Following an action-packed Chelsea vs Arsenal clash, football.london reviewed the big decisions by Anthony Taylor and VAR - here's a summary of our verdict
14:48, 01 Dec 2025
Anthony Taylor showed Chelsea midfielder Moises Caicedo a straight red card
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Anthony Taylor showed Chelsea midfielder Moises Caicedo a straight red card
Moises Caicedo red card
On-Field Decision: Referee Anthony Taylor initially showed a yellow card for Caicedo's tackle on Mikel Merino.
VAR Intervention: VAR reviewed the decision and recommended Taylor view the pitchside monitor, where he subsequently upgraded the card to a red card .
Football.london's opinion: It's argued that the tackle—which was high, late, forceful, and showed studs just above Merino's ankle—"ticks every box for a red card." Taylor's initial decision of a yellow card has been labelled as "one of the worst officiating errors of the season so far," but it's been suggested he may have been obscured from seeing the challenge clearly.
Verdict: Incorrect initial decision, correct VAR intervention.
Trevor Chalobah goal
The Controversy: The debate centred on whether Enzo Fernandez, who was in an offside position, interfered with play by attempting to play the ball and potentially hindering Cristhian Mosquera's ability to clear it before Chalobah scored.
Football.london's opinion: There is a reluctance to see goals ruled out for this kind of marginal interference, and there has been inconsistency with other decisions (like a disallowed Virgil van Dijk goal). It is argued that Mosquera's failure to challenge for the ball was more likely a mistake on his part than a result of Fernandez's movement affecting his ability to challenge.
Verdict: Goal given, correct decision.
General officiating
Anthony Taylor has been questioned for a lack of control and inconsistency in his decisions, particularly regarding bookings.
Examples include:
Fernandez escaping two potential bookings for fouls on Mosquera and Noni Madueke.
Four of Arsenal's back five, and a substitute, received bookings, suggesting Taylor "didn't appreciate the heat of the game from the off."
Martin Zubimendi was booked for a cynical foul after just five minutes, but Marc Cucurella escaped a yellow for a strong, early challenge on Bukayo Saka that could have led to a clear attack.
The wrong decision in initially booking Caicedo for his challenge on Merino. VAR correctly intervened and encouraged the official to send the Chelsea man off.
READ THE FULL STORY: Anthony Taylor misses red card, offside Chalobah goal – Chelsea vs Arsenal referee review
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