Chelsea manager Enzo Maresca has reignited a debate over officiating consistency after his side’s 1-1 draw with Arsenal. The Italian accepted that his midfielder Moises Caicedo deserved a red card for a dangerous challenge on Mikel Merino in the 38th minute, but argued Arsenal defender Piero Hincapie should also have been dismissed for elbowing Trevoh Chalobah.
Maresca said: “Moises was a red card. But so was Rodrigo Bentancur when we played Spurs. That is why we struggle to understand.” He pointed to Chalobah’s black eye as evidence of the incident, which only resulted in a yellow card for Hincapie. Chelsea captain Reece James agreed, stating there should have been “one more red card”.
Arsenal midfielder Merino, who scored the equaliser, acknowledged the severity of Caicedo’s tackle. “I felt my ankle go all the way but luckily I have very mobile ankles and body. I knew it was a horrible challenge,” he said. Arsenal boss Mikel Arteta admitted his side dropped “two valuable points” in the title race despite remaining five points clear of Manchester City.
Arteta also provided an update on defender William Saliba, who missed the match due to a training injury. “I think Willy got another test tomorrow. We'll need to see the extent of that feeling,” he said. With Gabriel already sidelined, Arsenal face a busy week against Brentford and Aston Villa.
