Chelsea FC secured a 2-0 win over Fulham FC at Stamford Bridge, but the match was overshadowed by a series of controversial refereeing decisions that left both teams frustrated.

João Pedro continued his impressive run of form, opening the scoring in injury time at the end of the first half. The Chelsea forward, who joined from Brighton for £55 million, netted his fifth goal in five appearances across all competitions, further solidifying his place in the Blues' attack.

In the second half, Enzo Fernandez converted a penalty to double Chelsea’s lead and seal the win. However, it was the refereeing decisions that took centre stage, much to the dismay of the visiting Fulham players and their supporters.

One of the key flashpoints occurred in the 21st minute, when Josh King thought he had given Fulham the lead. However, the goal was ruled out after Rodrigo Muniz was judged to have stepped on Trevor Chalobah’s foot. Referee Robert Jones upheld the decision after reviewing the incident on VAR, despite video evidence suggesting the contact was minimal at best.

The drama continued after the break when both Chelsea and Fulham players were involved in handball incidents inside the penalty area. After another review, Jones awarded Chelsea a penalty, which Fernandez duly converted, handing the hosts a 2-0 win.

2025-26, England - Premier League

Chelsea - Fulham 2:0 (1:0)
Goals: João Pedro, 45 (1:0); Fernandez E., 56 (penalty) (2:0)

Chelsea: Sanchez Ro.; Adarabioyo; Chalobah; Gusto; Cucurella; Fernandez E.; Caicedo M.; Estêvão (Bynoe-Gittens, 68); Pedro Neto (James R., 81); Delap (George, 14; Andrey Santos, 81); João Pedro
Substitution: George (from 14 till 81); Bynoe-Gittens (from 68); James R. (from 81); Andrey Santos (from 81)
Bench: Jörgensen F.; Hato; Fofana W.; Acheampong J. K.; Essugo
Yellow Cards: Caicedo M. 38; Andrey Santos 90

Fulham: Leno; Tete; Bassey; Andersen J.; Castagne (Wilson H., 60); Berge; Lukic; King J. (Smith Rowe, 67); Sessegnon R. (Robinson A., 67); Rodrigo Muniz (Raul Jimenez, 59); Iwobi (Traoré Ad., 84)
Substitution: Raul Jimenez (from 59); Wilson H. (from 60); Robinson A. (from 67); Smith Rowe (from 67); Traoré Ad. (from 84)
Bench: Lecomte; Cuenca J.; Reed H.; Cairney
Yellow Cards: Iwobi 73; Lukic 90