Chelsea extended their unbeaten start to the Premier League season with a 2-0 victory over Fulham at Stamford Bridge on Saturday, but the derby was dominated by VAR drama that left Marco Silva’s men frustrated.
The turning point came in the first half when Fulham thought they had taken the lead through Josh King, only for VAR to rule out the goal after Rodrigo Muniz’s minor collision with Trevoh Chalobah was deemed a foul. The decision sparked anger from Silva, who argued furiously with the officials.
Moments later, Chelsea punished Fulham’s misfortune as Joao Pedro rose highest to head in Enzo Fernandez’s corner deep into stoppage-time, despite only eight minutes initially added on. Fulham fans erupted in chants of “1-0 to the referee” as Silva confronted the fourth official at the break.
The controversy continued in the second half when Ryan Sessegnon was penalised for handball following another lengthy VAR check. Fernandez stepped up and calmly slotted home from the spot to double Chelsea’s advantage.
Fulham created chances but were undone by decisions that went against them. “It’s very hard to accept. We worked hard, scored a good goal, and it was taken away for almost nothing,” Silva fumed after the game.
For Chelsea, it was another boost under new boss Enzo Maresca, following a draw with Crystal Palace and a 5-1 rout of West Ham. The win keeps them unbeaten after three London derbies, while Fulham left Stamford Bridge ruing what could have been.
