Could Nottingham Forest pull off the unthinkable and STUN Premier League leaders Arsenal? The Gunners, with dreams of a title, face a Forest side desperate for points to avoid relegation in a clash that has HUGE implications at both ends of the table. Buckle up, because this isn't just another game; it's a potential season-defining moment!
WATCH — Nottingham Forest v Arsenal (https://www.nbc.com/watch/premier-league/nottingham-forest-v-arsenal/12013714)
Follow along for live updates, detailed analysis, and all the key moments as Nottingham Forest welcomes Arsenal to the City Ground. Our live blog coverage below will keep you in the loop from kickoff to the final whistle!
Nottingham Forest vs Arsenal Live Score: 0-0
Here's how you can watch Nottingham Forest vs Arsenal live:
- Kick-off Time: 12:30pm ET Saturday (January 17th)
- Venue: The iconic City Ground – Nottingham
- TV Channel: NBC
- Streaming: Watch live on NBC.com (https://www.nbc.com/watch/premier-league/nottingham-forest-v-arsenal/12013714) and stream live on Peacock (https://www.peacocktv.com/sports/premier-league?cid=2101sportsplsymedi1959&utmcampaign=2101sportspl&utmsource=nbcsports&utmmedium=symeditorialseooptarticle&utmterm=nbcsportsseo&utmcontent=premierleague). Don't have cable? Peacock offers a convenient streaming option.
Nottingham Forest vs Arsenal Live Updates — by Nick Mendola
Saka pays immediate dividends: Bukayo Saka, hungry for action, immediately made his presence felt. He dispossessed a hesitant Neco Williams and drove towards the byline before delivering a dangerous cross towards the edge of the box. Declan Rice met the ball with a powerful half-volley, but Forest goalkeeper Matz Sels was equal to the task, keeping the game scoreless. A warning sign for Forest!
Arteta flips three switches: With a crucial Champions League tie looming and a League Cup semifinal first leg already in the books, Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta opted for some strategic rotation. In the 57th minute, he brought on Mikel Merino, Gabriel Jesus, and Bukayo Saka, replacing Odegaard, Madueke, and Gyokeres. Managing player fatigue is a key part of competing on multiple fronts.
One sub at the break: Leandro Trossard entered the fray at halftime, replacing Gabriel Martinelli. And this is the part most people miss... Martinelli's Premier League form has dipped lately. He hasn't registered a Premier League goal or assist since September 21st against Manchester City. While he's found the net in other competitions, including a recent hat-trick against Pompey in the FA Cup, his league contributions have been lacking. Will Trossard provide the spark Arsenal needs?
Halftime — Nottingham Forest 0-0 Arsenal: The first half ended goalless, but not without its moments. Gabriel Martinelli squandered a chance from a tight angle, and Viktor Gyokeres's deflected shot on a partial breakaway didn't trouble the Arsenal defense enough. Arsenal dominated possession, controlling 60% of the ball and outshooting Forest 8-3. But here's where it gets controversial... despite the stats, Forest looked organized and dangerous on the counter.
Both teams have game-changing talent waiting on the bench. Arsenal boasts the likes of Eberechi Eze, Bukayo Saka, Gabriel Jesus, Leandro Trossard, and Kai Havertz. Forest can call upon Mikel Merino, Myles Lewis-Skelly, and Cristhian Mosquera for fresh impetus.
Mikel Arteta might be furious: It's hard to imagine Arteta being pleased with Arsenal's first-half performance. They seemed surprised by a determined Nottingham Forest side playing with passion at home. Don’t you think?
Murillo giveth and taketh away: A sloppy piece of play by Murillo gifted Viktor Gyokeres a partial breakaway. Gyokeres showed good strength to get a shot away, but Murillo redeemed himself with a desperate sliding tackle to deflect the effort. A rollercoaster moment for the Forest defender!
Jurrien Timber yellow card: The Arsenal left-back received a yellow card for a foul just outside the penalty area. Disciplined defending will be crucial for both sides.
Forest doing just fine, thanks: The Tricky Trees enjoyed a positive spell of possession, reaching around 47% after a good period. They also registered the first shot of the game. 0-0, 13 minutes played.
Good afternoon. An especially good afternoon to Arsenal?: The Gunners have a golden opportunity to extend their lead at the top of the table. Liverpool's draw and Manchester City's loss mean Arsenal could move nine points clear of City and Aston Villa (before Villa play Everton on Sunday). This is a HUGE incentive for Arsenal to grab all three points.
For Forest, the task was always going to be tough, but West Ham's win over Spurs adds extra pressure. The Hammers are now within four points of Forest, who currently sit 17th in the table. The relegation battle is heating up!
Nottingham Forest lineup: Sels, Aina, Murillo, Milenkovic, Williams, Sangare, Dominguez, Anderson, Hudson-Odoi, Gibbs-White, Igor Jesus
Arsenal lineup: Raya, White, Saliba, Magalhaes, Timber, Zubimendi, Rice, Odegaard, Madueke, Martinelli, Gyokeres
Nottingham Forest vs Arsenal preview — by Joe Prince-Wright
Despite a promising start under Sean Dyche, Forest's form has been patchy. They've only won one of their last five Premier League games (a crucial victory against fellow relegation candidates West Ham). That was a big win, but they are still fighting to stay in the league. A loss to Wrexham in the FA Cup third round added to their woes. While they've had some positive results in the UEFA Europa League, Dyche desperately needs a positive performance and result against Arsenal to boost morale and secure points.
But that might be a tall order. Arsenal are hitting their stride at just the right time. Yes, they drew 0-0 at home to Liverpool in their last Premier League outing. But they remain six points clear at the summit and secured a 3-2 victory over Chelsea (https://www.nbcsports.com/soccer/news/chelsea-vs-arsenal-league-cup-semifinal-live-updates-watch-live-score-highlights-news) in the first leg of their League Cup semifinal in midweek. Mikel Arteta is expertly rotating his squad, and Arsenal fans are quietly whispering, "Could this be our year for the quadruple?" Is it too early to dream?
Nottingham Forest team news, focus
Chris Wood's continued absence through injury is a significant blow for Forest. Morgan Gibbs-White, Omari Hutchinson, and Callum Hudson-Odoi have formed a dangerous attacking midfield trio in recent weeks, providing creativity and pace. Igor Jesus is working hard upfront but could benefit from a rest. Ryan Yates is nearing a return, but goalkeeper John Victor remains sidelined with a knee injury, meaning Matz Sels will continue between the posts. Willy Boly and Ibrahim Sangare are back from AFCON and should be available, with Sangare expected to play a key role in the remaining months of the season.
Arsenal team news, focus
Cristhian Mosquera, Max Dowman, Piero Hincapie and Riccardo Calafiori are still unavailable, but Arsenal's squad depth is impressive. The competition for places is fierce. Will Viktor Gyokeres retain his spot upfront, or will Gabriel Jesus get the nod? Kai Havertz is also pushing for minutes. Arteta's shrewd squad rotation during the busy festive period has ensured that players are fresh and ready to compete.
Nottingham Forest vs Arsenal prediction
Arsenal should be able to create plenty of chances against Forest, but they need to start the game strongly. I think they will. Nottingham Forest 1-3 Arsenal.
Now it's your turn! Do you agree with the prediction? Can Forest pull off a shock result, or will Arsenal cruise to victory? Let us know your thoughts in the comments below!
