Ola Aina handled the ball — Mikel Arteta blames incident involving Super Eagles star for Forest Draw

Arsenal boss Mikel Arteta lamented the penalty decision that his team failed to get in a draw against Nottingham Forest, insisting that the handball involving Ola Aina should have seen his team awarded a penalty.

As Pulse Sports reported, Arsenal’s charge toward the Premier League title hit a brick wall as Nottingham Forest produced a defensive masterclass to hold the league leaders to a 0-0 draw at the City Ground.

Arsenal entered the clash with a golden opportunity to extend their lead at the summit to nine points following Manchester City’s defeat in the derby earlier in the day. However, they lacked their usual clinical edge.

The Gunners missed several chances in a game in which they were utterly dominant. Also, they had a strong penalty shout, which Arteta argues should have definitely been given in favour of his team.

"Obviously disappointed because we want the points. We haven't conceded a single shot; we created four big chance,” he said, per the BBC. 

“On top of that, there is a clear penalty that has not been given. No, it is true he [Ola Aina] 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."

Liverpool’s legendary midfielder, Steven Gerrard, covered the game for TNT Sport, and he agreed with the decision of the officials not to award a penalty.

“It'll split opinion, this one. I think his body action is natural,” he said. “I don't think it's a really clear and obvious mistake from the referee. I think it would have been a little unfair on Forest. If the focus is just on that penalty decision, then you're clutching at straws.”