Arsenal stars Declan Rice and Gabriel in heated on-pitch exchange after Nottingham Forest stalemate sees Premier League title hopes slip away

Declan Rice and Gabriel were spotted in a fiery exchange after Arsenal’s slim title hopes slipped further away in a 0-0 draw with Nottingham Forest.

The Gunners are set to finish second fiddle in the title race for the third season in a row as they dropped to 13 points behind leaders Liverpool, who beat Newcastle 2-0 on Wednesday.

While Arsenal have endured a damaging injury crisis, Liverpool have no doubt been the better side and look set to secure a record-equalling 20th Premier League crown.

Mikel Arteta was again forced to deploy Mikel Merino as a central striker in the stalemate with Champions League chasing Forest at the City Ground. 

And frustrations appeared to spill over after the final whistle as Rice and Gabriel were involved in a heated exchange.

As the players made their way from the field, the two Gunners stars seemed to be discussing an action from the game, with Rice gesticulating furiously. 

Declan Rice and Gabriel were spotted in a heated exchange after Wednesday’s 0-0 draw

Rice was seen gesticulating angrily before the two parted amicably as they left the field

Arsenal were handed another bruising result in their failing title bid by Nottingham Forest

Gabriel appeared to take umbrage with what his team-mate had to say, responding with apparent disagreement, before they looked to simmer down and part amicably. 

The disappointment of a toothless draw, on the back of a woeful weekend performance at home to West Ham, is understandable, especially with the dawning realisation that the Gunners’ wait for an English crown is delayed another year. 

Mikel Arteta, however, remained positive after another bruising result but admitted there needs to be improvement in forward areas.  

‘[His side had] unquestionable character, how much wanted it and tried. We dominated the game,’ he told BBC Sport.

‘We tried in many different ways. We insisted but lacked that spark, that final pass to unlock a well organised team. We have to generate more shots on target.

‘Very different standard [to the West Ham defeat]. We defended with energy, purpose, fight, willingness to make things happen. It wasn’t because we lacked that. We tried until the end but weren’t able to do it.

‘It was same a week ago, two weeks ago, three months ago. The only thing we can do is win our matches and see how many points we get. It doesn’t feel good. We’re here to win.’

And forward Leandro Trossard echoed the sentiment, adding: ‘We played well today, we were dominant throughout the whole game today. But the goals happen in the box. We defended really well but up top we need to create more.

The Gunners were unable to break through the hosts’ defences and left the City Ground with just a point

Leandro Trossard echoed his boss’ sentiments and claimed his side needed to prove up front

‘The effort is there, but one moment it needs to click again and then the goals will come. It’s hard to find a solution but we just need to keep pushing. We know with the players who are out we need to find solutions. 

‘That’s up to everyone. I don’t think it’s about effort, today we played quite well. Hopefully it will click soon.

‘We are a good group. There’s no magic ingredient, we just need to keep going. You always have to believe but I don’t think we need to look ahead, we just need to keep thinking about the next game.’

The Gunners are next in action on Tuesday, when their Champions League campaign resumes. 

Arteta’s side will face Dutch giants PSV Eindhoven in the Last-16 away from home before taking on Manchester United next weekend in the Premier League.