Arsenal were humbled by Nottingham Forest but VAR may have spared them by ruling out Kieran Dowell's penalty: Sportsmail experts have their say

• e-mail

Arsenal crashed out of the FA Cup third round for the first time in Arsene Wenger's long history at the club and Nottingham Forest can claim to be deserved winners after a special performance.

But their 4-2 victory was not without controversy, with Kieran Dowell appearing to touch the ball twice in scoring the home side's second penalty and killing off Arsenal's chances of a comeback.

Sportsmail's team of experts, including former Premier League referee Graham Poll, have their say on an incident which could well have turned the result on its head. 

Kieran Dowell appeared to kick the ball twice as he converted Nottingham Forest's penalty

Jon Moss consults with his assistant on the fourth goal before deciding to award it

Graham Poll

It looked like Nottingham Forest’s Kieran Dowell kicked that penalty against his standing foot. If the video assistant referee technology had been available — it will be introduced in the Cup for Monday's game between Brighton and Crystal Palace — and the video assistant saw enough evidence to be convinced that Dowell did kick the ball twice, then the goal would have been disallowed and an indirect free-kick awarded to Arsenal.

David Ospina appeals to the linesman after claiming Dowell kicked the ball twice to score

Michael Owen

Definitely a double touch. The goal should have been disallowed. The video assistant referee can not come soon enough.

Martin Keown

If you look at the trajectory of the ball it has to be two touches. If the referee says he doesn’t know and didn’t see that, then he must know that the ball doesn’t elevate like that. It lifts in an unnatural way. If the video ref was watching and didn’t know then the goal would have to be given.

Chris Sutton

I did the same in the 2005 Scottish Cup final. Right foot on to left foot but I missed. I slipped, similar thing. It didn’t matter anyway. Of course it would have been contentious had the game been level. But the video referee will solve everything.

Mertesacker appeals to Jonathan Moss to rule out Nottingham Forest's second penalty