Photo by Stuart MacFarlane/Arsenal FC via Getty Images
Photo by Stuart MacFarlane/Arsenal FC via Getty Images
Many Chelsea fans were unhappy with the referee’s decision not to send off Gabriel in their side’s 2-1 loss to Arsenal.
Gabriel unintentionally kicked Emiliano Martinez in the face as he tried to reach the ball during a real scramble in the goalkeeper’s box. He connected with the Chelsea shot-stopper, but it was not deemed to be an act of violent conduct or seriously foul play.
The Premier League Key Match Incidents Panel has since reviewed the incident and backed the decision made by Chris Kavanagh and the VAR officials.
On the incident, the Premier League Key Match Incidents Panel stated: “The panel unanimously supported the referee’s call of no red card. Multiple players were on the ground competing and challenging for the loose ball, and the action of Gabriel was not deemed to
be an act of violent conduct or serious foul play.”
Split image with four players, which includes: Bruno Guimaraes, Lamine Camara, Alex Scott and Manu Kone
Split image with four players, which includes: Bruno Guimaraes, Lamine Camara, Alex Scott and Manu Kone
Chelsea got off to a flyer in that London derby, with Morgan Rogers needing less than two minutes to put Xabi Alonso’s team in front. However, they could not build on that lead and allowed Arsenal to equalise before scoring the winner.
Whatever the case, Rogers has made a phenomenal start to this season. In four Premier League games, the 24-year-old has already scored three goals and provided one assist.
Joao Pedro has had to change his game a bit, with the Brazilian revealing that he is playing more balls into space rather than feet following Rogers’ arrival. But with Pedro, Rogers and Cole Palmer all scoring, it is clearly working.
Rogers has overperformed his xG this season, which is not too much of a surprise. He did it at Aston Villa, while his goal against Arsenal came from half a chance. Its xG value was low.