Chelsea vs Man United ref watch: Three decisions Michael Oliver got wrong at Stamford Bridge

Michael Oliver was in charge at Stamford Bridge as Chelsea and Manchester United went head-to-head in a huge Premier League clash.

Despite plenty of late pressure from Liam Rosenior’s stars on Saturday, 18 April, Matheus Cunha’s 43rd-minute strike was enough for the Red Devils to secure all three points away from home.

The Blues last lost four consecutive Premier League games during the 1995-96 season, putting Rosenior under huge pressure in West London, while United cemented their third-place standing in the table.

Michael Carrick’s side saw out the 1-0 win away from Old Trafford, but both sets of supporters will feel that the referee was far from his best during the clash of the titans at Stamford Bridge.

Michael Oliver sets the tone with a harsh Matheus Cunha caution

Matheus Cunha was the first player in the referee’s notebook, being punished for a late challenge on Jorrel Hato, who had slid to clear any danger inside the penalty area.

Straight away, the Brazilian forward was apologetic, only having eyes for the ball when making contact with the central defender, so it felt harsh for him to pick up the game’s first booking.

He was shortly joined by Hato, who tripped Bryan Mbeumo down the right flank.

Ayden Heaven crunches into Cole Palmer with a late challenge

Just outside the penalty area, Ayden Heaven, who was forced into the lineup due to the absences of Harry Maguire and Lisandro Martinez, flew into a late challenge on Cole Palmer.

Oliver didn’t even blow his whistle for a foul, and with replays showing the connection outside of the penalty area, VAR were unable to get involved, so referee error on this occasion.

Marc Cucurella gets away with simulation at Stamford Bridge

In the 71st minute, with the Blues pushing hard for an equaliser, Marc Cucurella cried out for a penalty after a coming-together with Casemiro, but the referee waving away his calls.

A VAR review did take place, but as replays showed the Spaniard leaping up into the air before curling into a ball on the floor, it was never in doubt that Man United weren’t going to concede a spot-kick.

What should have happened was that Cucurella should have been shown a yellow card for his playacting, but he somehow avoided one.

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