In a tight match at Stamford Bridge, Chelsea secured a 1-0 victory over Fulham with Cole Palmer converting a first-half penalty.
The Blues were fortunate not to lose Malo Gusto to a potential red card after a studs-up challenge on Willian in the 38th minute. A VAR check upheld the on-field decision of a yellow card, a moment that Fulham boss Marco Silva believed was a clear red card offense.
Expressing his dissatisfaction with the VAR decision, Silva stated, “In my opinion, and in discussions with the fourth official, it is a clear red card.” Acknowledging the challenge’s speed, Silva recognized the difficulty for referee Anthony Taylor but insisted that VAR should intervene in such situations. He emphasized that in the Premier League, such incidents typically result in a red card, making the decision not to send off Gusto a clear mistake on VAR’s part.
Chelsea manager Mauricio Pochettino, while admitting his team’s luck, defended the decision, stating, “Yellow card because it’s yellow.” Pochettino referred to a similar incident involving Gusto at Aston Villa and acknowledged Silva’s perspective, noting instances when opinions between managers and referees differ.
Premier League icon Alan Shearer weighed in on the debate, stating that red cards had been given for less this season, emphasizing Gusto’s fortune in escaping a more severe punishment.
Despite the contentious decision, Chelsea secured their third consecutive league win, climbing to eighth place. Pochettino alluded to pre-match issues affecting his team’s start but praised their strong finish in the second half.
He explained, “We started really well in the second half, played really well football for 30 minutes, and we should score another goal and win the game.” Pochettino acknowledged the challenges of an open game but commended his young team’s defensive efforts in the final 15 minutes.
Reflecting on the match, Pochettino highlighted the encouraging aspects of his team’s resilience and determination in defending the lead. He expressed optimism about their growth and gaining confidence from navigating challenging situations.
Overall, the match showcased Chelsea’s ability to secure a win amid controversy, while Fulham lamented the crucial VAR decision that played a significant role in the final outcome.
