Chelsea beat West Ham as big VAR decision benefits the Blues

Chelsea came back from a second half deficit to collect all three points at home to West Ham.  The win gives the Blues their second consecutive home victory and their third on the season so far.  A controversial VAR decision, however, would end up being the main talking point in the match.

The hosts dominated the first half of match, but could not test West Ham goalkeeper Lukasz Fabianski.  Chelsea racked up 70% possession, eight corner kicks, and 200 more total pass attempts than the visitors in the opening period.  Nevertheless, the Hammers goalie did not have to make a save in the first 45 minutes.

West Ham struck first in the match, as Michail Antonio put the east London club ahead in the 62nd minute.  Antonio converted his shot from just a few inches away from the Chelsea goal.  The lead, however, did not last for long for the Hammers.

The goal seemed to make the Blues come alive and the hosts scored twice in the final 15 minutes to get their third win in six games.  Substitutes Ben Chilwell and Kai Havertz both came off the bench to score the goals for Chelsea.

The Hammers thought they had grabbed a point at Stamford Bridge late in the match.  Maxwel Cornet converted his thunderous strike in the 90th minute; however the equalizing goal was subsequently disallowed following a VAR review.  Winger Jarrod Bowen was judged to have interfered with Chelsea keeper Edouard Mendy prior to the Cornet shot.

Although Bowen did in fact make contact with Mendy, video replays showed that the incident was fairly mild.  Nevertheless, referee Andy Madley reviewed the matter and ruled out the goal.  West Ham manager David Moyes was furious at the controversial call.

Can't find anyone on the broadcast gantry (from either side) who considers that a foul by Bowen on Mendy. A real "by the letter of the law" decision. Big win for Chelsea! #CHEWHU

— Gary Taphouse (@garytaphouse) September 3, 2022

Chelsea will not seem to mind though.  The victory moves the Blues up to fifth in the Premier League table for the moment.  West Ham, on the other hand, fell to 17th in the standings. 

Photo credit: Imago