VAR expert claims why Arsenal weren't awarded a penalty vs Chelsea, it has nothing to do with the foul

A VAR expert has explained why Arsenal were not awarded a penalty during their clash against Chelsea.

The Gunners played out an enthralling 2-2 draw with Maurico Pochettino's side last time out in the Premier League.

The Blues took the lead from the penalty spot, after William Saliba was adjudged to have handled the ball inside the six-yard box after a lengthy VAR check - a decision that even Chelsea legend John Terry couldn't agree with.

Mykhailo Mudryk then doubled the Blues' advantage, scoring a brilliant looping effort over David Raya.

Declan Rice then pulled one back for Mikel Arteta's side, catching Robert Sanchez off his line with a stunning strike, before Leandro Trossard levelled the scores in the 84th minute.

But despite an action-packed 90 minutes, the contest was overshadowed by VAR after referee Chris Kavanagh waved play on after Sanchez clattered into Gabriel Jesus in the penalty area attempting a wayward punch.

Alan Shearer offered a scathing assessment of the decision on Match of The Day, exclaiming: "They should have (a penalty). There's no doubt about it," he said.

"Sanchez has just come out and he wipes him out, Jesus. What's key for me is that he catches him in the head.

"Look, he goes right through him here. It's a terrible challenge.

"How on earth can the VAR not think that's a penalty and the referee? He is nowhere near the ball."

Meanwhile, PGMOL chief Howard Webb's previous comments regarding Andre Onana's antics against Wolves on the opening weekend of the Premier League would suggest the Gunners were owed a penalty.

However, VAR expert Dale Johnson has since explained that the decision was not checked due to an offside in the build-up.

When asked on Twitter if it was true Arsenal had received an apology from VAR regarding the decision, the ESPN journalist replied: "This is false.

"Confirmed info: Tomiyasu offside when Odegaard played the pass.

"Tomiyasu offside offence came before Sanchez's challenge on Jesus.

"Thus, there could be no VAR error to fail to award the penalty, as a penalty couldn't be awarded. So no case for an apology."

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Topics: Arsenal, Chelsea, Gabriel Jesus, Football, Premier League, VAR

Joe Adams

Joe is a Journalist for SPORTbible with a primary focus on football. He has previously covered a number of other sports including boxing, rugby and F1. Wishes he was born left-footed.

@joeadamsjourno