Arsenal receive new Kai Havertz disallowed goal verdict vs Chelsea as 'lucky' point made

Jamie Redknapp has offered his thoughts on the decision to disallow Kai Havertz's goal during the Premier League clash between Arsenal and Chelsea. The Germany international thought he'd given Mikel Arteta's side the lead in the first half at Stamford Bridge against his former club, but the goal was disallowed by VAR for offside.

Just after the half hour mark, Havertz tucked home a quick free-kick with the linesman initially not putting his flag up, however officials at Stockley Park overturned the decision. The Premier League Match Centre (@PLMatchCentre on X) then released a statement in the aftermath of the major call.

"#CHEARS – 32’ VAR OVERTURN," it 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." The Gunners did later take the lead legally in the 60th minute when Gabriel Martinelli beat Robert Sanchez from a tight angle.

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However, Chelsea quickly found an equaliser when Pedro Neto fired an effort beyond David Raya from just outside the box. Leandro Trossard had a great opportunity to win the game in the dying embers but failed to make solid contact from a William Saliba cross, though the latter was deemed offside.

"Disappointed with the result because I think we deserved more," Arteta said in a press conference when asked for his thoughts on the draw. "And at the same time very proud of the team for the way we played against this opponent in this stadium. They have battered everyone here and it wasn’t the case today.

"After scoring the first goal I’m very disappointed with how we conceded their goal. That’s nowhere near the standards of our defensive habits how we allowed it. The moment you give space and time to any of their players with the quality that they have you’re going to get punished, so that’s not bad luck."

Had Havertz's goal been allowed, the game could have played out very differently with Redknapp seemingly of the belief it should have stood because there is a problem with the rules. On Sky Sports Premier League, he simply said: "Chelsea get really lucky. His shoulder is offside. That rule is ridiculous."

The Gunners have been on the end of some harsh decisions already this season with the Havertz call another, that while the correct outcome, was a tough pill to take.