Chelsea thought they had gone behind early in their first Premier League game of the season, however were relieved to see VAR intervene.
Eberechi Eze, who many believed wouldn’t of played for Crystal Palace amid interest from Tottenham over a potential transfer, smashed a free-kick from close range that was too hot to handle for Robert Sanchez.
The goalkeeper certainly didn’t cover himself in glory with the moment, and it looked as the ball flew past him that the setup with the defensive wall was completely wrong.
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The real reason why Eberechi Eze’s free-kick against Chelsea was disallowed
However, when looking at it again, Marc Guehi had engaged with Moises Caicedo, and in the process moved to within a metre of the defensive wall.
As explained by the Premier League Match Centre, this was the reason as to why the goal was disallowed, keeping the score at 0-0 at the time.
#CHECRY – 13’ VAR OVERTURN
After VAR review, the referee overturned the original decision of goal to Crystal Palace.
Referee announcement: “After review, away number six is less than one metre away from the wall as the shot is taken. Therefore, it's an indirect free kick and a…
— Premier League Match Centre (@PLMatchCentre) August 17, 2025
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Pundit Steve Sidwell has claimed that he believes this needs to be something that is now enforced every week, saying that it occurs far more frequently than many perhaps think.
He told BBC Sport: “How many times have we seen that in the past where there’s blocking? If that is the precedent set on the opening weekend it has to stay for the season.”
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Chelsea coach noticed Guehi infringement
While many were disappointed at the manner of which Chelsea had gone behind, one of their coaching staff instantly noticed that there was a problem.
Journalist Nizaar Kinella noticed how set-piece coach Bernardo Cueva was arguing with the fourth official to state that the goal shouldn’t of stood.
He said: “Bernardo Cueva, Chelsea’s set-piece coach, was arguing with the fourth official about Marc Guehi’s action to shove Caicedo out of the way in the wall. VAR checking if it is a foul.”
He was proven right in the end, and Chelsea survived an early scare at Stamford Bridge.