Chelsea felt hard done byplaceholder image
Chelsea felt hard done by | Getty Images
Arsenal and Chelsea faced off in a hard-fought London derby on Sunday.
Arsenal defeated Chelsea on Sunday in another entertaining London derby at the Emirates Stadium. Goals from William Saliba and Jurrien Timber scored the all-important goals, with an own goal from Piero Hincapie sandwiched between the two.
Chelsea also saw Pedro Neto sent off in the second half after the winger picked up two yellow cards in the space of just a few minutes.
There was little doubting that decision, but there was controversy involving Declan Rice, who appeared to handle the ball at the front post following a corner. Rice raised his elbow and flicked the ball, but it was deemed to be legal because he was engaged in physical contact, although you could argue that Rice was committing a foul anyway, with his arms completely wrapped around his opponent.
During Sky Sports’ ref watch feature, former Premier League referee Dermot Gallagher was asked about the incident. "I thought it was a penalty. I think he moves his arm to the ball and his arm shouldn't be up that high,” he responded.
"I get told it's because he's engaging with an opponent but in my opinion you shouldn't be engaged with an opponent that high up, he shouldn't have his arms around his shoulder."
Former Arsenal striker turned pundit Jay Bothroyd said added: “For me, it's a penalty for a different reason. Why are Declan's arms around him, stopping [Hato] jumping? I think the ball has hit him on his sleeve - that's why I don't think that's a penalty [for handball].”
Asked about the red card, Gallagher added: “He's only got a yellow three minutes earlier. It's such a rash challenge."
Bothroyd added: “It's a challenge that isn't needed at all. Neto is fast, he can run with him with pace. There's no need to make a tackle at all. He's cost his team. Lazy defending."
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