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Arsenal fans say Mikel Arteta made a ‘ridiculous’ decision in Nottingham Forest draw

Giuseppe Labellarte

Wed 26 February 2025 21:39, UK

Arsenal fell further behind in the Premier League title race as they drew 0-0 at Nottingham Forest on Wednesday night.

The Gunners fell 11 points behind Liv𒀰erpool after the weekend games and, as such, were desperate to beat the Reds in order to keep up the pace.

However, Arsenal’s reduced f🐷irepower cost them once again as Nottingham Forest managed to keep the Gunners at bay in the East Midlandꦬs.

A number of Arsenal fans were particularly unhappy with Mik♓el Arteta for a decision he made in the second half.

READ MORE: Mikel Arteta names the Arsenal player who’s ‘trying more than anybody else’ to make things happen in pursui🍨t of Premier League title

Arsenal fans not happy Ethan Nwaneri was substituted

Arsenal fans felt taking Ethan Nwaneri off in the 77th minute of the match was a costly 🎉d🐷ecision, with the out-of-form Raheem Sterling taking his place.

One fan wrote on X: “Uninspiring subs by Arteta. Why take Nwaneri off? What have you got to lo꧟se? What are you trying to protect at this stage?”

Another said: “Taking Nwaneri off for S𒉰terling when you need a win is certainly a decision.”

The criticism kept coming, with one fan sa🐠yi༺ng: “Arteta subbing off Nwaneri makes no sense unless he is trying to protect the kid. Not a winning type of sub in my opinion.”

Another wrote: “Nwaneri who has posed the most threat ♋gets taken off to keep Odegaard, who has 💜done absolutely nothing on the pitch. Amazing.”

Another said: “Nwaneri is our only ef🌸fective attacking outlet. Why is he coming off??!! Why is Trossard still on the pitch?”

How Nwaneri fared for Arsenal against Nottingham Forest

Nwaneri has enjoyed a breakthrough season at Arsenal🧜 and he continues to impress for the Gunners.

The 17-year-old saw three efforꦦts blocked, along with completing five of his seven dribble attempts on the night.

Nwaneri also won six of his nine ground duels and also chipped in with one clearan⛄ce and one tackle.

During the match, he produced a great turn on the edge of the box, but didn’t g🍨et his shot away quickly enough.

However, it’s worth remembering that Nwaneri suffered cramp against West Ham and ini🐈tially appeared to be a doubt for the Forest gam﷽e.

Arteta was per🌼haps eager not to over-exert him on the night, even though Arsenal’s next game is not until 4 March – the Champions League trip to PSV Eindhoven.