Chelsea were denied an incredible victory in the Premier League at Villa Park after Axel Disasi’s stoppage-time goal was ruled out by a VAR intervention on Saturday evening. The Aston Villa vs Chelsea game was destined to end thrillingly as Mauricio Pochettino’s side almost stole the show with a stellar comeback in the second half after going 0-2 down at the break, ultimately ending in a 2-2 draw. After pulling two goals back within regulation time, Chelsea went all out in search of a winner and almost found a way to end their horror week in style through a rising Axel Disasi. The French center-back rose high in the opponent’s penalty box and made a strong connection with a hooked cross from Benoit Badiashile to head home.
Despite completing the stunning comeback in the game despite trailing 0-2 in the first half, the Chelsea players burst into wild celebrations, which were short-lived due to the controversial decision of the on-field referee, Craig Pawson, who decided to rule out the potential Chelsea winner, resulting in huge protests orchestrated by the Chelsea players and staff.
Why was Axel Disasi’s Chelsea winner disallowed?
After Axel Disasi’s goal in the fourth minute of stoppage time, Aston Villa players protested a potential foul during the build-up to Chelsea’s late goal. Following the rules set by the lawmakers of the English Premier League, referee Craig Pawson asked the VAR team to look into the allegations. After a substantial period of time, the VAR team recommended an on-field review. Pawson then decided to rule against the Blues, as the assist provider of Disasi’s winning goal, Benoit Badiashile, nudged Aston Villa defender Diego Carlos before sending a cross towards an onrushing Disasi. As there was a foul in the build-up, the on-field referee determined that there was enough contact made by the 22-year-old French defender on his opponent and ruled out the goal. There was wild protest against the controversial decision of the on-field referee from the Chelsea players, especially from Disasi, who was fuming at Pawson.
After a 5-0 hammering at the hands of Arsenal last weekend, it seemed like Chelsea finally had something to celebrate after producing a stellar comeback at Villa Park, only to be left with a draw and a point. In the post-match press conference, a furious Pochettino hit back at the referring decision and VAR intervention, which denied him and his team a ‘deserving win’ in the game, stating that ‘these controversial VAR decisions are ruining important contests in the Premier League.’
What Happened in Aston Villa vs Chelsea Clash?
The proceedings at the beginning of the Aston Villa vs Chelsea game at Villa Park hinted at another forgettable night for the Blues, as they conceded two first-half goals through Marc Cucurrella’s sloppy own goal and a clinical strike from Morgan Rogers. However, the visitors, still licking their wounds from last week’s heavy defeat, responded through Noni Madueke and Conor Gallagher before the injury-time chaos. The visitors continued to increase their attacking pushes after leveling the scoreline but could not find a way to go ahead on the night. Their top scorer of the season, Cole Palmer, found a golden chance to be the hero of the night for his team as he found himself in a one-on-one situation following a defensive mistake from Villa, but he was denied by an alert Robin Olsen.
With both teams increasing the pace in the final third, it was Diasi who was handed the chance to steal the show, and he executed a great header off an overhead cross from his defensive partner to slot it into the net in stoppage time, only to be denied later by the controversial VAR decision. Following this 2-2 draw, Chelsea retained the 9th position in the Premier League standings. Pochettino will not be entirely displeased with this result as his side still has a chance to qualify for the Europa League, with five matches remaining this term. For Aston Villa, their chances to qualify for the UEFA Champions League now rely on Spurs, who have three matches in hand.”
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