Enzo Maresca was left unhappy with referee Robert Jones following Chelsea’s 2-2 draw with Bournemouth at Stamford Bridge.
The official was asked to look at the monitor following a foul on Marc Cucurella early in the second half, where David Brooks appeared to grab the Spaniard round the neck as the Blues looked to counter.
After a long check, the referee went against the VAR advice for the first time in Premier League history and issued a yellow card instead.
The Blues were left scrapping late on to rescue a point, and managed to do so through Reece James’ sensational free-kick in added time.
It has unfortunately become a regular theme of late for Chelsea to have complaints at refereeing decisions going against them, coinciding with their poor run of form.
The Chelsea Chronicle have analysed the four decisions in the last five games that have all gone against them, and gone on to have an impact on the game.
All VAR decisions to go against Chelsea in recent games
Chelsea 2-2 Bournemouth – Red card for foul on Cucurella not given
Given the fact that a player has already been sent off for a hair pull on Cucurella this season, it can be imagined that the standards have been set for what is a red card offence.
The pictures seemed to show the Spaniard’s hair being grabbed as he looked to break away while Robert Sanchez was in possession, and the fact Jones was sent to the monitor suggested there was merit for a dismissal.
The score was 1-1 at the time, and Bournemouth soon found the net again through Chelsea transfer target Antoine Semenyo before James’ equaliser.
The Blues would have regained total control of the game like they had in the first half if he had been sent off, with a goal surely not far away the way they were playing.
Crystal Palace 1-1 Chelsea – Penalty not given for challenge on Pedro Neto
Chelsea looked close to getting themselves back in the win column at Selhurst Park when they led Crystal Palace 1-0.
They could have been presented the chance to double their lead when Pedro Neto was challenged inside the box by Tyrick Mitchell.
Nothing was given, and no real VAR check occurred, and Chelsea went on to concede late on.
Mike Dean said he believed a penalty should have been awarded at the time, and Cole Palmer’s exceptional record from the spot would have almost certainly put the game to bed.
Ipswich Town 2-0 Chelsea – Penalty given for foul on Liam Delap
Liam Delap has emerged as a top transfer target for Chelsea in January, and he was at his best when Ipswich beat the Blues back in December.
However, there was some controversy over the decision to award a penalty for a foul from Filip Jorgensen on the striker.
The contact appeared to be more than minimal, and Delap already seemed to be on the way down before there was any interaction between the two.
The Blues were way off their game at Portman Road anyway, however staying level in the game for longer could well have seen them grow in stature rather than shrink.
Everton 0-0 Chelsea – Penalty not given for challenge on Malo Gusto
Chelsea created very little in their 0-0 draw with Everton, the game that kicked off their poor run of form.
However, there was a moment where Malo Gusto had a chance from a tight angle, before being smothered by Jordan Pickford in aggressive style
The England goalkeeper flew out and caught the full-back with a studs up challenge, although no decision was given.
Another tight game where a penalty would have made all the difference, it is tough to not think about how much better of the Blues would be if some of these decisions had gone their way.
