Chelsea handed new Moises Caicedo referee verdict as two Arsenal red card decisions reached

Moises Caicedo was shown a red card for a challenge on Mikel Merino in the London derby between Chelsea and Arsenal, with former referee Dermot Gallagher assessing the decision.

Former Premier League referee Dermot Gallagher believes that Anthony Taylor made the right decision in showing a red card to Moises Caicedo in Chelsea's draw with London rivals Arsenal. It came just before the halfway stage in a battle at Stamford Bridge that threatened to boil over on several occasions.

Taylor had set the tone early with a few yellow cards for challenges, which put defenders on cautions for the majority of the game. Caicedo, keen to impose himself on the game, was eager to lunge in for one such challenge in the middle of the pitch on Mikel Merino.

The midfielder missed the ball and caught the Arsenal star above the boot, with both players requiring treatment as the game played on. The referee went back to book Caicedo, before an on-pitch was recommended to check the severity of the challenge.

Taylor ultimately overturned his decision, changing the card from yellow to red, as the Chelsea star was given his marching orders. Plenty of different views have come in over whether it was the correct decision or not, but for former referee Gallagher, it was the right call.

Speaking on Sky Sports' Ref Watch, he said: "When you see the tackle, it is bad. It's a red card. All I can think is that Anthony [Taylor] doesn't see the point of contact. VAR has done him a massive favour because it's alerted him to have a look. He's had one look and given the red card."

It wasn't the only incident under review in the game, with Chelsea feeling as though the teams should've been levelled up at some point. Once such moment saw Arsenal's Piero Hincapie catch Trevoh Chalobah when the pair leaped to win a header in the air, with the Blues defender left with a clear cut on his cheek.

On that call, Gallagher added: "I think this is a yellow card. You have to be careful not to be seduced by looking at [Chalobah's] cheek. You have to judge the challenge. Hincapie has leapt and used his arm as leverage, he hasn't swung his elbow or used it as a weapon. It is a flailing arm and an unfortunate injury, but it is a reckless challenge, not a challenge where he has gone in to hurt him."

It summed up a match that was full of fire on both sides, as they look to make a bid for the Premier League title this season. Chelsea could've closed the gap at the top with a win, and despite going down to ten players, they took the lead through Chalobah's near-post header from a corner.

The Blues continued to battle and made it particularly tough for Arsenal, who did eventually find a breakthrough via Merino. While both teams had chances to score a winner, it wasn't to be for any of them, as Chelsea and Arsenal were forced to settle for a point.

It means Enzo Maresca's side still sit six points off the top, and slipped down to third behind Manchester City, but there will be a feeling of pride in how the side earned a point with a statement performance.

MORE TO FOLLOW.

We'll bring you the very latest updates, pictures and video on this breaking news story.

For the latest news and breaking news, visit football.london. Get all the big headlines, pictures, analysis, opinion and video on the stories that matter to you for the capital's clubs.

Shining a light on the issues fans really want to know about and providing rolling coverage of the latest news, football.london's writers give you the bigger picture on your club by knowing the little details inside-out.

Follow us on X @‌Football_LDN - for the all latet news as it happens in real time.

Sign up for one of Football London's free daily and weekly newsletters on your club by clicking here.