Manchester Untied Beat Chelsea in VAR-Marred Match

Chelsea hosted Manchester United at Stamford Bridge in a match that will have all the talking points the rest of England’s Winter Break. VAR was in the spotlight on multiple occasions & the Premier League will have to deal with these precedents that the system has set in its first season in the league.

Newly appointed United captain Harry Maguire was lucky to avoid a red card after a spat with Chelsea’s Michy Batshuayi near the hosts’ bench.

What did you make of the Harry Maguire/Michy Batshuayi incident earlier in the match? pic.twitter.com/QYg80N9mCQ

— NBC Sports Soccer (@NBCSportsSoccer) February 17, 2020

Man U’s Anthony Martial scored before the first half ended to give the visitors the lead into the break.

Beautiful cross 😍
Beautiful finish 🤩

Manchester United strike first! 👏 pic.twitter.com/BejEhXQi8h

— NBC Sports Soccer (@NBCSportsSoccer) February 17, 2020

In the 2nd half, Chelsea appeared to have equalized off a set piece but the goal was ruled out due to a foul.

Chelsea scores, but, it's overturned because of a push. 🤐 pic.twitter.com/UfYC6h5S4V

— NBC Sports Soccer (@NBCSportsSoccer) February 17, 2020

Harry Maguire poured salt into Chelsea’s wound when he doubled the United lead with a thumping header in front of the traveling supporters.

🚨 HARRY MAGUIRE SCORES! 🚨 pic.twitter.com/elRC0FAUXt

— NBC Sports Soccer (@NBCSportsSoccer) February 17, 2020

It was just clearly not Chelsea’s day when substitute Oliver Giroud header’s that pulled the Blues one back was correctly ruled out by VAR for offside.

Giroud goal called back. pic.twitter.com/0RlOqXzSeJ

— NBC Sports Soccer (@NBCSportsSoccer) February 17, 2020

VAR remains a talking point in the EPL especially when the on field ref refuses to go to the pitch-side monitor for another look at the controversial calls on the pitch. The story in the table however is that Man United have closed the gap on “top 5” & Champions League competition with a huge win over their Top 6 rival & that Chelsea could have helped their cause immensely but failed another test.