Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta revealed the extra minute chant from Nottingham Forest fans that need to be investigated

In a frustrating 0–0 Premier League draw at The City Ground on Saturday, Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta has called attention to a controversial chant from Nottingham Forest supporters  one he believes warrants investigation by the league’s governing authorities.

The Gunners traveled to Nottingham aiming to capitalise on Manchester City’s earlier defeat, with the potential to extend their lead at the top of the Premier League table to nine points. Instead, after dominating possession and creating the clearer opportunities, they left with just one point and questions over their attacking sharpness and the conduct of a section of the Forest support.

Forest fans trigger chants that rile Arteta

Before the match had even settled into rhythm, tensions flared on the terraces.

According to reports from inside the stadium, a portion of Nottingham Forest supporters directed a chant at the Arsenal players and coaching staff in the early stages of the game, repeating the line:

“Same old Arsenal, always cheating.”

The chant, which took some Arsenal players and Arteta himself by surprise, was in response to an early on‑field incident when Forest midfielder Nicolás Domínguez went down in the penalty area under pressure from Arsenal attackers. Forest fans interpreted the contact as simulation and immediately began to taunt the visitors.

After the match, Arteta confirmed in his post‑game press conference that he had heard the chant and stated that he would be bringing the matter to the attention of Premier League officials for further review.

“I think it’s something that shouldn’t be in the game, regardless of emotion,” Arteta told reporters. “In football, supporters are passionate, but chants implying wrongdoing  especially at a time when decisions are already under scrutiny with VAR create the wrong kind of atmosphere. It’s something we’ll raise with the league.”

Match action: Arsenal frustration on the pitch

The 90 minutes on the pitch mirrored Arsenal’s off‑pitch frustrations. Despite dominating large portions of possession and registering multiple scoring chances, the Gunners were unable to break down Forest’s organised defence.

Key moments included:

Gabriel Martinelli missing a close‑range chance early in the first half when Arsenal looked to build momentum.

Forest goalkeeper Matz Sels producing several top‑class saves, including a fingertip stop to deny Bukayo Saka’s effort.

A controversial handball incident involving Forest defender Ola Aina, which many Arsenal players and supporters believed should have resulted in a penalty, but VAR and the on‑field officials ruled otherwise after a lengthy check.

Arteta’s team  featuring a strong lineup with Martin Ødegaard, Declan Rice, Saka and Martinelli  created more than enough opportunities to win the game on paper. Yet the inability to convert those chances meant Forest could celebrate a well‑earned point.

Forest’s defensive resilience

While many eyes are on Arsenal’s attacking struggles, Nottingham Forest’s performance can’t be discounted.

Under Sean Dyche’s guidance, Forest showed disciplined structure and tenacity throughout the game. The hosts defended deep, managed set pieces calmly, and limited Arsenal’s best players to long‑range efforts rather than clear goalscoring chances.

Forest’s midfield, marshalled by the combative Nicolás Domínguez and the experienced Morgan Gibbs‑White, controlled large portions of the ball in central areas, frustrating Arsenal’s usually fluent passing game.

Fans inside The City Ground while at times vocal in their criticism of Arsenal  provided a raucous backing for their side which helped maintain defensive focus and commitment.

Arteta on the day: Refocusing after missed chances

After the final whistle, Arteta struck a measured tone. While disappointed with the result, he acknowledged that his side created the chances to win the game but failed to execute when it mattered.

“We had periods where we controlled the game, we created the opportunities, and yet we didn’t find the finish,” Arteta explained. “That’s the final piece we need if we’re going to stay at the top. We have to be ruthless in the box.”

He also hinted that the team must improve its mental resilience particularly away from home  if they are to sustain a genuine Premier League title challenge.

What’s next for both clubs

For Arsenal, this result, while not disastrous, represents a missed chance to fully capitalise on title rivals slipping up. The Gunners remain top of the table, but a seven‑point lead is smaller than it could have been given other results on Saturday.

Arteta and his staff will now turn attention to upcoming fixtures, both in the Premier League and in European competition, where Arsenal continue to push for glory in the Champions League.

Nottingham Forest, meanwhile, will take encouragement from grinding out a point against one of the division’s strongest sides. Sean Dyche’s men remain outside the relegation zone but will need to build consistency if they are to secure safety by the end of the season.

Chant controversy: A wider debate

The incident has sparked debate among supporters and pundits alike.

Some argue that passionate home atmospheres  including taunts and rivalry chants  are part of football’s tradition. Others contend that chants implying misconduct or targeting opposing teams’ integrity go beyond healthy rivalry and should be moderated by clubs and matchday stewards.

If the Premier League chooses to investigate, they will likely review broadcast footage, referee reports, and assessments from stewards at The City Ground to determine whether disciplinary action is necessary.

For now, the “Same old Arsenal” chant will be one of the talking points from a game that offered as much tension off the pitch as it did on it.