BREAKING: Premier League release statement on Bukayo Saka disallowed goal for Arsenal at Fulham.
BREAKING: Premier League release statement on Bukayo Saka disallowed goal for Arsenal at Fulham.
Premier League release statement on Bukayo Saka disallowed goal for Arsenal at Fulham
The Premier League has issued a statement regarding Bukayo Saka’s disallowed goal against Fulham on Sunday afternoon
The Premier League’s Match Centre has clarified the officiating decisions surrounding William Saliba’s equaliser and Bukayo Saka’s disallowed late goal in Arsenal’s 1-1 draw with Fulham on Sunday.
Saliba’s goal came early in the second half, with the French defender tapping in Kai Havertz’s header from close range. Initially, there were concerns the goal might be ruled out for offside, with Fulham players appealing to the officials.
However, VAR revealed that Fulham’s Antonee Robinson had played Saliba onside by the slimmest of margins. “The referee’s call of goal was checked and confirmed by the VAR as Saliba was in an onside position,” read a Premier League statement on the decision.
Late in the game, Arsenal believed they had secured a dramatic winner when Bukayo Saka headed in a cross from Gabriel Martinelli. However, VAR intervened, determining that Martinelli had strayed offside in the buildup.
“Saka’s goal was initially awarded on-field. VAR checked and determined that Martinelli was in an offside position in the build-up and recommended that the goal be disallowed,” the league confirmed.
The match started with Fulham taking the lead through Raul Jimenez’s early strike. Saliba’s equalizer ensured Arsenal avoided defeat, but Mikel Arteta’s men failed to find a winner despite dominating possession.
The draw leaves Arsenal six points behind Premier League leaders Liverpool, who did not play over the weekend due to the postponement of their match against Everton. Liverpool retain a game in hand, while Chelsea overtook Arsenal in the standings with a victory over Tottenham later on Sunday.
Defending champions Manchester City, meanwhile, remain two points behind Arsenal after a 2-2 draw with Crystal Palace on Saturday. City manager Pep Guardiola acknowledged the challenges facing his team this season.
“This season started difficult and will be more difficult than last season,” Guardiola said. “We have to survive this season, take points wherever we can, and go forward. Unfortunately, we are also missing important players.”
