Arteta angry as Arsenal denied penalty in Forest stalemate

Mikel Arteta insisted that Arsenal were robbed of a "clear penalty" during their 0-0 stalemate away to Nottingham Forest on Saturday, while the Gunners pulled seven points ahead at the summit of the Premier League.

Nottingham Forest endured a VAR check in the final moments after the ball appeared to graze the arm of defender Ola Aina.

Arsenal are still strongly positioned to secure their first title in 22 years, yet they have not fully capitalised on Manchester City's struggles in 2026, having lost four points across their previous two league fixtures.

"Clearly frustrated since we aim for the victory," Arteta remarked.

"Not a single shot against us, we generated four major opportunities, plus there was an obvious penalty overlooked.

"Yes, he (Aina) initially touched it with his shoulder, yet he then moved his arm to retain the ball in play, making it a straightforward penalty."

Difficulties in generating chances and converting them have plagued Arteta's squad throughout the campaign, even with their commanding lead in the standings.

"We could have performed higher, though this issue affects every club across the division," the Spaniard continued.

"Improvement is essential, particularly with four significant chances created, those must be finished."

Nottingham Forest manager Sean Dyche offered a starkly contrasting opinion regarding the Aina moment.

"Football might as well end if that counts as a penalty," Dyche stated, with his team moving five points above the drop zone.