Ask Onix
Arsenal miss chance to extend Premier League lead
Arsenal failed to capitalize on Manchester City's defeat, settling for a 0-0 draw at Nottingham Forest on Saturday. The result leaves Mikel Arteta's side seven points clear at the top of the Premier League but raises questions about their finishing in front of goal.
Penalty controversy mars match
The most contentious moment came in the 80th minute when Arsenal appealed for a penalty after a handball by Forest defender Ola Aina. The ball struck Aina's arm after deflecting off his shoulder during a scramble in the box, with Gabriel Jesus and Elliot Anderson involved in the challenge.
Referee Michael Oliver and VAR official Darren England ruled no foul, with the Premier League Match Centre stating Aina's arm was in a "natural position" and the ball first hit his shoulder. Arteta disagreed, calling it a "clear penalty" and questioning why it wasn't awarded.
"I've just seen the replays-it's a clear intention to clear the ball inside and it's a clear penalty. I don't understand why it's not been given."
Mikel Arteta, Arsenal manager
Forest manager Sean Dyche dismissed the claim, arguing such decisions risk "canceling football" and suggesting officials should focus on players feigning injury instead. Retired assistant referee Darren Cann sided with the officials, calling Aina's arm position "justifiable."
Pundits divided over handball call
Former players weighed in on the decision. Ex-Chelsea winger Pat Nevin told BBC Radio 5 Live he believed Aina's arm "moved toward the ball," while ex-Liverpool midfielder Steven Gerrard called awarding a penalty "soft."
The Premier League has awarded 15 handball penalties this season-fewer than any other top-five European league. Only six were given via VAR, with all involving arms clearly away from the body or deliberate movements.
Arsenal's title hopes under scrutiny
Arsenal's draw extends their winless streak to two league matches after a 0-0 result against Liverpool last week-their first back-to-back stalemates in 14 years. With Manchester City and Aston Villa trailing by seven points, former Arsenal defender Martin Keown urged the team to find "that extra something" to secure their first title in two decades.
"If you want to be champions, you have to do something special. If Arsenal were more clinical, there are three points there."
Martin Keown, former Arsenal defender
Arteta acknowledged his side's wastefulness, noting they created four clear chances but failed to convert. Joint-top scorers Viktor Gyokeres and Leandro Trossard have only five league goals each this season.
"We have to improve. When you create four big chances, you have to put them away."
Mikel Arteta
What's next for Arsenal?
Arsenal remain top of the table ahead of Sunday's fixtures, with Aston Villa hosting Everton. Arteta's side will look to bounce back in their next league outing, aiming to tighten their grip on the title race.
