Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta expressed his frustration with a Video Assistant Referee (VAR) decision after his team's 0-0 draw against Nottingham Forest on Saturday. The Gunners were denied a potential penalty in the second half when the ball appeared to hit the arm of Forest defender Ola Aina.

Arteta was adamant that the incident warranted a penalty, stating, "I saw it live, I saw it here and I saw it now again," and emphasized, "It's very unnecessary, but he brings the ball in with the hand, so it's a clear penalty". He also told BBC Radio 5 Live, "There is a clear penalty that has not been given. No, it is true he plays it with his shoulder, but then he brings the arm in to keep the ball inside the pitch, so it is a clear penalty".

The specific incident involved Aina attempting to prevent the ball from going out for a goal kick, during which the ball made contact with his arm. While the initial contact may have been with his shoulder, Arteta argued that Aina then used his arm to control the ball, thus constituting a handball. VAR reviewed the play but determined that a penalty should not be awarded, a decision that left Arteta and the Arsenal team "furious".

The draw against Nottingham Forest meant Arsenal failed to capitalize on Manchester City's earlier defeat, missing an opportunity to extend their lead in the Premier League. This result puts pressure on Arsenal to maintain consistency in their upcoming fixtures as rivals are encouraged to pursue the title chase. The goalless draw also highlighted a dip in Arsenal's attacking efficiency.

This isn't the first time Arsenal has been involved in VAR controversies. In a match against Everton in December, a penalty was wrongly denied to Everton. The Premier League's Key Match Incidents Panel later ruled that Arsenal should have conceded a penalty in that game.

Arteta's frustration reflects a wider debate about the consistency and interpretation of handball rules and VAR's involvement in key match moments.