Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta contested Chelsea’s second goal in the 2-2 draw at Stamford Bridge, attributing it to a mistake rather than a deliberate chipped goal. Mykhailo Mudryk, on the edge of Arsenal’s penalty area, initiated the play that led to his first goal at Stamford Bridge. The Ukrainian player appeared to chip the ball over David Raya, who had strayed from his goal.
Replays, however, suggested that the goal was not intentional but, rather, a misplaced cross meant for Raheem Sterling. According to Carrie Brown of beIN Sport, Chelsea’s goalkeeping coach Toni Jimenez had advised Mudryk to exploit Raya’s tendency to move off his line, which the winger did. When Arteta learned of Chelsea’s claim that the goal was planned, he expressed disbelief, stating, “It didn’t look like it. They can see better. If they did it on purpose, good for them.”
The unexpected turn of events left Mauricio Pochettino, the Arsenal coach, frustrated after what initially appeared to be an easy win for his team.
