VAR Steals the Spotlight: Three Key Moments That Shaped Chelsea's Triumph Over Fulham
Chelsea maintained their undefeated record heading into the September international window following a 2-0 victory over their west London neighbors to open the weekend's Premier League fixtures.
The Blues struggled to find their rhythm at Stamford Bridge and looked second-best during the first 45 minutes, unable to establish control against their experienced opponents who controlled the midfield battle.
Fulham deserved to lead at halftime, and Chelsea's second strike effectively ended their resistance. The home side cruised through the remainder, though this match potentially raised more questions than answers for Enzo Maresca.
Here are the key observations from Chelsea's victory against Fulham.
VAR's Troublesome Season Opening Persists
The pattern was established on the season's opening night between Liverpool and Bournemouth, when the video assistant referee (VAR) inexplicably failed to punish Marcos Senesi's obvious handball, which denied Hugo Ekitiké a clear run on goal.
The technology hasn't enjoyed a positive beginning, continuing to generate exhausting discussions. At Stamford Bridge, promising youngster Joshua King was robbed of a memorable moment by VAR, which directed referee Rob Jones to review an incident leading up to King's expertly-taken goal.
Extended deliberation followed, questioning whether Rodrigo Muniz's alleged foul on Trevoh Chalobah met the 'clear and obvious' criteria. A slow-motion replay influenced Jones' decision, who labeled Muniz's contact as "careless" when justifying his call.
Field players barely protested after Muniz escaped Chalobah's challenge and enabled Sander Berge to release King, yet VAR deemed intervention necessary. While the Fulham forward did step on the Chelsea defender's foot, this occurred after winning the ball and outsmarting his marker. It represented quality striker play.
Marco Silva expressed understandable anger, eager to confront Jones at the interval. The Fulham manager also felt aggrieved regarding Chelsea's second goal, when referee Jones apparently missed João Pedro's handball before Ryan Sessegnon's penalized handball that blocked Chalobah's delivery.
The primary concern was the lengthy decision-making process, and the technology seemingly diminished this match's entertainment value. It proved tedious viewing.
Chelsea Face Forward Line Problems
Discussion will intensify regarding player fitness following Liam Delap's hamstring problem, occurring just over a month after Chelsea's triumphant Club World Cup run in America.
A routine forward run became the summer signing's final involvement after just 15 minutes. Delap immediately grabbed his left hamstring, and despite attempting to continue, the striker eventually collapsed on the Stamford Bridge pitch awaiting substitution.
Chelsea hope the Englishman returns quickly after the international pause, as Maresca's attacking options remain limited. Rather than deploying João Pedro centrally, teenager Tyrique George assumed Delap's responsibilities.
The Cobham academy product faced potential departure rumors, but Delap's setback and his ability to operate as a striker suggest Chelsea will keep George.
The club chose to release Nicolas Jackson, while Christopher Nkunku moved to AC Milan. Considering their substantial investment since BlueCo's involvement, their current striker situation appears remarkably thin.
João Pedro's Strong Beginning Persists
The Brazilian was considered difficult to categorize when Chelsea acquired him from Brighton & Hove Albion during the Club World Cup. Operating between striker and attacking midfielder roles, he's demonstrated early in his Blues tenure that he excels in both positions.
Pedro represents Chelsea's finest striker option, likely starting centrally after the international break with Delap sidelined and Cole Palmer's return pending. Saturday wasn't straightforward for him, but he improved significantly after halftime.
Sander Berge initially frustrated him, maintaining close attention and restricting his movement during the opening period. However, Pedro concluded a subdued first half with a header from Fernández's corner delivery, now contributing four goals or assists across three league appearances this season. He joins three other players scoring at least five times in their opening five Chelsea matches.
Pedro lacks imposing physicality but operates cleverly in the penalty area, utilizing his frame expertly. Pedro offers versatility, and without Palmer available, Chelsea urgently require the Brazilian's creativity.