Was Chelsea’s penalty against Arsenal deserved? Premier League legends give opinions

Arsenal staged a late comeback to earn a 2-2 draw from their London rivals, Chelsea in a rather dull encounter. Chelsea went up early through a Cole Palmer penalty after VAR adjudged William Saliba to have handled the ball.

A cross into the box saw the Frenchman jump from a distance to head away the ball. However, Ukrainian Mikhaylo Mudryk headed it first and it went straight to Saliba’s hand.

Palmer cooly slotted the ball past David Raya giving the Blues the lead. But according to different EPL legends and pundits, the penalty was undeserved.

SuperSport commentator, Andy Townsend said that he didn’t think it was a penalty. Former Arsenal striker Ian Wright said that the ref had to determine if Saliba had blocked a goal scoring opportunity.

And if he had, then a penalty could be awarded but in this case, it was different. Alan Shearer on his side said that the Gunners should also have had a penalty.

This is after Chelsea goalkeeper, Robert Sanchez crashed into Gabriel Jesus. However, the ref Chris Kavanaugh didn’t bother to give a foul amd neither did VAR intervene.

“Arsenal should have had a penalty. Sanchez wipes out Jesus. Of course, it should have been a penalty!”

Former Chelsea defender, captain and legend, John Terry commented about the penalty. Apparently, he would have been furious if the penalty was given against him.

“I don’t agree with the rules on this, very harsh on defenders.
I would have been fuming if that was given against me back in the day.”

Chelsea went on to get a second through Mikhaylo Mudryk who was close to signing for Arsenal in January. An accidental cross ended up in the back of the net over Raya.

Mikel Arteta’s side looked like they were about to pick up their first league loss this season. A blunder from Sanchez saw Declan Rice bury a long range shot into the net in the 78th minute.

Arsenal’s starboy Bukayo Saka was able to brilliantly pict out Leandro Trossard in the 85th minute to equalise. Eddie Nketiah almost grabbed a memorable winner but the ball went inches shy of the goal.