The City Ground pic.twitter.com/pi1Iq8EboO
Match odds
15:45 , Oli GentNottingham Forest to win: 5/1
Arsenal to win: 11/20
Draw: 16/5
Odds via Betfair (subject to change).
Head to head record
15:37 , Oli GentForest were beaten 3-0 in the reverse of this fixture back in September, in what was the first match of Ange Postecoglou’s disastrous managerial spell.
Nottingham Forest wins: 29
Arsenal wins: 54
Draws: 21
Standard Sport prediction
15:31 , Oli GentThere is very little to suggest that Arsenal’s six-match unbeaten run in the Premier League will not become seven as they visit the City Ground.
Forest have endured a hugely challenging campaign, and results have not greatly improved under Sean Dyche, their third manager of the campaign.
They have just one win in six and were on the receiving end of an ignominious FA Cup upset at the hands of Wrexham last weekend.
Arsenal should expect to take full advantage of their slipping morale.
Arsenal to win, 2-0.
Arsenal team news
15:22 , Oli GentArsenal fans were left sweating ahead of their meeting with Chelsea after Mikel Arteta revealed both William Saliba and Leandro Trossard were doubts for the match.
However, both started at Stamford Bridge with the former playing the whole 90 minutes.
Despite Saliba’s return, the Gunners could be without three defenders for the trip to Nottingham, with Piero Hincapie, Riccardo Calafiori, and Cristhian Mosquera all on the physio’s table.
The only other injury in the side is to young starlet Max Dowman, who Arteta has said is “still a few weeks away.” from returning to play.
Forest team news
15:14 , Oli GentForest may be able to call on Ivorian duo Ibrahim Sangare and Willy Boly after the Elephants were knocked out of AFCON by Mohamed Salah’s Egypt last week.
Elsewhere, John Victor is expected to miss out with a knee injury, while Chris Wood is due to be absent through late February with a knee injury of his own.
Ryan Yates may be involved, though, after recovering from a thigh injury and returning to first-team training.
How to watch
15:07 , Oli GentTV channel: In the UK, the game will be televised live on TNT Sports 1, with coverage starting at 4.30pm ahead of a 5.30pm kick-off.
Live stream: TNT Sports subscribers can also catch the contest live online via the discovery+ app and website.
Hello and welcome!
14:58 , Oli Gent... to Standard Sport’s LIVE coverage of Arsenal’s Premier League trip to Nottingham Forest.
The Gunners can extend their lead at the top of the table to nine points with victory here. Can they do it?
Stay tuned for all the updates, with kick off at 5.30pm GMT.
