Arsenal: Why Gabriel avoided a red card against Chelsea as Premier League issue statement | OneFootball

Arsenal defender avoided any punishment following his clash with Emi Martinez

After falling behind inside the opening two minutes at the Emirates Stadium, the Gunners looked for an immediate response at home to their London rivals and were presented with a chance from a free-kick.

Martin Odegaard caught the Chelsea defence cold with a low delivery which sparked a melee inside the area.

In tussling for the ball with Jorrel Hato and in an attempt to get a shot on target, Gabriel's boot connected with Emi Martinez's face, leaving the Chelsea goalkeeper requiring treatment after he had stayed down.

Due to making contact with Martinez's face, Gabriel was therefore risking a potential red card for violent conduct.

However, referee Chris Kavanagh opted to not produce a card which has 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.

Agony: Emi Martinez

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Arsenal did eventually respond 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 that 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.