Arsenal get instant VAR verdict after Gabriel Martinelli incident vs Brighton

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Arsenal's Gabriel Martinelli was involved in a controversial moment against Brighton but VAR saw nothing wrong with the incident

Brighton were left fuming after being denied a penalty in their Premier League clash against Arsenal. The Seagulls put a ball into the box which saw Gabriel Martinelli collide awkwardly with Mats Wieffer, but shouts for a spot-kick were waved away with it confirmed that VAR were in agreement with the on-field decision.

The Premier League Match Centre on X wrote: "#BHAARS – 45+3’ The referee’s call of no penalty to Brighton & Hove Albion for the challenge by Martinelli on Wieffer was checked and confirmed by VAR – with it deemed there was no clear and obvious error."

Fabian Hurzeler was continually complaining to the fourth official throughout the first half with one moment including Mikel Arteta that saw the two exchange angry words.

Bukayo Saka had put the Gunners in front earlier in the half with Bart Vebruggen likely annoyed he was so easily beaten by his cross-shot after less than 10 minutes.

Chances were minimal in the opening period, but there was a controversial talking point surrounding Cristhian Mosquera.

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The Spaniard, replacing William Saliba in the starting XI, was booked just a few minutes into the clash and later committed several more fouls which drew further complaints from Brighton.

Ultimately, he remained on the pitch with Arteta also trusting him to keep his discipline by keeping him on for the second half. He was later withdrawn just after the hour-mark with Riccardo Calafiori introduced.

Yankuba Minteh came on for the hosts at half-time and made an immediate impact with Brighton dominating the early stages of the second period.

Georginio Rutter and Wieffer both forced David Raya into making saves with the former's effort seeing the goalkeeper go down clutching his shoulder.

He received treatment but was able to carry on with Arteta not wanting more major injury blows at the back after losing Saliba.

Ahead of kick-off, the Arsenal boss said: "He turned his ankle against Chelsea. He managed to finish the game somehow, but he was too sore to play today."

Kai Havertz was on the bench again after recently returning to the fold with Max Dowman also back in the squad after nearly three months out.

There was still no spot for Martin Odegaard however, with the Gunners captain still struggling to overcome a knee injury picked up against Brentford last month.