Chelsea maintained their unbeaten start to the Premier League season with a 2-0 win over Fulham at Stamford Bridge, a game overshadowed by controversial VAR calls that left Marco Silva furious.
The result means the Blues have now lost just once in their last 12 league outings.
The build-up to the clash was dominated by transfer news, with Christopher Nkunku sealing a move to AC Milan and Nicolas Jackson nearing a loan switch to Bayern Munich.
Meanwhile, Alejandro Garnacho – expected to join Chelsea soon – was spotted in the stands watching his future teammates.
The match itself began with Fulham showing greater attacking intent. Liam Delap’s early injury unsettled the hosts, and the visitors thought they had taken the lead when teenager Josh King scored, only for VAR to chalk it off after ruling Rodrigo Muniz had fouled Trevoh Chalobah in the build-up. A furious Silva protested heavily on the touchline.
Chelsea eventually grew into the game and broke the deadlock shortly before halftime, Joao Pedro rising highest to nod home Enzo Fernández’s corner after Bernd Leno had produced a fine save moments earlier.
The second half brought more controversy. Chalobah’s cross struck Ryan Sessegnon’s raised arm, and after a VAR review, referee Rob Jones awarded a penalty. Fernández converted confidently to double the lead and settle any nerves.
Pedro missed a chance to make it three when through on goal, but Chelsea saw out the contest comfortably, moving temporarily to the top of the table. Fulham, still without a win this season, will feel aggrieved at how decisions went against them in their first defeat of the campaign.
