Mikel Arteta Reflects on “Disappointing” Draw at Forest

Mikel Arteta expressed frustration after Arsenal’s goalless draw at Nottingham Forest, insisting his side deserved a late penalty.

Arsenal’s frustration boiled over in their dominant but goalless draw against Nottingham Forest at the City Ground, Mikel Arteta called the result “disappointing” and insisted the referee denied his side a “very clear penalty” late in the match.

The stalemate prevented Arsenal from fully capitalising on Manchester City’s earlier defeat to Manchester United, missing a chance to extend their lead at the top of the table.

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Arsenal dictated the tempo for long spells and created several high-quality opportunities. Gabriel Martinelli missed an open goal, Declan Rice saw a close-range effort blocked, while Mikel Merino and Bukayo Saka both went close.

Defensively, Arsenal delivered a near-perfect display, restricting Forest to zero shots on target throughout the contest. However, Forest’s disciplined structure repeatedly disrupted Arsenal’s attacking rhythm and broke momentum at key moments.

Despite total control, the Gunners lacked the decisive touch needed to turn dominance into three points.

Arteta Furious Over Late Penalty Decision

The biggest flashpoint arrived in the 80th minute when a cross struck Nottingham Forest defender Ola Aina. Officials ruled the contact legal following a VAR review, with the Premier League Match Centre stating the ball hit Aina’s shoulder before touching his arm in a natural position.

“The order is OK, but the timing and intention of the play is very clear,” Arteta said. “It’s a very clear penalty. The explanation is not right.”

The Arsenal manager believed the decision denied his side a decisive opportunity to secure victory.

While critical of the officiating, Arteta also acknowledged shortcomings in Arsenal’s attacking play.

“We came here to win the game and we couldn’t,” he said. “Without conceding a single shot on target, not winning the game is disappointing. We have to do better in the final third.”

Arteta credited Forest for their organisation but stressed that Arsenal must become more clinical in tight matches if they want to sustain their title push.

Title Race Impact After City Ground Stalemate

The draw keeps Arsenal seven points clear at the top of the Premier League, although victory would have stretched that gap to nine. Arteta viewed the result pragmatically but made clear his ambition remains unchanged.

“It’s a step forward because we maintain the gap,” he added. “But we want to win every single game.”

For Nottingham Forest, the point proved valuable, lifting them further clear of the relegation zone following results elsewhere.

Both sides saw penalty appeals dismissed, with Forest also denied a spot-kick for a challenge involving Callum Hudson-Odoi. As Arsenal prepare for upcoming fixtures, Arteta will demand sharper finishing to ensure dominance translates into results.

In a title race defined by fine margins, nights like this may yet prove costly — even when control feels absolute.

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