Declan Rice should have given up a penalty in Arsenal’s close victory against Chelsea in the Premier League, according to Liam Rosenior. With a 2-1 victory at the Emirates Stadium, the Gunners shattered Chelsea’s dreams of finishing in the top four and regained their five-point advantage over championship rivals Manchester City.
All three goals came from corners, with Jurrien Timber scoring the game-winning goal for Arsenal in the second half after William Saliba’s early opening was cancelled out by Piero Hincapie’s own goal.
The Chelsea players called for a penalty after Reece James’ inswinging pass hit Rice in the arm, but another first-half corner did not result in a goal. At the near post, Rice and Jorrel Hato were fighting as the ball struck the England midfielder’s arm before heading out for another corner as they both sprang into the air.
A few Chelsea players went up to the referee, but Darren England dismissed their pleas, and VAR determined that no action was required. “The referee’s call of no penalty was checked and confirmed by VAR – with it deemed there was no punishable handball offence, with Rice challenging an opponent as the ball hit his arm,” the PGMOL said in an explanation of the ruling.
Liam Rosenior fumes at Declan Rice incident
“It’s not the first time it’s happened to us,” Chelsea manager Rosenior told Stadium Astro with a sardonic smirk, expressing his displeasure with the ruling. Other teams don’t appear to experience this. That’s all I have to say about it.
Rosenior said that his squad was mostly to blame for the loss, even though he believed Chelsea should have been awarded a penalty against Arsenal. Chelsea lost a player to a red card for the seventh time this season in the Premier League, in addition to giving up two corners.
“I’m disappointed and frustrated,” Rosenior said on BBC Radio 5 Live following Chelsea’s three-game league losing streak. Rosenior said, “Same story,” regarding Chelsea’s appalling disciplinary record following Pedro Neto’s dismissal against Arsenal.
“There are two things we need to improve on, whether you’re watching this game or the last two.” which is maintaining discipline and defending set plays; if we can accomplish that, we still have a great chance to have a successful season.
