Clattenburg Claims Refereeing Howler Cost Chelsea Clear Penalty Against Arsenal

Mark Clattenburg has waded into the refereeing controversy surrounding Arsenal's 2-1 triumph over Chelsea, declaring that a handball incident involving Declan Rice should have resulted in a penalty for the visitors.

The Gunners' victory saw them extend their Premier League lead to five points clear of Manchester City, with William Saliba and Jurrien Timber getting on the scoresheet either side of a Piero Hincapie own goal. All three goals arrived from set-piece situations in a match that offered precious little entertainment from open play.

Chelsea's cause was further hampered when Pedro Neto received his marching orders in the final twenty minutes—a second yellow card for a clear challenge on Gabriel Martinelli, having already been cautioned for dissent.

Yet the former top-flight official contends that Arsenal should themselves have faced a spot-kick earlier in the proceedings. When Reece James swung the ball into the box, Declan Rice appeared to use his arm to clear David Raya's attempted punch, with the goalkeeper producing a smart save. Clattenburg is adamant this warranted a penalty award.

"Declan Rice defends a corner kick and clearly moves his arm to the ball and a penalty kick should have been awarded," Clattenburg told United In Focus. "We see each week the inconsistency with refereeing decisions and this week is no different. The ball comes from a long distance and a clear movement of the arm to the ball should always result in a penalty."

The VAR officials at Stockley Park chose not to intervene, citing physical contact as their reasoning—a decision that left Gary Neville scratching his head on commentary.

"They've said basically he [Rice] is under physical contact," Neville explained. "I'd argue he's the one imparting physical contact. It doesn't look great for him."

Mikel Arteta steered clear of the controversy when addressing reporters post-match, preferring instead to focus on what he termed a "big win." The Arsenal boss acknowledged his side's shortcomings in managing proceedings after Chelsea's numerical disadvantage.

"Big win, I'm very happy," Arteta said. "For big periods the team performed in an excellent way, the margin should have been bigger at half-time. The moment we conceded was painful, but the quality of Chelsea…

"After their red card we should have managed that situation better but we will talk about this tomorrow. They have so much quality, even when they use the keeper they can get out of situation with 10 men. We didn't adjust too well, sometimes you take things for granted. Something to improve there.

"They [Chelsea] have players who can occupy various spaces – Cole [Palmer] can play false nine and occupy these spaces, he needs just one square metre to turn and activate players. They have quality, big personalities, they are really well coached. They are so good at turning in tight spaces, Caicedo, Enzo [Fernandez], Cole. It's impressive, they are a top side."