Sunderland defeated Chelsea on Saturday afternoon. (Photo by Clive Mason/Getty Images)
Sunderland had a memorable win against Chelsea on Saturday at Stamford Bridge, with goals from Wilson Isidore and Kemsudine Talbi securing a 2-1 win. But questions are now being asked about whether the winner should have been allowed to stand in stoppage time.
After some good keeping from Brian Brobbey, Talbi laid the ball off in the 93rd minute to give hosts Sunderland the winning goal, sparking violent scenes from the away supporters. However, some argue that these celebrations would not have lasted long, as the legitimacy of this goal has been questioned.
Sunderland winner ‘should have been left out’ – Hackett
According to Football Insider (via Sunderland Echo), former referee Keith Hackett claimed that VAR should not have disallowed Talbi’s goal because Lutcharel Giartruida got in the way of Chelsea goalkeeper Robert Sanchez when the shot was taken.
“I don’t like to see goals canceled for offside, but I was surprised that the referee was not asked to confirm the incident on the pitchside monitor. In my opinion, the Sunderland player who was in an offside position influenced the Chelsea goalkeeper and the goal should have been canceled.”
“The offside law states: ‘Obstruct an opponent by preventing or enabling an opponent to play the ball by clearly obstructing the opponent’s view.'” I believe the Sunderland player standing in an offside position has an impact on Chelsea’s goalkeeper and the goal should be ruled out as an offside offence. ”
It would have been extremely cruel for Sunderland to have the second-half goal ruled out and they will be grateful that the video assistant referee did not intervene. This meant they rose to the lofty heights of second place in the Premier League table, ahead of the likes of Man City and Liverpool.