RUSSELL MARTIN was left infuriated after Southampton was denied their second victory of the season due to yet another VAR controversy.

Saints were in high spirits when Cameron Archer appeared to score a 67th-minute winner, offering the club a crucial ray of hope.

Kaoru Mitoma opened the scoring for Brighton

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Kaoru Mitoma opened the scoring for BrightonCredit: Rex
Flynn Downes equalised with a thumping finish

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Flynn Downes equalised with a thumping finishCredit: Getty
Cameron Archer's goal was ruled out

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Cameron Archer’s goal was ruled outCredit: Getty
Archer was judged to be onside yet Adam Armstrong in the middle was offside and threw a trailing leg at the ball as it went behind it

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Archer was deemed onside, but Adam Armstrong was offside and interfered with play as the cross came in
Russell Martin tempers flared over the decision

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Russell Martin’s temper flared over the decisionCredit: Reuters

The excitement escalated when Flynn Downes equalized after Kaoru Mitoma opened the scoring for the flying Seagulls, who were eyeing a potential ascent to second place with a win or draw.

However, VAR continued to steal the spotlight from a Southampton side that seems to be heading towards relegation as Christmas approaches.

A lengthy VAR review by referee Jarred Gillett forced players to wait as extensive zooming and line drawing unfolded, ultimately leading to the disallowance of the goal for offside, leaving Martin and his team in disbelief.

The goal was nullified not because of Archer’s position, but because Adam Armstrong was ruled offside and deemed to have interfered with play during the cross.

Cameras caught Martin’s frustration as he visibly swore while his team remained at the bottom of the league table.

It’s worth noting that Southampton would remain in last place irrespective of the match result at the Amex.

This outcome provided a much-needed respite for Brighton, who are currently settled comfortably in second place, level on points with Manchester City.

Brighton’s innovative approach to football has always been seen as groundbreaking and refreshing, yet last night’s event raises questions about their ability to contend seriously.

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Data-driven recruitment has been pivotal to their success, supported by the impressive start from young and ambitious manager Fabian Hurzeler. However, consistency remains key.

With 23 points from their first 13 fixtures, Brighton is enjoying their best start to a top-flight season.

Since the beginning of October, only the league leaders Liverpool have earned more points.

As expected, the hosts began strongly, with Georginio Rutter setting up Mitoma, who would have scored if not for Joe Lumley’s fingertips.

Rutter was active again, skillfully maneuvering through three defenders before sending a shot just wide.

It was no surprise when the French 22-year-old created Brighton’s best chance, cutting inside to hit the far post.

Brighton finally secured a well-deserved opener on 28 minutes as Tariq Lamptey outmaneuvered Taylor Harwood-Bellis to set up Mitoma, who headed the ball into the net.

The Saints’ defensive performance was lackluster, allowing the ball to bounce freely in the penalty area.

As he viewed the goal replay on his iPad, Martin was clearly shaking his head in disappointment.

He might have preferred to play Candy Crush rather than witness his team’s disastrous defending.

Meanwhile, Mitoma, another talent found by Tony Bloom, is now just one goal shy of Shinji Okazaki’s record of 14 goals, making him the top Japanese scorer in the Premier League.

Chants of “You’re going down with the Palace” erupted from the North Stand, provoking Martin and his staff further.

Following a missed chance from Archer, who could not convert a perfectly placed cross from Yukinari Sugawara, Martin yelled, “f***ing come on.”

The second half commenced with Brighton asserting dominance once again, as Lamptey and Welbeck collaborated well before Matt O’Reily delivered a cross that Mitoma failed to convert.

However, the hosts were startled when Downes unleashed a powerful shot from the edge of the box in the 58th minute.

The equalizer came after the ball ricocheted to the Saints midfielder following blocked attempts from Armstrong and Ryan Manning.

In a moment of shock, Southampton took the lead when Ryan Fraser’s cross found Archer just six yards out, allowing him to slot the ball into the net in the 67th minute before VAR intervened.

Brighton quickly responded, with Rutter nearly scoring with a spectacular bicycle kick from Welbeck’s cross, yet they were unable to find a second goal.