The Gunners maintained their place in the top three of the Premier League standings with a crucial victory at the Emirates over the weekend. It wasn’t a straightforward win, however, as Cameron Archer opened the scoring to give Southampton a lead early in the second half.
Kai Havertz responded with an equaliser just minutes later, before Gabriel Martinelli and Bukayo Saka scored a further two to put the result beyond doubt. It was the perfect response from Mikel Arteta’s side after initially being dealt a hammer blow shortly after the break.
It was a comfortable scoreline in the end for Arsenal, but Keys is adamant Martinelli’s strike on 68 minutes should have been disallowed for offside. Saka’s delightful cross into the box was met by the 23-year-old at the back post, and he was able to squeeze an effort beyond Aaron Ramsdale.
The goal was closely examined by VAR, but Martinelli was deemed to be in an onside position, and it ultimately stood. Midfielder Mikel Merino was evidently offside, but officials believe he wasn’t interfering with play, which is something Keys strongly disagrees with.
The presenter wrote on his blog:
"Arsenal’s second should’ve been disallowed. Merino is off-side and clearly affecting play as he goes to head the ball. It’s baffling as to how that was given."
Kai Havertz celebrates a goal against PSG in the Champions League
Arsenal fans were left sweating over the fitness of forward Havertz over the weekend following confirmation he had withdrawn from international duty. The 25-year-old was set to join up with Germany this week for their Nations League games against Bosnia and Herzegovina and the Netherlands.
The German FA confirmed via a social media post on platform X that Havertz has withdrawn from the upcoming camp with a knee injury and will remain with his club. Mainz forward Jonathan Burkard has been called up in his place.
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