Arsenal thought they were going to get a penalty at Nottingham Forest but, despite VAR having a look at that, their protests fell on deaf ears at the City Ground.
The Premier League match centre has explained why Arsenal weren’t awarded a penalty during their clash against Nottingham Forest. A looping cross into the Forest penalty area struck the arm of Ola Aina, when it appeared to be going out for a corner.
The leaders had a perfect opportunity to extend their lead at the top of the table. Manchester City’s away defeat to Manchester United meant Arsenal could extend the gap between them and the Blues to nine points.
However, despite VAR having a look at the incident, Mikel Arteta’s side did not get a penalty. Shortly after the call, the Premier League match centre explained why a spot-kick was not given.
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They said: “NFOARS – 80′ The referee’s call of no penalty to Arsenal was checked and confirmed by VAR – with it deemed that the ball was played off Aina’s shoulder first, while his arm was also in a natural position.”
Arsenal weren’t able to break the deadlock at the City Ground as Sean Dyche’s side held on for a 0-0 draw. Aside from a huge miss from Gabriel Martinelli in the first half, the Gunners simply could not break the home side down.
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As frustrating as the result is for Arsenal, it’s a vital point for Forest. The pressure was on them after 18th-placed West Ham United overcame Tottenham Hotspur in dramatic fashion to move within three points of Dyche’s men.
The fact that Forest drew with the league leaders means there is still a sizeable gap between them and Nuno Espirito Santo’s team. The Reds are in Europa League action at Braga next, before travelling to Brentford in the Premier League next Sunday.
Arsenal, meanwhile, now sit seven points clear of second-placed Aston Villa as they chase a first league title since 2004. However, that gap will be cut to four points if Unai Emery’s side win at home to Everton on Sunday afternoon (4.30pm).
Speaking on TNT Sports after Saturday’s stalemate in the East Midlands, former Arsenal and Villa defender Martin Keown said: “You could say it’s been a good day for Aston Villa. But it’s a point more than Manchester City got.
“It’s twice now Arsenal have had opportunities to stretch their lead at the top, but they won’t panic. Forest were fighting for their lives, this was more like the Forest team we saw last season.
“But there were definitely opportunities for Arsenal to win this game.”
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Sky has slashed the price of its Essential TV and Sky Sports bundle ahead of the 2025/26 season, saving members £336 and offering more than 1,400 live matches across the Premier League, EFL and more.
Sky will show at least 215 live Premier League games next season, an increase of up to 100 more.
