Calafiori thought he had equalised for the Gunners early in the first half of a thrilling Premier League London derby but VAR intervened to rule out the goal
Bookmark popover
open image in galleryRiccardo Calafiori ultimately saw his early goal ruled out (Reuters)
Your support helps us to tell the storyRead moreSupport NowFrom reproductive rights to climate change to Big Tech, The Independent is on the ground when the story is developing. Whether it's investigating the financials of Elon Musk's pro-Trump PAC or producing our latest documentary, 'The A Word', which shines a light on the American women fighting for reproductive rights, we know how important it is to parse out the facts from the messaging.At such a critical moment in US history, we need reporters on the ground. Your donation allows us to keep sending journalists to speak to both sides of the story.The Independent is trusted by Americans across the entire political spectrum. And unlike many other quality news outlets, we choose not to lock Americans out of our reporting and analysis with paywalls. We believe quality journalism should be available to everyone, paid for by those who can afford it.Your support makes all the difference.Read more
Riccardo Calafiori appeared to have equalised early in the first half of a thrilling Premier League London derby between Arsenal and Chelsea, only to end up frustrated when VAR intervened to disallow the goal.
It had taken less than two minutes for Chelsea to grab a surprise lead at the Emirates Stadium, with Morgan Rogers producing a sublime finish to stun the reigning champions.
Arsenal failed to adequately clear a launched free kick from Reece James, which eventually fell at the feet of Rogers on the edge of the area. The £117m man caught the ball on the volley and although it wasn’t necessarily a truly clean connection, it thudded beyond David Raya into the bottom corner.
LIVE! Follow all the action from the rest of Arsenal’s clash with Chelsea
In a breathless, end-to-end contest, the Gunners then appeared to draw level on 12 minutes when Calafiori bundled in from close range.
Joao Pedro failed to clear Declan Rice’s initial free kick and Arsenal bodies duly piled into the six-yard box. Ezri Konsa poked against the post and Chelsea goalkeeper Emi Martinez came out out to smother another attempt before Calafiori finally forced the ball across the line.
RECOMMENDED
Carlos Alcaraz avoids wardrobe malfunction and eases into US Open fourth round
Aryna Sabalenka halts US Open match over ‘strong’ smell of marijuana
Ask a Pro: "How Long Does $2.5 Million Last in Retirement?"SmartAsset |
SponsoredSponsored
Cesar Millan Reveals What Honey Does to Your Aging DogPets Daily Health |
SponsoredSponsored
Powered by TaboolaPowered by Taboola
However, VAR intervened soon after, determining that Konsa had been offside when Calafiori sent his shot towards goal and that, in fact, the ball may have even taken a deflection off the former Aston Villa defender on the way into the net.
open image in galleryRiccardo Calafiori bundled the ball home (Reuters)
open image in galleryAnd celebrated his presumed equaliser (Getty)
open image in galleryHowever, the goal was ultimately ruled out for offside (Reuters)
It left the Emirates Stadium in disbelief, although replays suggested the decision was correct.
However, Gunners supporters were soon celebrating again, with Kai Havertz equalising in the 25th minute and, this time, the goal stood.
Havertz was just about onside as he picked the ball up in the right channel, weaved along the edge of the box and fired a left-footed effort goalwards, where it blasted through the fingertips of Martinez to level proceedings against the German striker’s former club.