Arteta Critiques VAR Decision After Arsenal’s Stalemate with Nottingham Forest

Mikel Arteta has asserted that Arsenal was unfairly denied a “very clear penalty” during their 0-0 draw against Nottingham Forest on Saturday.

The Gunners missed a chance to extend their lead at the top of the Premier League to nine points, following Manchester City’s earlier defeat to Manchester United. Instead, Arsenal concluded the day with a seven-point advantage over City after a match at the City Ground where they maintained control of the ball for significant portions.

Gabriel Martinelli squandered a prime opportunity shortly after Declan Rice’s effort was thwarted by Nikola Milenkovic midway through the first half.

Substitutes Mikel Merino and Bukayo Saka both came close to scoring; however, Arteta’s frustration stemmed from an 80th-minute incident where Forest defender Ola Aina escaped a VAR review for a potential handball.

“We came here to win the game, and we haven’t managed to do that for various reasons,” Arteta stated. “It’s commendable to them as they are well-organized and adept at disrupting momentum when we dominate.

“We created four significant chances, including an open goal for Martinelli and a tap-in for Declan Rice. Additionally, we had a clear penalty that was not called. To not win the game despite not conceding a single shot on target is disappointing. I believe we can improve, particularly in certain attacking areas.”

The Premier League’s Match Centre indicated that Aina’s arm was in a natural position after the ball struck his shoulder first. In response, Arteta commented, “They are correct that the ball hit the shoulder first, but he then handles it. The explanation provided is not entirely accurate. While the order is correct, the timing and intention of the play are clear. If that were not the case, I wouldn’t be here, and in my view, it is a clear penalty.”

Reflecting on the missed opportunity to extend their lead to nine points, Arteta remarked, “Every week presents an opportunity. We aim to win every match, and had we achieved that today, our position would be different. We took a step, albeit a smaller one than we desired, but nonetheless, it is a step.”