Arsenal thought they were going to get a penalty at Nottingham Forest, but despite VAR having a look at their call, their protests fell on deaf ears
Arsenal handball VAR explanation against Nottingham Forest
Arsenal thought they were going to get a penalty against Nottingham Forest(Image: TNT Sports)
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The Premier League match centre has explained why Arsenal did not get a penalty in their away 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 league leaders had the 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 Cityzens to nine points.
However, despite VAR having a look at the incident, Mikel Arteta's side did not get a penalty. Soon after the incident, the Premier League match centre explained why a spot-kick was not given.
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 were not 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.
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 Forest responded with a draw against the league leaders means there is still a sizeable gap between them and Nuno Espirito Santo's side.