Joao Pedro's goal and a penalty from Enzo Fernandez secured a 2-0 victory for Chelsea over Fulham in a match filled with controversial VAR decisions. The game, a West London derby, saw plenty of drama, leaving Fulham fans feeling hard done by.
Fulham thought they had taken the lead in the 21st minute through Joshua King, but the goal was overturned after a VAR review. Referee Robert Jones, after consulting the pitchside monitor, ruled that Rodrigo Muniz had fouled Trevoh Chalobah in the build-up. The Premier League clarified that Muniz was deemed to have made a "careless challenge" by standing on Chalobah's foot. However, many felt the contact was minimal and a natural part of Muniz playing with his back to goal.
Adding insult to injury, Joao Pedro then headed Chelsea into the lead in first-half stoppage time from a corner by Fernandez. This goal further compounded Fulham's frustration after dominating much of the first half.
The second half brought more VAR controversy. Chelsea was awarded a penalty in the 55th minute when Ryan Sessegnon was judged to have handled the ball in the penalty area. While Sessegnon did handle the ball, replays suggested it may have brushed Joao Pedro's hand moments before. Fernandez converted the penalty, extending Chelsea's lead to 2-0.
The string of contentious decisions prompted Fulham's traveling support to chant "2-0 to the referee". The result allowed Chelsea to continue their unbeaten start to the season, but the reliance on VAR and the questionable calls raised concerns about the system's implementation. Joao Pedro himself acknowledged the referee's influence, stating, "The referee makes his decisions. I don't have anything to say about it. If the referee gives that, it's good for us".
Chelsea's Estevao, following a great showing against West Ham, continued to impress with an exciting attacking display. However, questions remain about Chelsea's defense, particularly Chalobah's security in the back line. Marc Cucurella, on the other hand, was very effective against Timothy Castagne.
