Premier League Explains Bukayo Saka’s Disallowed Goal Against Fulham
The Premier League has released an official statement regarding Bukayo Saka’s disallowed goal, which denied Arsenal a late victory against Fulham at Craven Cottage. VAR ruled out the goal after flagging Gabriel Martinelli offside during the buildup, sparking frustration among Arsenal fans and intense debate.
In the statement, the Premier League explained:
“Following a detailed review by VAR, it was confirmed that Gabriel Martinelli was in an offside position when receiving the ball in the buildup.
According to the laws of the game, any active offside involvement in the attacking play nullifies the goal, regardless of subsequent actions. We acknowledge how close this call was and understand the disappointment it caused Arsenal supporters.”
Arsenal’s Response
Speaking after the match, Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta expressed his frustration with the decision but reaffirmed his support for VAR.
“It’s difficult when key decisions go against you, especially in crucial moments,” Arteta said. “VAR exists to ensure fairness, and while we may not always agree with the outcomes, we have to accept them.”
He also urged his team to stay focused despite the setback. “We dominated the game, created better chances, and fought until the final whistle. One decision doesn’t define our performance, though such moments can be decisive in the title race.”
Paul Merson’s Analysis
Former Arsenal player Paul Merson criticized Martinelli’s positioning, calling it a costly error. Speaking on Sky Sports, he remarked:
“Martinelli should have been more alert in that situation. Being offside in such a critical moment is a basic mistake. Arsenal could have secured the win, and these small lapses can be the difference in the Premier League.”
Fan Reactions and the Bigger Picture
Arsenal supporters expressed their anger on social media, questioning the consistency of VAR decisions. Many compared similar incidents in other matches that went unpunished, reigniting debates about the system’s reliability.
With the disallowed goal widening the gap between Arsenal and Liverpool in the title race, Arteta’s men must regroup quickly as they prepare for their upcoming Champions League clash against Monaco. The incident highlights how fine margins can shape the outcome of football matches.
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