London – Joao Pedro continued his impressive scoring streak as Chelsea claimed a crucial 2-0 victory over London rivals Fulham at Stamford Bridge, though the match was marred by a string of contentious refereeing decisions that overshadowed the result.
The £55 million summer signing from Brighton struck in first-half stoppage time, nodding home Enzo Fernandez’s well-delivered corner to register his fifth goal in as many starts for Chelsea across all competitions. Fernandez later converted a penalty in the second half to seal the win, but debate raged over referee Robert Jones and VAR official Michael Salisbury long after the final whistle.
Fulham believed they had taken the lead in the 21st minute when Josh King found the net, only for VAR to intervene. Salisbury highlighted minimal contact from Rodrigo Muniz on Trevoh Chalobah during the build-up, and following a pitchside review, Jones ruled the goal out. Replays, however, suggested the decision may have been harsh, leaving Fulham players and fans visibly frustrated.
Chelsea capitalized on the reprieve, with Pedro’s clinical header providing the breakthrough on the stroke of half-time. Fulham’s woes deepened when Ryan Sessegnon was adjudged to have handled inside the box, handing Fernandez the chance to double the lead from 12 yards.
While Chelsea celebrated another valuable three points heading into the international break, the result was tempered by an injury to striker Liam Delap, who limped off early with a hamstring issue.