Premier League explains why Arsenal was not awarded a penalty, missing chance to extend lead over Man City; two coaches divided (video).
On 18 Jan 2026 GMT+7, the English Premier League clarified a controversial moment from last night's match where league leaders Arsenal could only manage a 0-0 draw away to Nottingham Forest, unfortunately missing the opportunity to extend their points lead over second-placed Manchester City.
The incident occurred in the 80th minute when Ola Aina, right-back for Nottingham Forest, tried to intercept the ball ahead of Arsenal striker Gabriel Jesus. Slow-motion footage showed the ball struck Aina's arm before going out for a throw-in, but Arsenal was not awarded a penalty, only a corner kick.
As a result, Arsenal finished the game with just one point, bringing their total to 50, missing the chance to pull further away from Manchester City, who lost 0-2 to Manchester United, leaving the gap at seven points.
The Premier League explained the reason Arsenal was not awarded a penalty: "The referee's decision to deny Arsenal a penalty was reviewed and confirmed by VAR, which determined the ball first hit Aina's shoulder, and his arm was in a natural position."
After the match, Arsenal coach Mikel Arteta expressed dissatisfaction about the decision, saying, "I reviewed the slow-motion footage and believe it was a clear deliberate clearance in the penalty area, which should be a clear penalty. I do not understand why a penalty was not given."
Meanwhile, Nottingham Forest manager Sean Dyche countered Arteta's view, stating, "I think if we start awarding penalties like this, we should all stop watching football. I find it ridiculous; we need to be careful about this."
"If you give penalties like that, you might as well cancel football altogether. The rules must be strict. You know what they should be looking for—the players who dive or fake injury. That is the new form of simulation. I'm not worried about handballs; if you start giving penalties for that, just cancel football."