The Match Centre has written to explain why were not awarded a penalty despite the ball hitting Marc Cucurella's hand inside the 18-yard box. The Spanish defender lost his balance while attempting to usher an Arsenal pass out of play, but fell onto the ball and handled it.

He was being closed down and succumbed to the pressure, leading for a huge chance as the ball bobbled around the Chelsea area for what felt like an age. However, Robert Sanchez eventually claimed it to relieve the pressure, with Leandro Trossard and Mikel Merino perhaps feeling that an opportunity was missed before protesting for a spot-kick.

However, the Match Centre insisted that Cucurella's arm was not making a deliberate action towards the ball and he only accidentally touched it.

They wrote: "The referee's call of no penalty for handball by Cucurella was checked and confirmed by VAR - with his arm deemed to be in an expected position with no clear or deliberate action towards the ball."

More defensive woes continued as Sanchez, back in the starting line-up in favour of Filip Jorgensen, misplaced several passes and actively encouraged the Arsenal press.

That pressure ultimately resulted in an opening goal for the hosts as Merino got on the end of Martin Odegaard's corner in the 20th minute.

He met the set-piece at the near post and looped a header over Sanchez, who could only watch as without talisman Cole Palmer, Chelsea struggled during the opening procedings.

The England international missed the match in the UEFA Conference League, which is likely to rule him out of the upcoming World Cup qualifiers.

"He had last week a problem and unfortunately yesterday he had a very small problem [in training]," Maresca told Sky Sports. "We think that probably after the international break he can be back with us.

"He had an injury yesterday during the session. It was a very light session, that's why we think it's nothing important. We still need to wait, but the feeling is that he will be back after the international break."