Sunday marked the continuation of the VAR controversy in the Premier League, as Manchester City were awarded a penalty against Chelsea at Stamford Bridge.

The Blues welcomed Pep Guardiola’s squad to west London in an effort to build on their thrilling 4-1 victory over Tottenham on Monday night. Nevertheless, following a lively beginning by Mauricio Pochettino’s squad, the initial pivotal moment of the match occurred in the 20th minute.

The visitors were awarded a penalty following Marc Cucurella’s foul for bringing Erling Haaland down inside the six-yard box. Prior to the endorsement of referee Anthony Taylor’s decision, the outcome was assessed by VAR.

Cucurella pulled Haaland to the ground subsequent to Jeremy Doku delivering a cross, as determined by replays. However, mere seconds prior to the incident, the striker appeared to have removed the defender’s shirt.

Haaland converted the penalty kick and scored his inaugural goal in a match against Chelsea; however, Sky Sports’ Jamie Carragher was opposed to the decision to award the penalty kick.

“I think that’s harsh for me, because it looks like six of one, half a dozen on the other between Haaland and Cucurella,” according to him. Curiella is initially hostile and resolute toward Haaland, but Haaland eventually seizes Curiella as well.

“This is not the correct decision because VAR was not observing the beginning of the struggle; he gains the upper hand with his shirt, but then retreats. It’s extremely harsh on Chelsea, as VAR only observed the conclusion of the struggle. Sincerely, I find it to be harsh.”

Chelsea was fortunate to have 39-year-old defender Thiago Silva’s intelligent header at the front post cancel out Haaland’s opener, and former City star Raheem Sterling added a second before halftime.