Arsenal boss Mikel Arteta expressed frustration after his team missed out on a clear penalty call against Nottingham Forest, which would have potentially put them nine points clear at the top of the Premier League.
Arteta was adamant that Ola Aina's alleged handball in the 82nd minute should have been awarded as a penalty, but the video assistant referee deemed it not to be. "They are right that it hits the shoulder," Arteta said, "but then he takes the ball with a hand. So their explanation is not right."
The Arsenal manager felt that the timing and intention of Aina's action were clear indicators of a penalty being awarded. However, the decision was upheld by the VAR system, allowing Forest to hold on for a goalless draw.
This outcome marked only the third time Arsenal have failed to score in two successive league games since 2022/23, with Forest being the second opponents each time. The game also saw Arsenal dominate possession and create several scoring opportunities, but ultimately lacked composure in front of goal.
Despite the missed opportunity, Arteta remained optimistic, acknowledging that every week is an opportunity for his team to win. "We want to win every game," he said. "But we made a smaller step, not the one that we wanted, but it's a step."
Forest manager Sean Dyche was pleased with his team's performance, which was reminiscent of their form last season. He praised the efforts of his players, who were able to rally in the second half and cause problems for Arsenal.
The result marked a significant improvement in Forest's fortunes, as they look to move away from relegation danger. Their next win could be crucial in determining their fate at the bottom of the table.
Meanwhile, Arteta will be reflecting on what could have been, and how his team can improve in front of goal. The draw may not have been the result he desired, but it was a valuable learning experience for his team.
Arteta was adamant that Ola Aina's alleged handball in the 82nd minute should have been awarded as a penalty, but the video assistant referee deemed it not to be. "They are right that it hits the shoulder," Arteta said, "but then he takes the ball with a hand. So their explanation is not right."
The Arsenal manager felt that the timing and intention of Aina's action were clear indicators of a penalty being awarded. However, the decision was upheld by the VAR system, allowing Forest to hold on for a goalless draw.
This outcome marked only the third time Arsenal have failed to score in two successive league games since 2022/23, with Forest being the second opponents each time. The game also saw Arsenal dominate possession and create several scoring opportunities, but ultimately lacked composure in front of goal.
Despite the missed opportunity, Arteta remained optimistic, acknowledging that every week is an opportunity for his team to win. "We want to win every game," he said. "But we made a smaller step, not the one that we wanted, but it's a step."
Forest manager Sean Dyche was pleased with his team's performance, which was reminiscent of their form last season. He praised the efforts of his players, who were able to rally in the second half and cause problems for Arsenal.
The result marked a significant improvement in Forest's fortunes, as they look to move away from relegation danger. Their next win could be crucial in determining their fate at the bottom of the table.
Meanwhile, Arteta will be reflecting on what could have been, and how his team can improve in front of goal. The draw may not have been the result he desired, but it was a valuable learning experience for his team.
Ah man, I feel ya Mikel Arteta! That was such a close call with that penalty! 
You can't blame Ola Aina's arm being in the way of the ball, but at the same time, it was kinda awkward how he took the ball after it hit his shoulder. VAR made the right call, I guess, but still... 
Arsenal's been so dominant this season and to come up just short like that is frustrating.
Forest needed that boost and they definitely showed some fight. 
It's not all doom and gloom for Arteta's boys, though - they'll bounce back from this. After all, it's just 2 games without a goal... we've all been there, right? 
. I'm all for innovation, but sometimes the simplest solution just works better.
. Arteta's team will have to regroup and focus on finding that composure in front of goal.
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. I mean, Ola Aina's handball looked like a no-brainer penalty to me too 
. Arteta's frustration is totally justified. It's like the VAR system just can't make up its mind sometimes 
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. Sean Dyche's team has been playing some solid football and it's great to see them moving away from relegation danger 
️. Maybe we'll see an interesting playoff battle at the end of the season? 
. They did dominate possession and created scoring opportunities, so it's just a shame they couldn't finish them off 
. Maybe they'll learn from this and get some of those chances in next time? 
like, i dont get why the VAR system cant just be 100% accurate lol. Arteta is totally right that ola aina's handball in the 82nd minute shouldve been a pen. it was so clear! 
. maybe arteta needs to work on their composure in front of goal tho 
Arteta makes a point about the timing and intention of the action, but what does the VAR system actually look for? 
It's like they're playing a different game than everyone else. 
. The fact that they dominated possession and created scoring opportunities but still couldn't score is just frustrating 
. One thing's for sure, Arsenal needs to step up their composure in front of goal if they wanna make a serious push for the title 
. Forest, on the other hand, showed some grit and resilience 
. All in all, it's an interesting lesson for Arsenal to take away from this game 
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, that clear pen call just slipped through his fingers 
. It's like, you know when you're gonna score and it just doesn't happen 
. Forest's win is still a big deal for them, tho 
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. Still, gotta give Forest credit for their composure in the second half - they really stepped up and made it tough for Arsenal to score.
arteta's gotta take the positives tho, his team did dominate posession and create chances so it wasn't all bad. but yeah, it's frustrating when you're close to beating someone and it slips away. u think forest are gonna stay up or is this just a one-off win for them?