Arsenal defender Gabriel avoided a red card after his boot connected with Chelsea goalkeeper Emi Martinez's face during the Premier League clash at the Emirates Stadium. The incident occurred as the Gunners sought an immediate response after falling behind inside the opening two minutes.
From a free-kick, Martin Odegaard caught the Chelsea defence cold with a low delivery, sparking a melee inside the area. In tussling for the ball with Jorrel Hato and attempting to get a shot on target, Gabriel's boot made contact with Martinez's face, leaving the Chelsea goalkeeper requiring treatment after staying down.
Referee and VAR decision
Due to making contact with Martinez's face, Gabriel risked a potential red card for violent conduct. However, referee Chris Kavanagh opted not to produce a card, a decision that caused some bemusement on social media. It was explained during Sky Sports' coverage that Kavanagh's on-field decision was supported by VAR following a check of the incident.
Disallowed goal and Arsenal's response
Arsenal eventually responded to Morgan Rogers' early goal as Kai Havertz equalised against his former club, after Riccardo Calafiori had seen a goal ruled out. The Premier League's Match Centre confirmed the goal was disallowed because Ezri Konsa was in an offside position before the ball ended up in the back of the net.
A statement reads: “VAR checked the referee’s call of goal – and determined that Konsa was in an offside position in the build-up and recommended that the goal was disallowed.”
The Gunners have since taken the lead with captain Martin Odegaard netting for a second home game in succession, after scoring against Coventry on the opening weekend of the new Premier League season.
