Paul Merson says Gabriel Martinelli getting caught offside thus denying Arsenal a much-needed victory against Fulham was “criminal”.
The Gunners could only muster a 1-1 draw at Craven Cottage on Sunday afternoon, a result that sees them close the gap on Premier League leaders Liverpool to six points.
Although, the result is more of a positive for the Reds as they now have a game in hand after their Merseyside derby clash against Everton on Saturday was called off due to the impact of Storm Darragh.
Falling behind after 10 minutes when Raul Jimenez sprung the offside trap to finish with aplomb, Arsenal improved after the break and after equalising through William Saliba - thanks to yet another set-piece routine - pushed for a winner.
In fairness, they did have the ball in the back of the net in the closing stages as Bukayo Saka headed home at the back post to spark wild celebrations from the travelling Gunners supporters.
However, VAR spotted that Martinelli, who supplied the cross, was just offside in the build-up and therefore the goal was disallowed and the visitors had to settle for a point.
Saka puts the ball in the back of the net but Arsenal's celebrations are cut short after a VAR check shows Martinelli was offside! ❌ pic.twitter.com/fZUSp3UAHu
— Sky Sports Premier League (@SkySportsPL) December 8, 2024
It remains to be seen how costly this draw is to Arsenal’s Premier League title hopes, but Merson has not held back in his criticism of the Brazil international, insisting a player with his pace getting caught offside was “criminal”
“In footballing terms its criminal what Martinelli has done, I can't express enough how in football terms you cannot be offside there,” Merson said on Sky Sports. You're looking along the line, you’ve got pace, he’s electric so he's not someone who needs to nick a yard and play right on the edge.
“He can give someone a yard or two. I'll be surprised if he isnt on the end of one in the dressing room when he gets in by the manager.
“He even knows you can see on his face after. You just cant be offside when youre looking along that line.”
