Gunners Frustrated: Denied penalty keeps Arsenal’s lead over Man City at 7 points

Coming into the match after a 3-2 win over Chelsea in the first leg of the Carabao Cup semi-finals, Mikel Arteta named a strong lineup, making just one change as Noni Madueke started in place of Bukayo Saka. Viktor Gyokeres led the line, with Gabriel Martinelli on the left and a midfield trio of Martin Zubimendi, Declan Rice and Martin Odegaard.

Arsenal dominated possession but struggled to break down Nottingham Forest or seriously test goalkeeper Matz Sels. They created several openings, yet their finishing let them down. The clearest chance of the first half came in the 28th minute, when Martinelli fired wide from around five metres out with the goal at his mercy.

The first half ended 0-0 and Arteta made attacking changes after the break in search of a breakthrough. However, the substitutions failed to change the flow of the game. Forest defended resolutely and, despite having some moments in transition, finished the match without registering a single shot on target.

The key moment of controversy arrived in the final 10 minutes. Arsenal appealed for a penalty after the ball appeared to strike Ola Aina’s arm inside the box. Following a VAR review, the referee decided no offence had been committed, sparking visible anger from the Arsenal bench and players.

The match ended 0-0, Arsenal’s first goalless draw since the 2012/13 season. Immediately after full-time, Arteta expressed his frustration, describing the incident as “a very clear penalty that has not been given”.

Speaking later in his press conference, the Arsenal manager elaborated on the decision. “They are right, it hits the shoulder and then he takes the ball with the hand,” Arteta said. “The explanation is not right, but the rest is OK. The order is OK, but the timing and intention of the player is very clear. If not, I wouldn’t be sitting here saying it’s, in my opinion, a very clear penalty.”

Despite dropping points, Arsenal remain top of the Premier League table with 50 points after 22 matches, seven points clear of Manchester City, having missed the opportunity to extend that gap to nine.

Arsenal’s attention now turns to Europe, with a Champions League clash against Inter Milan on 20 January, before returning to domestic action against Manchester United, who defeated Manchester City 2-0 earlier in the gameweek.