By WILL PICKWORTH, SPORTS REPORTER
Published: 12:16 EST, 30 November 2025 | Updated: 12:25 EST, 30 November 2025
Chelsea suffered a huge first half blow in their Premier League clash against Arsenal on Sunday as Moises Caicedo was sent off for a reckless challenge.
In a feisty start to the game that saw five yellow cards handed out in the early stages, Caicedo was given his marching orders by referee Anthony Taylor just before half-time.
As the Gunners built an attack, Caicedo caught Mikel Merino late after the Spaniard had passed the ball on.
Caicedo's challenge was high and he connected above Merino's ankle with his studs.
Although he initially went unpunished as play continued, a lengthy VAR check then took place.
Merino was writhing around on the floor in pain, while Caicedo also appeared to be in some discomfort.
Taylor then handed Caicedo a yellow card, before he was instructed to visit the on-pitch monitor by VAR official John Brooks.
After watching multiple replays of the incident, Taylor upgraded his decision to a red card.
Announcing the call to the Stamford Bridge crowd, the experienced official said: 'After review, Chelsea's No 25 makes a challenge with excessive force and he has endangered an opponent. Therefore my final decision is red card.'
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