Chelsea claim controversial derby victory over Fulham to maintain strong start

Chelsea recorded a controversial 2-0 west London derby victory over Fulham at Stamford Bridge to maintain their strong start to the Premier League season.

The scoreline however was hardly a reflection of the visitors’ role in a diverting tussle that came to life midway through the first half when 18-year-old Josh King was denied a first league goal by a VAR call that enraged manager Marco Silva and irrevocably soured the mood of away fans in the Shed End.

Pedro Muniz was the player penalised, judged to have been reckless in his challenge on Trevoh Chalobah before the ball was worked to King, who finished into the corner with aplomb.

Fulham’s joy at taking the lead was transformed into a bitter sense of injustice for what remained of the derby following a lengthy pitchside review by referee Robert Jones.

Striker Joao Pedro headed Chelsea in front at the end of the nine added minutes that resulted from the hold-up.

There was further reason for Fulham’s agitation in the second half, a two-fold VAR call that first exonerated Pedro of a foul then penalised Ryan Sessegnon for handball, allowing Enzo Fernandez to double the lead from the penalty spot.

The best early chances had gone to Fulham, Joachim Andersen and Alex Iwobi each firing wide, whilst Chelsea themselves went close when Liam Delap’s shot was well blocked by Andersen.

It was to be the limit of Delap’s involvement, the new signing sustaining what looked to be a hamstring injury chasing a long ball, leading to his withdrawal after 13 minutes.

Our goalscorers. ⚽️⚽️ #CFC | #CHEFUL pic.twitter.com/EMeGAyRdPk

— Chelsea FC (@ChelseaFC) August 30, 2025

King scored what looked to be a wonderful goal midway thorough the half, turning Tosin Adarabioyo inside out at the end of