The Blues were quite the opposite as they came out of the traps quickly, putting the Arsenal backline under pressure in the opening stages. Then came the moment of controversy as a dangerous cross found the head of Mykhailo Mudryk, which was moving goalwards until striking the arm of Saliba.
The game played on, but VAR later advised the match referee to check the pitchside monitor to make his own decision over a potential spot kick. It was then decided that it would be a penalty, due to the arm being in an unnatural position and making the defender bigger.
Cole Palmer stepped up and dispatched the ball into the back of the net, sending goalkeeper David Raya the wrong way with his finish. While it gave the Blues the lead, it was the penalty decision that sparked much disagreement, with claims that the law doesn't work as well as intended.
One of those who disagreed with the call was Neville, who said on Sky Sports: "It hits William Saliba’s arm, there is no doubt about that. I think he could be in a little bit of bother here. Coming off the back of the Everton game earlier [vs Liverpool], I would say this is going to be given I would say.
"This is all about whether Saliba’s arm is there because he is trying to win the ball - it’s certainly above, out and away from his body. Is he just using that arm for leverage or to gain an advantage? The fact is it doesn’t matter. None of us are sure what a penalty is anymore but that is consistent with what we saw in the Merseyside derby today."Lineker also disagreed, taking to social media to say: "The handball law is utterly ludicrous." It shows the general feeling of professionals and ex-professionals towards a law that may not suit how the game is actually played on the pitch.
It remains to be seen whether it will be a costly decision for the Gunners, but they will be hopeful of a quick comeback at Stamford Bridge.
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