Premier League make announcement about penalty controversy in Chelsea vs Aston Villa
The Premier League have been forced to clarify why Chelsea weren’t awarded a penalty against Aston Villa.
Aston Villa are in the title race this season, but based on their performance away to Chelsea, you would never believe that.
The Villans have been lacklustre against Enzo Marecsa’s side, with Joao Pedro’s goal fortunately cancelled out by Ollie Watkins just moments after he was introduced in the 59th minute.
However, Chelsea felt hard done by after a penalty decision in the second half of the clash at Stamford Bridge, with an explanation behind the judgment now provided.
Ian Maatsen gets away with handball shout vs Chelsea
Villa have struggled to deal with crosses against Chelsea, with Pedro’s goal coming as a result of one of them.
Neither Emi Martinez nor any of the Villans’ defenders have looked particularly convincing, and it was the case again after a cross from Alejandro Garnacho.
The former Man United star was trying to find Pedro Neto at the far post before the ball hit off the arm of Ian Maatsen and out of play.
The on-field decision was to play on, and after a VAR check, it was deemed that it was the right decision, as relayed by an announcement on the Premier League Match Centre account.
The statement reads: “The referee’s call of no penalty to Chelsea was checked and confirmed by VAR – with it deemed that Maatsen’s arm was in a justifiable position.“
It would have been a harsh call had a penalty been given.
- Read more: Aston Villa could hit transfer jackpot with Santiago Castro as details shared on Boxing Day talks
Aston Villa look a shade of themselves vs Chelsea
With just under 30 minutes to be played at the time of writing, Villa haven’t shown many signs of winning the game, and their lack of cohesion in the final third is a big reason for that.
However, Watkins’ fortunate strike has given them hope, and they need to take advantage of that.
Dealing with crosses at the other end of the pitch is also going to be decisive, with Chelsea struggling to create much aside from those situations.
Unai Emery has very few options left on the bench, leaving the task of turning the game on its head up to those on the pitch, with the momentum now in their favour.
Enjoyed this article? Stay connected with all the latest Aston Villa news, updates, and behind-the-scenes content by following us on our new Instagram account – @villanews247