Chelsea narrowly avoided a late collapse at the weekend, holding on for a 2-1 victory over Leicester City in the Premier League.
The win marked a return to form for the Blues, who controlled much of the match thanks to a composed performance.
Goals from Nicolas Jackson and Enzo Fernandez, who excelled under Enzo Maresca’s tactical setup, gave Chelsea a commanding lead.
However, a late penalty conceded by Romeo Lavia offered Leicester a glimmer of hope. Despite the scare, Chelsea left the King Power Stadium with all three points and, in the process, brought an end to Steve Cooper’s tenure as Leicester manager.
Key Controversies and Refereeing Decisions
The match was not without drama. Former referee Mark Halsey expressed concerns over a tackle on Cole Palmer, which he described as a “horror challenge” that could have ended the Chelsea midfielder’s career.
Remarkably, the incident went unpunished, sparking frustration among Blues supporters.
Another contentious moment involved Wesley Fofana’s collision with Stephy Mavididi in the Leicester penalty box. However, ex-Premier League official Dermot Gallagher supported the decision not to award a penalty.
Speaking to Sky Sports’ Ref Watch, Gallagher explained:
“It’s not a penalty. Fofana just stands his ground. He realises he could be in trouble if he dangles a leg and cleverly stands his ground. He doesn’t make any challenge.
“And before you say to me he has to get out of the way, there is nothing in the laws to say you cannot stand your ground. Mavididi goes into Fofana.”
Chelsea’s Frustrations with Referees
Chelsea have felt hard done by several refereeing decisions this season. Fans argue that Lisandro Martinez should have been sent off for a dangerous challenge on Cole Palmer, leaving Maresca furious at the time.
Additionally, the Blues were denied a penalty in their narrow defeat to Liverpool, a decision many believe could have altered the trajectory of their campaign.
While all teams face contentious calls, Chelsea’s frustrations with officials have grown, with fans pointing to numerous instances where they feel decisions have gone against them. Whether this narrative persists could depend on future performances and officiating consistency.
