Premier League: Update on Bukayo Saka's Disallowed Goal Against Fulham

The Premier League Match Centre has clarified the key decisions in Arsenal's 1-1 draw against Fulham, with William Saliba’s equaliser standing and Bukayo Saka’s last-gasp winner disallowed following VAR interventions.

Saliba's Equaliser: Margins Matter

Arsenal found themselves level early in the second half when William Saliba tapped home Kai Havertz's header from close range. The goal faced scrutiny for a potential offside, but VAR revealed that Fulham’s Antonee Robinson’s left boot played Saliba onside by the narrowest of margins.

The Premier League explained:

"The referee’s call of goal was checked and confirmed by the VAR as Saliba was in an onside position."

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Saka’s Disallowed Winner

Arsenal believed they had secured all three points late in the game when Bukayo Saka headed in a Gabriel Martinelli cross. However, VAR intervened again, ruling that Martinelli had strayed offside during the build-up.

"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," read a Premier League statement.

Paul Merson's Verdict

Former Arsenal midfielder Paul Merson expressed frustration over Martinelli's positioning.

"In football terms, it’s criminal. You’re looking across the line, you’ve got pace. The one thing when looking across the line is you cannot be offside."

Impact on the Premier League Table

Arsenal trailed at the break after a Raul Jimenez strike gave Fulham an unexpected lead. While Saliba’s goal salvaged a point, it wasn’t enough to close the gap on league leaders Liverpool, who are six points clear with a game in hand after their fixture against Everton was postponed.

Meanwhile, Chelsea leapfrogged Arsenal into second after a dramatic win over Tottenham, while Manchester City’s struggles continued with a 2-2 draw at Crystal Palace.

City boss Pep Guardiola acknowledged his team’s challenging campaign:

"This season started difficult and will be more difficult than last season. We have to survive this season, every game, try to take points, win games, and go forward."

Despite the draw, Arsenal remain ahead of City in the standings, keeping the Premier League title race wide open.

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