Mikel Arteta defends Arsenal's Premier League title chances despite disappointing Nottingham Forest draw | OneFootball

Gunners were held by a stubborn Forest side on Saturday

Mikel Arteta insists Arsenal remain in good stead in the Premier League title race despite missing an opportunity to go nine points clear of Manchester City.

Pep Guardiola’s side were beaten 2-0 by Manchester United earlier in the day, giving the Gunners a chance to go nine points clear of their closest title rivals, but a goalless draw with Nottingham Forest meant the lead only grew to seven.

It was a frustrating outing for Arsenal, but Arteta insisted the point was worthwhile progress.

“We made a smaller one than the one we wanted, but it is a step.”

The Spaniard admitted that the result was somewhat frustrating given Arsenal’s second-half dominance and what he considered to be a stonewall penalty after Ola Aina’s handball in the box was deemed accidental.

“We came here to win the game, and we haven’t managed that for different reasons,” he continued.

“Credit to [Forest] because they are really well organised and they are really good at breaking momentum when you have dominance in the game.

“The reality is we created four massive chances. [Gabriel] Martinelli’s open goal, Declan Rice [had] a tap in, Mikel [Merino] and the header of Bukayo [Saka].

“On top of that, a very clear penalty in the box that has not been given.

“Without conceding a shot on target again, the fact we cannot win the game with that is disappointing, and on top of that, I think we can do things better, especially in attacking.”