Chelsea Beat Fulham 2–0 Amid VAR Controversy

Chelsea claimed a 2–0 victory over Fulham at Stamford Bridge on Saturday in a match overshadowed by VAR decisions that left players, managers, and fans debating the limits of technology in football.

Fulham thought they had taken the lead midway through the first half when Josh King finished a swift counterattack.

However, after a lengthy VAR review, the goal was chalked off. Officials ruled that Rodrigo Muniz had committed a foul in the build-up by stepping on Trevoh Chalobah’s foot, a decision that Fulham manager Marco Silva branded unacceptable.

The disallowance set the tone for a night filled with controversy.

Chelsea took advantage of the reprieve in stoppage time, when João Pedro rose to head home an Enzo Fernández corner, giving the Blues a narrow lead at the break.

The second half brought more drama. VAR again intervened after Ryan Sessegnon was penalized for handball inside the box, even though replays appeared to show João Pedro handling the ball moments earlier.

The referee stood by the ruling, and Fernández coolly converted from the spot to extend Chelsea’s advantage.

Despite losing striker Liam Delap early to a hamstring injury, Chelsea held firm, recording their second league win of the season and moving to seven points from three games.

Fulham, however, were left furious, with many of their supporters and neutral pundits alike suggesting that the VAR calls had unfairly altered the game’s outcome.

The post-match discussion revolved less around Chelsea’s efficiency or Fulham’s resilience and more around the role of VAR, with increasing calls for clarity and consistency in how technology is applied in crucial moments of play.