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Arsenal failed to take maximum advantage of Manchester City’s slip at Old Trafford. A scoreless draw for the second season running leaves the door open in the title race.

Arsenal had two good chances in the first half, which could and maybe should have been taken. Gabriel Martinelli somehow squirmed a shot from the left post across the goal and out while Viktor Gyokeres couldn’t take advantage of a mistake from Murillo.

Unhappy with the performance, four changes were made before the 60th minute by Mikel Arteta. Ola Aina’s potential handball was checked and cleared by VAR in what will certainly be a post-match discussion point.

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Here is how fooball.london rated the performances of the Arsenal players involved:

David Raya – Brilliant anticipation to come out and clear the ball, which looked destined for Callum Hudson-Odoi to go through on goal. However, when called upon for a second time, the Spaniard needed two goes at the clearance after missing the first, in a heart-in-mouth moment. 7

Ben White – Was playing very high up the right-hand side, which preoccupied the Forest back line and created space for Madueke. But it was evident from Arteta’s behaviour on the touchline that structurally things were not clicking for much of the game. 6

William Saliba – Took a strong whack in the back from Igor Jesus in the opening stages of the match. Pushed up when in possession at times, with the width on display from White. 6

Gabriel Magalhaes – A rock at the back as usual, and found himself having to deal with plenty of aerial threats in the first half. 7

Jurrien Timber – Operating again as a left-back, the Dutchman was playing effectively as a midfielder with the back four building up mainly as a back three. Booked for bringing down Callum Hudson-Odoi right on the edge of the box, a VAR check confirmed no penalty, fortunately. 6

Martin Zubimendi – Offered up a chance to score and fired a shot wide of the left post when perhaps a better option was available. Arteta was fuming at the Spaniard’s decision-making in the build-up in the first half, often making rash decisions which were uncharacteristic for the midfielder. 5

Declan Rice – Excellent block to prevent a Nicolas Dominguez attempt to find the target. Another great delivery, from open play, found the head of Saka in the second half, and his free-kick to Merino another peach of a ball. 8

Martin Odegaard – Dropped incredibly deep in the first half to help with build-up and was on the periphery of attacks. Was replaced after just 12 minutes in the second half, having made next to no impact. 4

Noni Madueke – On corner taking duties following his two assists against Portsmouth. Was lively and bright but lacked the end product and found himself replaced early in the second half. 6

Viktor Gyokeres – Lost the ball inside his own half dangerously early on but thankfully the resulting chance didn’t lead to a goal. A mistake by Murillo let the Swede in to drive through, but the defender did enough to get the block in and prevent the shot testing Sels. 5

Gabriel Martinelli – Close-range attempt blocked after the ball dropped to him from a corner. Missed a big opportunity from another tight angle at close range, left-footed putting it across the goal line and wide – he was subbed at half-time. 5

Leandro Trossard – Replaced Gabriel Martinelli at the break but found the ball hard to come by. 5

Gabriel Jesus – Instantly, the Brazilian was more involved, dropping in to link passes, win tackles and help make the build-up more successful but couldn’t find the right touch for a goal. 6

Bukayo Saka – Forced Sels into a brilliant save with a headed effort from Rice’s cross, the keeper clawing to keep the ball from going in. Certainly the most threatening player on the field for Arsenal this game. 7

Mikel Merino – Had two good attempts close to finding the opener, the second, a headed chance from a Rice free-kick dropping so close but wide of the right post. 7

Eberechi Eze – Came on and was unable to control a bouncing ball in the box that could have led to a chance. 5