Southampton were denied a victory by a controversial VAR decision in their 1-1 draw against high-flying Brighton on Friday. After Flynn Downes had equalized Kaoru Mitoma’s opener for Brighton, Cameron Archer believed he had put the Saints 2-1 ahead. However, after a VAR review lasting more than four minutes, the decision was made to rule out the goal. Although Archer was deemed to be onside, Adam Armstrong was penalized for being offside, despite not touching the ball, as he was judged to have interfered with play. As a result, Southampton had to settle for their first away point of the season and remain at the bottom of the table, four points from safety.
A point lifted Brighton to second place, ahead of Manchester City on alphabetical order, as City prepared to face leaders Liverpool in the weekend’s top match on Sunday.
Brighton were left to regret not making more of their dominant first-half display. Georginio Rutter hit the post and fired another shot wide, while Kaoru Mitoma wasted a huge chance early on.
Brighton’s pressure finally paid off in the 30th minute when Mitoma stooped to head in Tariq Lamptey’s cross.
Southampton equalized 13 minutes into the second half, thanks to the impressive Tyler Dibling. The teenager’s square ball set up Adam Armstrong, whose shot was blocked. The loose ball then fell to Flynn Downes, who hammered it home from the edge of the area.
Eight minutes later, Dibling wriggled free from three Brighton players inside his own half and passed the ball to Fraser. Fraser’s low cross evaded Armstrong and was finished at the far post by Cameron Archer, only for the goal to be ruled out, much to the dismay of Southampton boss Russell Martin.
“I’m fed up talking about decisions,” said Martin. “We were told it affects Bart Verbruggen’s ability to play the ball, and if Adam’s run had moved Verbruggen from his position, I would understand the decision, but he hasn’t moved. I cannot see how it has affected the goalkeeper.”
The VAR delay led to 13 minutes of added time, and Brighton nearly snatched a victory at the death. Simon Adingra’s effort on the stretch flicked off the outside of the far post.
