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Television pundit Glenn Hoddle has played down claims that Chelsea were robbed by VAR in their Premier League game against Aston Villa on Saturday, April 27. The Blues were denied a memorable comeback by VAR as Axel Disasi's late winner was ruled out.
Chelsea made a horrible start to the game as Marc Cucurella netted an own-goal in the fourth minute. In-form Aston Villa attacker Morgan Rogers doubled the lead in the 42nd minute after Nicolas Jackson's 16th-minute strike was ruled out for offside after a VAR check.
Mauricio Pochettino's side bounced back strong in the second half with Noni Madueke playing a key role in the fightback. The 22-year-old scored in the 62nd minute before setting up Conor Gallagher for the equalizer in the 81st minute.
The Blues almost secured all three points when Axel Disasi found the net very late in the game only for VAR to rule it out. Benoit Badiashile fouled Diego Carlos in the build-up to the goal and Glenn Hoddle has insisted that it was the correct decision. The former Chelsea player and manager said, as quoted by Eurosport:
“I understand Mauricio's emotion after the game and with what happened in the semi-final as well. But in the light of day, most people that have played football and been managers will see that as a foul. It's quite a simple one and I was surprised the referee didn't see it in normal play with no bodies in front of him. That's where VAR comes in.”
Chelsea have kept their European hopes alive with the draw against Aston Villa while Unai Emery's side probably wouldn't have minded a draw either. Villa remain fourth in the table with a seven-point cushion over Tottenham Hotspur, having played three more games. Meanwhile, the Blues stay in ninth position but have at least a game in hand over the likes of West Ham United, Newcastle United and Manchester United.
Chelsea defender wanted by Liverpool in a £40 million deal: Reports
Liverpool are reportedly looking to take advantage of Chelsea's financial situation and land long-term target Levi Colwill from the west London side. The Reds wanted the 21-year-old last summer as well but failed to land the versatile defender.
Colwill was reportedly keen on a switch to Liverpool last summer but did not force his boyhood club. He also signed a new deal at Stamford Bridge and has been a regular at the back for the Blues whenever he has been available this season.
As reported by the Boot Room, Chelsea have been struggling financially for a while now and will need to balance their books in the summer. They are ready to offload some of their homegrown talents like Trevoh Chalobah, Armando Broja, and potentially even Conor Gallagher.
The Blues ideally want to keep Colwill but could be forced to part ways with him should a good offer come in. The England international has made a total of 32 appearances for his boyhood club this season and has been used as both centre-back and left-back.
