Sign in Subscribe
Professional soccer

Controversy Surrounds Sunderland's Dramatic Stoppage-Time Winner at Stamford Bridge

Strategic Insights

— 1 min read

Sunderland's dramatic comeback victory over Chelsea at Stamford Bridge has been marred by controversy, with former Premier League referee Keith Hackett claiming that the winning goal should have been disallowed for offside. Hackett stated that Lutsharel Geertruida's position near the Chelsea goalkeeper, Robert Sanchez, clearly obstructed his line of vision, and the goal should have been ruled out under Law 11 of the IFAB rules. The controversy has sparked debate about the accuracy of the VAR check, which deemed the Dutchman not to be interfering with play.

Key Takeaways:

  • The winning goal, scored by James Copley Chemsdine Talbi in the 2-1 victory, has been disputed by former Premier League referee Keith Hackett, who believes it should have been disallowed for offside.
  • Hackett cited the IFAB rules, which state that a player is deemed to be interfering with an opponent if they "prevent an opponent from playing or being able to play the ball by clearly obstructing the opponent's line of vision."
  • Sunderland's victory was their first at Stamford Bridge since 2014 and lifted them to second place in the Premier League table with 17 points from nine matches.
  • Chelsea boss Enzo Maresca conceded that his side was not good enough and criticized their defending for the second goal.
  • The match sparked controversy about the accuracy of the VAR check, with Hackett expressing surprise that the referee was not asked to review the incident on the pitchside monitor.

Statistics:

  • Sunderland's victory was their fifth win of the season, with 17 points from nine matches.
  • The match was Chelsea's second consecutive defeat, following a loss to Manchester City the previous week.
  • Talbi's goal was scored in added time, deep into the tenth minute of stoppage time.
  • Sunderland's goals were scored by Wilson Isidor and Talbi, while Chelsea's goal was scored by Alejandro Garnacho.
  • Chelsea boss Enzo Maresca has now led his team to two consecutive defeats.

Sources:

  • [1] Football Insider: "Former Premier League referee Keith Hackett claims Sunderland's winner at Chelsea should have been ruled out for offside"
  • [2] The Echo: "Sunderland's James Copley Chemsdine Talbi's dramatic stoppage-time winner should not have stood, says former Premier League referee Keith Hackett"

Read more