Former Referee Dermot Gallagher Identifies VAR ‘Optical Illusion’ in Chelsea’s Controversial Goal against West Ham

A series of changes from Enzo Maresca invigorated the team in the second half, resulting in Pedro Neto netting an equaliser in the 63rd minute following a shot by Fernandez.

Jarrod Bowen capitalised on a mistake by Levi Colwill to put West Ham in the lead.

As West Ham started to gain momentum, the home supporters grew optimistic, culminating in a deflected effort from Cole Palmer that led the Bridge to erupt with joy as Chelsea went ahead 2-1.

Here’s how SunSport’s Lloyd Canfield evaluated Chelsea’s performance.

Filip Jorgensen – 7

It was a tough act to follow for Jorgensen, especially given the recent performances of Robert Sanchez. There wasn’t much he could do about the opening goal, but he made several important saves to keep Chelsea just one goal behind at halftime.

Those saves proved crucial, and he can expect to retain his place for the upcoming match against Brighton.

Reece James – 6

James delivered good crosses from the right throughout the first half, but there was no one prolific enough in the box to convert them into assists. He was solid defensively, though Chelsea’s dominance on the wings meant he had little to do in that area.

Tosin Adarabioyo – 7

Adarabioyo was strong in the air and solid defensively. He could perhaps have done more to prevent Bowen’s opening goal, as he seemed to watch him shoot, but overall he was impressive and is developing into a reliable Premier League centre-back.

His crucial block in added time might have been the difference between securing three points and settling for one.

Levi Colwill – 3

Colwill’s poor backpass set up Bowen perfectly to give West Ham the lead just before halftime. His sluggish performance improved slightly in the second half after Chelsea took control, but he was fortunate not to cost his team points tonight.

Marc Cucurella – 7

Cucurella adapted well from left-back to a midfield role that suits him, exhibiting strong tackles and good aerial ability throughout the match. He got into dangerous positions but couldn’t find the finishing touch this time.

Moises Caicedo – 7

Home supporters are familiar with Caicedo’s tenacious tackling and energy. He showed glimpses of this in the first half, and his performance matured in the second half, where he kept Mo Kudus under control.

Enzo Fernández – 5

Fernández missed a golden opportunity to give Chelsea the lead, rolling the ball past the left post from just a few yards out. His blocked shot eventually led to Neto’s equaliser, but overall he seemed slightly off the pace in midfield.

Noni Madueke – 4

He could have had a goal and an assist in the first half hour, being set up by Nicolas Jackson and creating a chance for Fernández, neither of which were converted. His best moment of the second half was an encounter with the referee before he was substituted for Christopher Nkunku.

Cole Palmer – 7

After a quiet first half, where fans compared him to Andy Irving, Palmer improved significantly. He nearly scored a free-kick reminiscent of his effort against Brighton this season, but it was well saved by Alphonse Areola. His deflected goal put Chelsea in the lead as his confidence grew.

Jadon Sancho – 4

Sancho’s quick footwork made him a threat on the left side in the first half, but again his lack of end product could have cost Chelsea if his replacement hadn’t stepped up. He was substituted just five minutes into the second half for Pedro Neto.

Nicolas Jackson – 3

Jackson showed some early promise with a good pass to Madueke, who narrowly missed the target. However, he soon appeared to lack confidence and struggled before being replaced by 18-year-old Marc Guiu.

SUBS

Marc Guiu (Nicolas Jackson, 51) – 5
Guiu didn’t significantly impact the game after coming on for Jackson. He certainly looks more assured in the Conference League, and more Premier League minutes will benefit him.

Pedro Neto (Jadon Sancho, 51) – 8

This was Neto’s best performance in a Chelsea shirt so far. His composed equalising finish and great build-up play for Palmer’s deflected effort demonstrated his energy, work rate, and ability to deliver for Maresca’s side.

Malo Gusto (Reece James, 60) – 6

After coming on for captain Reece James, Gusto was energetic and strong, contributing to the goal that put Chelsea ahead. His passing was solid, and he resembled the player who had become a fan favourite at Stamford Bridge last season.

Christopher Nkunku (Noni Madueke, 60) – 5

Nkunku performed well for the team out of position on the left side, taking over Jadon Sancho’s role.