In the latest Arsenal news, Southampton’s opening goal against the Gunners at the Emirates Stadium stirred controversy, with Raheem Sterling seemingly fouled in the buildup.
The incident occurred during Sterling’s first Premier League start, and despite Arsenal dominating the first half with eight corners, they struggled to threaten Aaron Ramsdale in his return to the Emirates. The numerous changes made by manager Mikel Arteta, likely due to injuries, seemed to affect the team’s performance.
Jorginho, Raheem Sterling, and Gabriel Jesus all featured in the starting lineup as Arsenal coped with injuries to key players Ben White and Jurrien Timber. Kai Havertz and Declan Rice were deployed in midfield, while Mikel Merino, who made his debut against Paris Saint-Germain, was placed on the bench. Meanwhile, Thomas Partey was shifted to right-back, a position he had filled earlier in the previous season. Southampton capitalized on this reshuffle to score their unexpected goal.
The controversy arose when Raheem Sterling was dispossessed in midfield, and Southampton quickly launched an attack. Cameron Archer cut inside and curled a shot into the far corner, giving the visitors the lead. Arsenal players protested, believing Sterling had been fouled around 30 seconds before the goal, but the referee allowed the play to continue, and no foul was given. Southampton’s Mateus Fernandes had cleanly beaten Sterling before setting up Archer for the goal.
Despite the setback, Arsenal quickly responded. Kai Havertz equalized shortly after, thanks to a mistake by Southampton, which Bukayo Saka capitalized on before providing the assist for Havertz’s fifth goal of the season. The momentum shifted further in Arsenal’s favor when substitute Gabriel Martinelli scored, once again assisted by Saka, who was pivotal in both goals.
Though Arsenal may have been frustrated by conceding the controversial goal, they managed to turn the game around and were on course to secure three valuable points. The result highlighted Arsenal’s resilience and ability to overcome adversity, even when faced with contentious decisions on the pitch.
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