Chelsea handed Moises Caicedo VAR verdict after Arsenal red card as decision explained

Moises Caicedo was shown a red card for a late challenge on Mikel Merino in Chelsea's huge Premier League clash against Arsenal. The Blues midfielder will be suspended for games against Leeds United, Bournemouth and Everton.

He was initially shown a yellow card by Anthony Taylor but that was upgraded to a red card following a VAR review. Moments after the challenge, Sky Sports co-commentator Alan Smith made it clear what he thought of the tackle.

He said: "They're having a long look at it. He's come in at some speed and some force. "Well this could be the crucial moment in this contest. It's important they show it at full speed.

"He missed the ball by a split second, but he comes at it with some force, and his straight leg is what they are usually concerned about. He's going to be fortunate if he stays on the pitch here."

Sky Sports pundit Daniel Sturridge had a marginally different view when asked if Caicedo could have any complaints about it being upgraded.

He said: "The only defence I can mount is that the referee has a good view and decides to give him a yellow card.

"Slowed down, it looks nasty. But initially the ref gives him a yellow card. It is slightly re-refereed, and he's gone with the VAR help. But if you look at it in high speed, it doesn't seem that bad of a tackle. It looks worse when it's slowed down."

Chelsea were also handed a clear verdict courtesy of the Premier League Match Centre on X which also included Taylor's announcement.

Their post read: "#CHEARS – 34’ VAR OVERTURN After VAR review, the referee overturned the original decision of yellow card to Caicedo and issued a red card for serious foul play.

"Referee announcement: “After review, Chelsea 25, makes a challenge with excessive force and endangers the safety of the opponent, therefore my final decision is red card."

Caicedo is the sixth Chelsea player to be sent off this season, the red cards for Liam Delap, Joao Pedro, Malo Gusto Robert Sanchez and Trevoh Chalobah.

The Ecuador international has handed his side a major task with the league leaders now having a man advantage for at least one half of football. Prior to that, Enzo Maresca's side had been playing well with Joao Pedro, Enzo Fernandez and Estevao Willian going close.

Bukayo Saka also had a shot saved with Gabriel Martinelli forcing Robert Sanchez into a smart stop soon after Caicedo's dismissal. It very easily could have been 10vs10 just moments later after Piero Hincapie caught Trevoh Chalobah in the face with his arm.

However, he was only shown a yellow card with Sky Sports lead commentator Peter Drury revealing the official line directly from VAR as to why he was also not given his marching orders.

He said: "Reckless use of the arm said the VAR to the referee, but eyes always on the ball."