Why Arsenal goal vs Everton ruled out as Neville confused by 'strange' VAR angle

Arsenal had a goal ruled out following a VAR review after Gabriel Martinelli ran through and slotted the ball past Everton goalkeeper Jordan Pickford

Arsenal star Gabriel Martinelli's opening goal against Everton at Goodison Park was ruled out by VAR. The Gunners thought they had taken a 1-0 lead in the 20th minute - but VAR deemed that Eddie Nketiah was in an offside position when he received the ball in the build-up to Martinelli's strike.

Speaking during the game, Neville said: "Well he’s [Nketiah] not offside. Everton aren’t going to get that decision their way.

"They’re a little bit high up and Martinelli punishes them. In the first 20 minutes of the match, Everton have just waited to get beaten and beaten they will be if they carry on like this. [That’s a] Thierry Henry [finish]!"

Following VAR's decision, Neville continued: "Well even I am a little confused, I thought he looked well behind the line there. Did they [VAR] not have a better camera angle than that?

"That one is a strange one for me. I thought it looked like it came off an Everton player.

"With so many cameras in the ground, I thought there would be a better angle than the one they just used for VAR. I know Erik ten Hag has complained about that in the past but that’s a very strange one, I’m not sure. Mykolenko to me looks like he’s behind Nketiah and there’s a little bit of guesswork on that blue line for me I think."

After the goal was ruled out, Martinelli had to be substituted with what appeared to be a muscle injury. The Brazilian winger headed straight down the tunnel after receiving treatment on the pitch - with Leandro Trossard replacing him in attack.

Arsenal have returned to the Champions League after a six year absence - and confidence is high