Arsenal denied penalty following missed opportunity to open up nine-point lead over Man City

Mikel Arteta made only one changes to his starting lineup, with Bukayo Saka named on the bench and Noni Madueke starting on the right. Arsenal dominated possession but struggled for cutting edge, with efforts repeatedly missing the target. The clearest chance of the first half fell to Gabriel Martinelli in the 28th minute, but the Brazilian poked his effort wide from close range inside the six-yard box.

Arteta introduced more attacking options after the break, bringing on Saka, Gabriel Jesus and Eberechi Eze in search of a breakthrough. Despite increased pressure, Arsenal were unable to break down a disciplined Forest side, who focused on preserving the scoreline.

Controversy arrived late on when Arsenal appealed for a penalty with 10 minutes remaining, claiming the ball struck Ola Aina’s arm inside the box. After a VAR check, the referee ruled that no offence had occurred, much to the frustration of the visitors.

The match ended 0-0, marking Arsenal’s first goalless draw since the 2012/13 season. The result leaves them top of the Premier League table with 50 points from 22 matches, seven points clear of Manchester City rather than the nine-point cushion they could have secured.

Arteta did not hide his disappointment after full-time. “We came here to win the game, that’s clear, and we needed to take the opportunities that we had,” he said. “We haven’t managed that, so the word is disappointment.

“We haven’t conceded anything, any single shot again, and generated four massive chances - with Martinelli with an open goal, with Declan Rice, Merino, and Bukayo Saka’s header with an unbelievable save - and on top of that, a very clear penalty that has not been given.”

“So after that, it’s pretty difficult for us because it’s a team that is very well organised and very difficult to generate momentum throughout the game. It’s disappointing.”

Noni Madueke echoed his manager’s feelings. “It’s disappointing to draw, for sure,” he said. “We wanted to win the game and didn’t achieve that. It’s a point away from home and we regroup. There’s a long way to go and we know we’ve been very consistent, and we’ll continue to be.”

Arsenal now turn their attention to Europe, facing Inter Milan in the Champions League on Tuesday, 20 January (GMT). They sit top of their group with a perfect record of six wins from six. The Gunners then return to the Emirates Stadium to host Michael Carrick’s Manchester United on 25 January.