Stamford Bridge was left in a state of stunned silence on Saturday evening as Fulham snatched a dramatic 1-0 victory, with a late VAR decision confirming a colossal blow to Chelsea's European ambitions.
The West London derby, which seemed destined for a frustrating goalless draw, exploded into life in the final quarter of an hour. The moment of controversy arrived when Fulham's Calvin Bassey unleashed a powerful strike that Chelsea goalkeeper Đorđe Petrović could only parry away.
The ball fell perfectly for Brazilian striker Rodrigo Muniz, who reacted quickest to nod the rebound into the net. Immediate celebrations from the travelling Fulham support were cut short by the assistant referee's raised flag for offside.
A nervous pause ensued as the Video Assistant Referee team at Stockley Park began a meticulous review. After a tense check that lasted several minutes, the definitive word came through: the goal would stand. Replays clearly showed that Muniz was played onside by the leg of Chelsea's Levi Colwill, sending the away end into absolute delirium.
The decision was a crushing blow for Mauricio Pochettino's Chelsea, who had dominated possession but yet again failed to convert their chances into goals. This defeat marks the first time Fulham have won at the home of their rivals since 1979, breaking a 43-year hoodoo in the most dramatic fashion possible.
For Marco Silva's Fulham, this hard-fought, VAR-certified victory provides a massive boost, lifting them to within touching distance of the top half of the table and cementing their status as a tough opponent for any side in the division.
