By Gabriel Agbonlahor

13th Apr, 2022 | 8:00am

Gabriel Martinelli: Arsenal cheated by 'crazy' controversy as footage emerges - pundit

The decision to disallow Gabriel Martinelli’s goal for offside as Arsenal lost 2-1 to Brighton & Hove Albion on Saturday (9 April) was “crazy”, according to Gabby Agbonlahor.

Speaking exclusively to Football Insider, the ex-Aston Villa and England attacker insisted Arsenal should not have to rely on a VAR decision to beat the likes of Brighton.

Martinelli, 20, thought he had scored with his side trailing 1-0 at the end of the first half when he nodded in from a yard out following a corner.

As shown on the BBC’s Match of the Day programme, after a VAR review that took over three-and-a-half minutes the goal was ruled out.

It was claimed Martinelli was offside when Gabriel headed the ball back across the goal.

As quoted by football.london after the game, Mikel Arteta claimed it took too long for the decision to be made.

“It was a crazy decision,” Agbonlahor said after analysing the footage with Football Insider correspondent Connor Whitley.

“But nothing surprises me now, it’s one a week. Arsenal, unfortunately, are on the wrong end of it this week.

“Arsenal, though, should be beating Brighton. They shouldn’t have to rely on a VAR decision. They’ve spent enough money on their team to beat Brighton comfortably.”

Arsenal have now lost their last two Premier League games and have dropped out of the top-four, three points behind Tottenham with a game in hand.

They are next in action against Southampton on Saturday (16 April) and still have Spurs to play away from home.

In other news, Arsenal are lining up a bid for a 23-year-old who’s wowed Pep Guardiola and his club are willing to sell.