Arsenal 2-1 Chelsea: Ex-PL Referee Says Odegaard’s Winner Should Have Been Disallowed
Arsenal secured a dramatic 2-1 comeback victory over Chelsea at the Emirates Stadium on Sunday, overturning an early deficit to claim all three points. However, the match was overshadowed by several controversial refereeing decisions.
One of the biggest talking points came in the first half when Arsenal defender Gabriel Magalhães appeared to catch Emiliano Martínez in the head with his boot. Former England striker Wayne Rooney argued that the incident deserved a straight red card.
Chelsea were also frustrated during the second half when Declan Rice brought down Morgan Rogers while the Blues were pushing forward. Rogers received a yellow card, while Rice was not punished.
Ex-PGMOL chief questions Odegaard winner
Former PGMOL chief Keith Hackett has now argued that Martin Odegaard’s 50th-minute goal should not have stood.
The Arsenal captain was found by new signing Christos Tzolis before calmly finishing past Martínez to score his third goal of the season.
However, Hackett believes the goal should have been ruled out because of an earlier foul in the build-up. Around 15 seconds before Odegaard scored, Arsenal regained possession after Ezri Konsa appeared to bring Rogers to the ground.
After reviewing the incident, Hackett felt Chelsea should have been awarded a free-kick and the subsequent goal cancelled.
He explained that the Arsenal challenge looked like a clear foul, questioning whether the officials had allowed too much physical contact because the match was a local derby.
Hackett disagrees with Rooney over Gabriel incident
Despite questioning the decision surrounding Odegaard’s goal, Hackett does not believe Gabriel deserved to be sent off for his clash with Martínez.
He suggested that the referee did not have a clear view of the incident and felt Gabriel’s actions lacked any deliberate intent, describing the contact as accidental.
Hackett also defended VAR’s decision not to intervene, explaining that the incident did not meet the threshold for a red card.
He later clarified on X that, at worst, the challenge could have been considered reckless and worthy of a yellow card—but VAR cannot intervene in incidents that only merit a caution.
Following the victory, Arsenal remain second in the Premier League, level with Manchester City and behind only on goals scored. Chelsea sit fourth, two places behind the Gunners.
