Photo by Ryan Pierse/Getty Images
Photo by Ryan Pierse/Getty Images
Chelsea fans were not happy that there was not more disciplinary action taken on Arsenal centre-back Gabriel after he caught Emi Martinez in the face with his boot.
The Blues raced into a 1-0 lead at the Emirates through Morgan Rogers, however instantly faced an onslaught from their opponents as they searched for an equaliser.
A free-kick from the right caused chaos in the Chelsea six-yard box, with Martinez being brave and keeping the ball out despite the mayhem in front of him.
Arsenal FC v Chelsea FC - Premier League 2026/27
Photo by Ryan Pierse/Getty Images
Mark Clattenburg has say on potential Gabriel red card vs Chelsea
In the melee, Gabriel threw out a boot that caught the Argentine directly in the face, although the officials didn’t see enough to even give a foul.
Former Premier League referee Mark Clattenburg exclusively told The Chelsea Chronicle that he believes it was not a deliberate action, and therefore a red card was not required
He said: “Gabriel kicks at the ball and accidentally catches Emi Martinez in the face after the ball had been spilled by the goalkeeper. Everything always looks worse in slow motion but I feel this was an attempt to play the ball and not a deliberate kick to the head of Martinez.”
The Argentine could have done better to deny Kai Havertz’s equaliser, however stood no chance when Martin Odegaard fired home the winner in the second half.
Chelsea player ratings vs Arsenal
Photo by Catherine Ivill – AMA/Getty Images
Chelsea had numerous gripes with the referee during this game, with Rogers visibly fuming when he was tripped by Declan Rice outside the penalty area.
The situation ended with the Blues man being booked for his reaction, adding more frustration to the situation.
Xabi Alonso will still be able to take positives from the match, which he will feel came too soon for his new-look Chelsea side to have the impact they would have liked.
Bringing Moises Caicedo back into the side will be a huge boost, with him not fit enough to feature at the Emirates.