Former Newcastle United goalkeeper Shay Given has claimed Chelsea winger Alejandro Garnacho was "extremely lucky" to avoid a red card and a subsequent three-match suspension following a robust challenge during Saturday's Premier League clash.
Given's Verdict on a 'Dangerous' Challenge
Speaking as a pundit on BBC's Match of the Day, Given analysed the incident where the 21-year-old Argentine was shown only a yellow card for a high tackle on Newcastle's Jacob Ramsey at St James' Park. The ex-Republic of Ireland international did not mince his words, labelling the tackle as "really nasty" and deserving of greater punishment.
"I thought it was a really nasty challenge from Alejandro Garnacho," Given stated. "If you watch it slowly, he doesn't make any attempt to play the ball, he goes over the top and clearly catches him really high up. VAR didn't intervene but I think that's a really dangerous tackle from Garnacho and one he gets away with."
Chelsea's Narrow Escape from a Key Absence
The significance of the decision is substantial for Enzo Maresca's Chelsea side. Had Garnacho been dismissed for serious foul play, he would have received an automatic three-match ban.
This suspension would have ruled him out of Chelsea's next three Premier League fixtures:
- The home match against Aston Villa at Stamford Bridge on Saturday, December 28th.
- The subsequent home game against AFC Bournemouth on Monday, December 30th.
- A crucial trip to the Etihad Stadium to face Manchester City on January 4th.
Chelsea salvaged a 2-2 draw in the match itself, coming from two goals down with Reece James and Joao Pedro on the scoresheet, making it three games unbeaten across all competitions.
Maresca and Teammates Rally Around Garnacho
The avoided ban is a major boost for Chelsea, with manager Enzo Maresca having recently praised the summer signing from Manchester United. Maresca highlighted Garnacho's growing connection with fellow Argentine Enzo Fernandez, suggesting the pair's understanding is a positive sign for the team's attacking development.
Defender Malo Gusto also commended the winger's impact after a recent assist against Wolverhampton Wanderers. "He has a lot of quality as a winger," Gusto said. "He's able to bring all our team into their box... and create chances. That's what he did; he helped us a lot."
As Chelsea prepare for their festive fixtures, they will be relieved to have Garnacho available, despite the controversy surrounding his challenge on Tyneside.
