Chelsea lost to Aston Villa on Saturday evening but things could have played out differently if Ian Maatsen was penalised for a handball in the penalty box
10:17, 29 Dec 2025
Ian Maatsen competes for possession with Pedro Neto
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Ian Maatsen inadvertently denied Pedro Neto a goal-scoring opportunity by handling an Alejandro Garnacho cross during Chelsea's clash with Aston Villa(Image: (Photo by Vince Mignott/MB Media/Getty Images))
Former Premier League referee Dermot Gallagher has admitted Chelsea were right not to be awarded a penalty against Aston Villa after an Ian Maatsen handball. The former Blues defender inadvertently handled a floated cross to the back post just after half-time in an attempt to stop Pedro Neto from scoring.
With it clear the ball struck his arm, huge appeals for a spot-kick followed but referee Stuart Atwell waved those away. Lead VAR operator Paul Howard was in agreement with Villa going on to control the second half and score twice through Ollie Watkins to turn the game around after Joao Pedro's opener.
Chelsea have now been handed two differing verdicts on the controversial talking point with Gallagher revealing his opinion has changed in the last 36 hours.
He said on Sky Sports' Ref Watch: "I've changed my mind. On Saturday, I thought handball but two things went in his favour.
"He has his eyes closed because he thinks he's going to get clattered and it hits him high up on the arm.
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Co-host Jay Bothroyd added: "It's a tough one, because I can understand what Maatsen is doing here. He's thinking he will get smashed by his own keeper. he's tried to shut his eyes and hit his arm.
"He's lucky, because Neto is there to put it in the back of the net. You have to give that a penalty, he's got away with one there.
"He needs to be braver. If Neto wasn't there, then it's fine. But because he is there, that's the reason why it should have been given."
The defeat was a damaging one for Enzo Maresca with Villa able to extend the gap between themselves and Chelsea to ten points.
Speaking after taking in the action from the stands due to a suspension, Maresca said: "I think the goal we conceded for sure changed the dynamic of the game. I don't know if it's the three changes, but for sure, until the goal we conceded, we were in control.
Enzo Maresca speaks at a press conference
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Enzo Maresca spoke to the press after Chelsea's defeat to Villa despite serving a touchline ban(Image: Chelsea FC via Getty Images)
"I think by the time we conceded the first goal, we should have scored two or three goals. And then after the goal we conceded, the game completely changed. For sure, we have to be clinical because, again, as I said, by the time they scored the goal, I think we should have scored two or three goals and the game is different.
"But also, it's probably how we can improve after we concede a goal to manage the game a little bit better, probably, in terms of game after game experience, these kind of things."
However, there is no time to dwell on this defeat with Chelsea back in action on Tuesday evening when they host Bournemouth.
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A trip to Etihad Stadium to take on Manchester City follows that weekend with it possible Antoine Semenyo could feature as he is set to sign for Pep Guardiola's side.
With belief in their current attacking options, the Blues opted against signing him in January after making an enquiry.
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