The Premier League have explained why Kai Havertz’s goal for Arsenal against Chelsea was disallowed in the first half of their crunch top-flight clash. Havertz thought he had opened the scoring against his former club.
Quick-thinking from Declan Rice at a free-kick put the Arsenal forward through on goal. He squeezed the ball under Chelsea goalkeeper Robert Sanchez and into the corner of the net. The goal was awarded by referee Anthony Taylor.
Havertz even celebrated by placing his finger to his lips, silencing the fans of his ex-employer. But the German was soon thwarted by VAR. It was deemed that he had burst just ahead of Levi Colwill before Rice's pass was played, meaning he was offside and the goal was subsequently ruled out.
A statement issued by the Premier League Match Centre X account read: “Havertz’s goal was initially awarded on-field. VAR checked and confirmed that Havertz was in an offside position and recommended that the goal was disallowed.”
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The account became active at the start of the season with PGMOL chief Howard Webb keen to improve transparency. Explanations for key VAR decisions are now provided to inform fans why they were made.
Arsenal were hoping to turn a corner against Chelsea after a poor run of results. The Gunners were defeated 1-0 against Inter Milan in the Champions League in midweek. That result followed a loss by the same scoreline against Newcastle in the Premier League last weekend.
Mikel Arteta's side have not won in the Premier League since they defeated Southampton 3-1 on October 5. A 2-0 defeat against Bournemouth and a 2-2 draw with Liverpool has hindered their progress.
But Arsenal still have a huge chance to return to the top of the league over the coming months. Manchester City have struggled for form and fell to a remarkable fourth consecutive loss on Saturday, with Brighton coming from behind to win 2-1 on the south coast.
Liverpool are five points clear at the top of the Premier League after beating Aston Villa 2-0 on Saturday. Arne Slot's side are the only Big Six side who have enjoyed a wholly positive start to the campaign, with their title rivals struggling with injuries and patchy form.
Arteta was able to welcome back Rice and Martin Odegaard against Chelsea, though, in a major boost. Rice is playing through a broken toe while Odegaard had not featured in the league since August due to ankle injury.
