Arsenal thought they would be awarded a penalty against Nottingham Forest but their protests fell on deaf ears at the City Ground, despite VAR considering it.
Arsenal thought they would be awarded a penalty against Nottingham Forest (Image: TNT Sports)
The Premier League Match Center has explained why Arsenal were not awarded a penalty against Nottingham Forest. A looping cross into Forest’s penalty area hit the arm of Ola Aina, who appeared to be aiming for a corner kick.
The leading team had a great chance to extend their lead over the leaders. Manchester City’s away defeat to Manchester United means Arsenal could widen their lead on the Blues to nine points.
However, Mikel Arteta’s side were not awarded a penalty despite the incident being reviewed by VAR. Immediately after the call, the Premier League match center explained why the spot kick had not been awarded.
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“NFOARS – 80′ The referee’s no-penalty call against Arsenal was confirmed by VAR, which deemed that the ball was initially played off Aina’s shoulder and that his arm was also in a natural position.”
Arsenal were unable to break the deadlock at the City Ground, with Sean Dyche’s side holding out a 0-0 draw. Barring a fiasco from Gabriel Martinelli in the first half, the Gunners were unable to break down the hosts.
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It’s a disappointing result for Arsenal, but it’s an important point for Forest. The pressure was on for 18th-placed West Ham United after they beat Tottenham Hotspur in dramatic fashion to move within three points of Dyche’s side.
The fact that Forest are tied at the top of the league means there is still a big gap between them and Nuno Espirito Santo’s side. The Reds next play in the Europa League at Braga before traveling to Premier League side Brentford on Sunday.
Meanwhile, Arsenal are currently aiming for their first league title since 2004, with a seven-point gap over second-placed Aston Villa. However, if Unai Emery’s side beat Everton at home on Sunday afternoon (4.30pm), the gap could be reduced to four points.
Mats Sells kept Arsenal at bay on Saturday. (Image: Shaun Botterill, Getty Images)
Speaking on TNT Sport after Saturday’s stalemate in the East Midlands, former Arsenal and Villa defender Martin Keown said: “You could say it was a good day for Aston Villa, but it’s more than just the points Manchester City got.”
“This is the second time Arsenal have had a chance to extend their lead at the top, but we shouldn’t panic. Forest were fighting for their lives. This was similar to the Forest team we saw last season.”
“But Arsenal definitely had a chance to win this game.”
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