With the second-string midfielder Mikel Merino again obliged to deputise up front in the absence of Kai Havertz, Bukayo Saka, Gabriel Jesus and Gabriel Martinelli, Arsenal lacked the necessary killer instinct as Forest returned to their resolute and robust role as the great underdogs in this challenge for a first return to Europe’s premier competition since 1980.
First Merino, Arsenal’s saviour in the East Midlands with the two goals that did for Leicester City 11 days earlier, found freedom at the back post to head Declan Rice’s delivery goalwards, Sels parrying superbly at point-blank range; then Tierney wormed his way in at the near post to thud his effort just wide.
Arsenal thought they had broken through eight minutes from time when Martin Ødegaard was released inside the area by Leandro Trossard and not once but twice had his efforts cleared from off or near the line.
They had scarce goalscoring opportunities in the first half, however, and were grateful at the other end for Murillo’s deft covering when Ethan Nwaneri turned adroitly on to Calafiori’s short pass into the area and threatened to break in on goal.
With the greater security of Jorginho patrolling in front of Arsenal’s defence and Gabriel Magalhães pulling out left when needed, Calafiori regularly roamed forward as in inverted left-back.
