Why Southampton goal vs Arsenal was allowed by VAR after Raheem Sterling incident

Latest Arsenal news with Southampton's opening goal being allowed at Emirates Stadium despite it seeming as though Raheem Sterling was fouled

Southampton's shock opening goal against Arsenal arrived in very controversial circumstances with Raheem Sterling at the centre of it on his first Premier League start.

The Gunners had dominated the whole first half, which included earning eight corners, but they failed to trouble Aaron Ramsdale on his return to Emirates Stadium with Mikel Arteta perhaps feeling the impact of making so many changes.

Gabriel Jesus, Raheem Sterling and Jorginho all came into the starting XI for the clash against the Saints with injuries still plaguing Ben White and Jurrien Timber. Kai Havertz and Declan Rice were the chosen No.8's with Mikel Merino named on the bench after making his bow earlier in the week against Paris Saint-Germain.

As a result of all the changes, Thomas Partey was deployed at right-back, like he was for the first weeks of the last campaign, with Southampton's shock goal coming down his side.

Raheem Sterling was dispossessed in the middle of the pitch before the visitors race forward with Cameron Archer cutting inside and bending an effort into the far corner. Plenty of Arsenal stars were of the belief a foul had been committed on Sterling, just 30 seconds or so before the goal, however nothing was given.

However, Mateus Fernandes simply outpowered Sterling before setting Archer away. Thankfully for Arsenal, Kai Havertz quickly levelled with Bukayo Saka pouncing on a mistake before squaring for Havertz to equalise and score his fifth goal of the season.

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Gabriel Martinelli, off the bench, then completely turned the game on its head as he put Arsenal into the lead with Saka again as provider. Though the Gunners will have been disappointed to concede, another three points looks to be heading in their direction.