Ex-PGMOL chief reacts to Ian Maatsen penalty controversy in Chelsea vs Aston Villa
Chelsea felt that they should have had a penalty in the first half of their defeat to Aston Villa on Saturday.
The home side took the lead through Joao Pedro in the first half, but were pegged back when Ollie Watkins equalised after the break.
The striker then added a headed second in the closing stages of the game, to hand Unai Emery‘s team yet another massive win.
Villa’s title chances are rising by the week, having now won an incredible 11 consecutive Premier League matches.
Emery’s job at Villa was in doubt at the start of the season, but the Spaniard has led his team on a miraculous comeback.
Keith Hackett weighs in on Ian Maatsen incident
Villa have reportedly considered selling Watkins in January, but after the striker’s second-half performance on Saturday, decision-makers would surely have to be mad to sanction his sale.
The England international terrified the Chelsea back-line, capitalising on Benoit Badiashile‘s mistake for the equaliser, before he thumped home the winner with his head.
But the Blues will argue that they should have had a penalty, and a chance to double their advantage in the first half.
Ian Maatsen was tracking the run of Pedro Neto, and had his hands outstretched to keep contact with the winger.
The Chelsea forward looked to have a chance to get on the cross, before it struck the arm of Maatsen and deflected away from goal.
The Portugal international’s protests fell on deaf ears, with the video assistant referee confirming the decision and explaining that the Villa defender’s arms had been in a natural position.
Ex-FIFA official Keith Hackett exclusively told Football Insider: “Yes I am satisfied that this decision was correct.
“The ball struck the players arm for sure but there was no deliberate action. The player was not even looking at the ball. Support the decision.”
Aston Villa continue to deny the data
Chelsea will be unhappy with the penalty decision, but they should be angrier with their failure to take their chances.
The Blues directed just three of their 14 shots on target, and scored just one goal from 2.14 expected goals (xG).
| Chelsea | Match stats | Aston Villa |
| 63% | Possession | 37% |
| 14 | Shots | 11 |
| 3 | On target | 8 |
| 2.14 | Expected goals (xG) | 1.05 |
| 6 | Corners | 7 |
As they have done all season, Villa continue to deny the expected goals model. They came out on the wrong side of metric again on Saturday, but excelled in the most important one – goals.
Whether they can keep it up is anyone’s guess. But as it stands, Emery’s side are well and truly in a race for the Premier League title.