Chelsea Painfully Denied Early Opener Against Liverpool Thanks VAR intervention

• Kai Havertz had a strike in the third minute ruled out in Chelsea’s clash against Liverpool
• His close range tap in was adjudged to have been from an offside position due to another rare but correct call from the match officials
• Both Liverpool and Chelsea went into the game in desperate need of three points

Chelsea had a first-half opener against Liverpool painfully ruled out for offside in a rare but correct offside ruling by the referee.

Like Liverpool, the Blues went into the game knowing nothing short of a win would suit them having struggled in the Premier League so far this season.

The West London outfit made a bright start to the game and won a corner early on, with Conor Gallagher whipping in a dangerous set piece.

It found Benoit Badishile, who guided the ball to the path of veteran defender Thiago Silva, whose shot came off against the upright but fell kindly to Havertz who slotted home what he thought was a much-needed opener.

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At first, it looked like Liverpool’s James Milner was keeping Havertz online, but VAR intervened to rule the goal out for offside.

Replays then showed by Havertz’s foot was marginally in front of the ball just as Silva swiveled his shot on goal.

Instead of giving the goal, referee Michael Oliver awarded a free kick to the discontent of Chelsea fans.

Chelsea play out draw as Mudryk shines

As far as the game went, both sides had to settle for a 0-0 draw, but the silver lining was the performance from their winter signing Mykhailo Mudryk.

The 22-year-old came on with 35 minutes remaining and was a menace for Liverpool, but unfortunately could not find the back of the net.

On social media, fans likened the forward to a prime Eden Hazard thanks to his performance.