CHELSEA DIG OUT HARD-FOUGHT WIN AS FULHAM LEFT ANGERED BY VAR INTERVENTIONS
Joao Pedro and Enzo Fernandez were on target as Chelsea beat Fulham 2-0 in a West London derby packed with controversy at Stamford Bridge.
The visitors were incensed midway through the first half when Josh King’s fine strike was ruled out following a VAR intervention.
Watch the controversial tackle that led to disallowed Fulham goal - 'Is there enough in that?'
Video credit: TNT Sports
Referee Rob Jones consulted the pitch-side monitor and adjudged Rodrigo Muniz to have committed a ‘careless challenge’ after turning Trevoh Chalobah in the build-up.
Marco Silva’s mood darkened further deep into first-half stoppage time when former Brighton star, Joao Pedro nodded in his second goal of the season from Fernandez’s left-wing corner.
There was more drama on 56 minutes when VAR again asked the official to consult the monitor to assess a potential hand ball from Ryan Sessegnon.
The penalty was duly awarded despite Joao Pedro appearing to also handle in the build up, and Fernandez hammered home from the spot to double the home side’s advantage.
Commentators baffled as Pedro gets reprieve and Sessegnon punished in Chelsea penalty VAR drama
Video credit: TNT Sports
Fulham, who suffered their first loss of the new campaign, will now host Leeds following the international break. Chelsea remain unbeaten with two wins from three outings and visit Brentford next.
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THE TNT SPORTS EXPERTS REACT TO CHELSEA'S WEST LONDON DERBY WIN OVER FULHAM
Asked if she can understand Fulham's frustration, Karen Carney said: "Yes, particularly for that first goal. I think it’s harsh and I think it should have stood."
She added: "Look, Chelsea got their win I the end. It wasn’t great in the first half but they found a way."
Joe Cole: "It’s another tick for Chelsea in that box, because to win a game when you’ve not played well and things have been difficult, it’s a great feather in the cap for Chelsea.
"From Fulham’s perspective, they will feel really hard-done-by. They couldn’t have performed any better in the first half. The young lad King was exceptional and he got his goal chalked off. I think it’s an absolutely disgraceful performance from VAR."
‘Goal should have stood’ – Carney and Cole agree ‘it’s not a foul’ after Fulham goal chalked off
Video credit: TNT Sports
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WHAT FOOTBALL IS ON TNT SPORTS?
There was a feast of football LIVE on TNT Sports during the 2024-25 campaign - and there's even more to come this season!
Fernandez doubles Chelsea lead from spot but 'controversy about this goal as well'
Video credit: TNT Sports
Pedro puts Chelsea in front 'way past the eight' minutes of first-half stoppage time
Video credit: TNT Sports
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90+7'
90+7'
YELLOW CARD!
Lukic booked for kicking the ball away in frustration.
90+5'
90+5'
YELLOW CARD!
Andrey Santos booked.
90+3'
90+3'
OFF THE LINE
Joao Pedro limps back to defend a corner after appearing to pick up an issue.
The Brazilian takes a place at the back post and it's an important decision as he's there to hack clear after a left-wing corner had been flicked towards goal by Andersen.
90+1'
90+1'
STOPPAGE TIME
Eight minutes added.
90'
90'
CHELSEA ATTEMPT
Leno makes a smart stop to keep out James' speculative effort from distance.
89'
89'
CHELSEA ARE HEADING FOR THE THREE POINTS
The Blues haven't been at their best but two wins from three and still undefeated means Enzo Maresca's men are in good shape heading into the international break.
Fulham will no doubt fume about some of the decisions that have gone against them today.
87'
87'
FULHAM CHANCE
Jimenez flashes a header over the top from Traore's right-wing cross.
87'
87'
CHELSEA ATTEMPT
Joao Pedro watches a high ball fly over his shoulder and bounce before letting rip with a thunderbolt from the right side of the box that Leno does well to parry away.
86'
86'
AS IT STANDS
Unbeaten Chelsea will move top ahead of the rest of the weekend's action with two wins from three matches.
Winless Fulham will lose for the first time this season (D2, L1) and will remain in the bottom half of the table during the international break.
84'
84'
FULHAM CHANGE
Traore on for Iwobi.
83'
83'
VIDEO: ANOTHER VAR INTERVENTION THAT LEAVES FULHAM HUGELY FRUSTRATED
Fulham fans fume and ‘Silva going to combust’ as another VAR review goes Chelsea’s way
Video credit: TNT Sports
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82'
82'
CHELSEA CHANGES
Santos on for George.
Neto off, James on.
81'
81'
'YOUR'E NOT FIT TO REFEREE...'
That's the chant from the Fulham fans who continue to feel like they've been on the wrong end of some tough decisions today.
80'
80'
FULHAM UPPING THE ANTE SEARCHING FOR A WAY BACK INTO THE GAME
Chelsea are sitting deeper, soaking up the pressure and waiting for the chance to counter.
78'
78'
ALREADY A FANS' FAVOURITE
The youngster certainly has that Samba swagger.
76'
76'
LOVING LIFE AT THE BRIDGE SO FAR
The former Brighton man is looking like one of the signings of the summer.
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Watch the controversial tackle that led to disallowed Fulham goal - 'Is there enough in that?'
Video credit: TNT Sports
Commentators baffled as Pedro gets reprieve and Sessegnon punished in Chelsea penalty VAR drama
Video credit: TNT Sports