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Southampton boss Russell Martin labelled VAR as a “big problem” for the Premier League as his side was denied a potential match-winning goal against Brighton on Friday night.  

Saints’ striker Cameron Archer looked to have put the visitors 2-1 up, only for the goal to be disallowed when team-mate Adam Armstrong was deemed to be offside.  

The controversial decision took longer than four minutes to be confirmed by VAR. 

Armstrong was adjudged to have impacted Brighton keeper Bart Verbruggen’s ability to play the ball, whilst in an offside position.  

“My problem is that the on-field decision carries weight,” said Martin. 

“I understand why they would give it in the heat of the moment but that is why VAR is there.”  

“When we have to wait on the side of the pitch for so long and the decision is still, in my opinion, that the goalkeeper has been affected when he’s not, that’s a problem.”  

“You either have VAR to correct problems or not, and when it’s a goal it’s a big problem.”  

Southampton were denied their first league win of the season, being forced to settle for a 1-1 draw at the Amex stadium.  

The away side fought back well after Brighton took the lead through Karou Mitoma’s headed opener in the 29th minute. 

Midfielder Flynn Downes equalised in the 59th minute, smashing home after a moment of pinball in the box.  

Downes was maybe lucky to still be on the pitch after making several bad challenges but escaped a second booking after pulling down Joao Pedro, which angered the Brighton dugout.  

Brighton head coach Fabian Hurzeler was booked, as he was incensed at some of Referee Rob Jones’s decisions.  

Hurzeler and Martin had several intense exchanges during the match and squared up to each other after the final whistle.  

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Both managers accused each other of a lack of respect. 

“You have to ask him, I think it’s important to respect each other,” said Hurzeler after the game. 

“I’ve never known a manager try to get as many players booked as that. Respect is reciprocal, it’s mutual,” said Martin, unimpressed with his opposite number’s behavior on the touchline.  

The Seagulls were the better side in the first half and should have been further ahead at the break. However, the second half was weaker as the intensity faded.  

Hurzeler said: “In the first half, we had enough chances to win the game, but we didn’t take them, and then we were not stable enough to defend and prevent the goal.” 

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A draw moves Brighton up to second spot in the Premier League table, the highest the Sussex side have ever been after more than three matches played, but Hurzeler said that the position doesn’t bother him. 

“We should focus more on the performances and today was not our best performance, this cannot be our identity, this cannot be our style of play.” 

“We have to apologize for the second half,” said Hurzeler.  

Brighton travel to Fulham next, whereas Southampton host Chelsea.  

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