VAR Penalty
Chelsea and Newcastle engaged in an exciting Premier League encounter at Stamford Bridge, ultimately ending in Chelsea’s favor. The match, which featured several VAR interventions, saw Chelsea gain the early advantage with a goal at 18 minutes. A precision through ball allowed Pedro Neto to find Nicolas Jackson, who confidently completed the play. Newcastle, however, responded quickly when Alexander Isak scored from close range, equalizing the match. Chelsea reclaimed the lead shortly after the second half commenced. With space available, Cole Palmer struck a powerful shot past Nick Pope. Chelsea almost extended their lead, but Neto’s header dramatically hit the post. This victory propelled Chelsea to fourth place in the league standings, ahead of the later Arsenal vs. Liverpool game.
Throughout the match, VAR was involved three times, providing necessary clarifications. Initially, it reviewed a fourth-minute situation where Palmer believed he’d scored. Despite the on-pitch goal, officials later disallowed it. Towards the match’s end, VAR advised that a penalty decision in Chelsea’s favor be overturned after reviewing Dan Burn’s challenge on Christopher Nkunku.
Explaining their VAR rulings,
Premier League’s Match Centre said, “Cole Palmer’s goal was, initially, awarded on-field. The referee’s call of goal was checked and confirmed by the VAR as Isak was in an onside position. The referee awarded a penalty to Chelsea for a foul by Burn on [Christopher] Nkunku.”
