Chelsea: Three key clashes as Manchester United comes to town
2. Chelsea vs. Manchester United and VAR
Let’s be honest with each other, VAR is undoubtedly going to play a part in this one, right? The technology has stolen headlines in three encounters between the two sides over the last two seasons. More often than not, it’s Harry Maguire at the center of the controversy, as well.
Maguire could’ve arguably been sent off twice against Chelsea in the last two years. The first incident involved the English defender lifting a leg and striking Michy Batshuayi in the one place no man wants to be kicked. VAR reviewed the incident and although it seemed like a clear red card to anybody with eyes, Maguire was allowed to play on. He later went on to score and put the game to bed, pouring salt in the wound of Blues supporters. Usually the narrative would end there, but that’s not all, folks. More on Maguire later.
Let’s turn our attention to the 2020 FA Cup semifinal between the two clubs. Man United was denied a penalty in the first half after Kurt Zouma clipped Anthony Martial on a clearance on the edge of the box. It would’ve been harsh on the Frenchman, but it did go to VAR, as the system once again made a crucial decision in this tie. United was later awarded a penalty—which was surprisingly not debatable—but couldn’t complete the comeback. The Blues advanced to the FA Cup final with a 3-1 win.
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Back to Maguire. He stole headlines once again when these teams met earlier this season. Maguire rugby-tackled Cesar Azpilicueta (see photo above) inside of the box. The sequence went to VAR and somehow, the 27-year-old stayed on the pitch and Chelsea was denied a penalty. Naturally, the game ended 0-0 and the questionable incident prevented the Blues from possibly taking all three points on the day.
That brings us to Sunday’s match.
A lot of talk surrounding United has centered around its tendency to rely on penalties to win matches. The men from the red side of Manchester did win a league-high 14 last campaign, double Chelsea’s tally. However, to imply controversial penalties are the reason for their success this season would be unfair. The Blues and Red Devils are second to Leicester City (10) in penalty kicks won this season with eight. This stat—mixed with VAR’s tendency to intervene in this tie—shows that there will be at least a legitimate shout for a penalty in this game.
Could VAR decide the winner? Absolutely. Do we hope it does? Absolutely not. At the heart of it, this is a match between two world class squads, but English refereeing and VAR have a habit of taking over whenever possible.