Football rules expert Dale Johnsonhas weighed in on Arsenal’s opening goal in their Carabao Cup semi-final against Chelsea, providing clarity amid fan outrage over the decision.
The goal came just seven minutes into the match, when Declan Rice’s cornerwas headed home by Ben White. Controversy erupted as Viktor Gyokeres appeared to be on the goal line, seemingly impeding Chelsea striker Marc Guiu as he attempted to reach the ball.
The incident was reviewed by VAR and allowed to stand, causing frustration among Manchester City supporters, who felt it was inconsistent with VAR decisions in similar situations — most notably their own semi-final, where Antoine Semenyo’s goal was disallowed due to Erling Haaland being in an offside position.
Johnson clarified that, while the two incidents were similar, subtle differences meant the decisions were correct. Writing for BBC Sport, he explained:
“Giving offside against Haaland is technically correct in law but it is a VAR over-reach. The goal incidents were comparable but not the same. Haaland was effectively protecting the path of the ball and could be considered to have been stopping Thiaw from getting to it. Guiu, however, had his back to play when White headed the ball and was not looking at the ball. It is harder to say the Chelsea player was in a position to stop the goal.”
Former Chelsea striker Jimmy Floyd Hasselbaink agreed with Johnson, stating on Sky Sports:
“For me, it’s not offside. It’s well worked from Arsenal, well done. Guiu is not looking at the ball, and they executed the set-piece perfectly.”
Arsenal Take Control of the Tie
The goal gave Arsenal an early advantage in the Carabao Cup semi-final first leg. Despite Chelsea fighting back with strikes from Alejandro Garnacho, Arsenal held on to win 3-2.
Arsenal goals: Ben White, Viktor Gyokeres, Martin Zubimendi
Chelsea goals: Alejandro Garnacho (57’, 83’)
The narrow margin leaves Chelsea with hope, but the return leg at the Emirates on Tuesday, 3rd February will be a tough challenge, with a place at Wembley at stake.
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