PREMIER LEAGUE VAR HISTORY MADE IN CHELSEA'S DRAW WITH BOURNEMOUTH

• Chelsea held to a 2-2 draw with Bournemouth on Tuesday

• David Brooks escaped a red card after clashing with Marc Cucurella

• The referee's decision was historic but not popular with Blues boss Enzo Maresca

David Brooks was not sent off against Chelsea despite a VAR review / Mike Hewitt/GettyImages

Bournemouth forward David Brooks became the first player in Premier League history not to be sent off after a red-card review at the pitch-side monitor - much to the disbelief of Chelsea boss Enzo Maresca.

Brooks had been embroiled in a bubbling battle with the Blues left-back Marc Cucurella throughout Tuesday's 2-2 draw at Stamford Bridge. There was no doubt that the Welsh forward tugged back his Spanish counterpart within ten minutes of the restart, halting a quick breakaway for the hosts, but video replays failed to show clearly where the contact between the two players was made.

On-pitch referee Rob Jones blew for a foul but was ushered towards the touchline screen by VAR Graham Scott before he issued a card of any colour. After reviewing the footage, Jones booked Brooks - who seemed more preoccupied with Cucurella rather than the historic nature of his escape.

As pointed out by ESPN's VAR expert Dale Johnson, Jones became the first Premier League referee since the introduction of VAR in 2019 not to follow a red-card recommendation. The official from Merseyside was also the first since May 2024 to stick with his original decision after being directed to the monitor.

Shortly after the incident, the Premier League's official match centre X account explained why Jones stuck to his guns: "Upon review, the referee deemed that the challenge on Cucurella was a reckless action and not violent conduct."

Law 12 in the FA's Official Handbook defines a "reckless action" as "when a player acts with disregard to the danger to, or consequences for, an opponent". By comparison, "violent conduct" is when "a player uses or attempts to use excessive force or brutality against an opponent".

Chelsea manager Enzo Maresca was not impressed with the landmark moment. "When there is no intention to take the ball, it's red," the Italian seethed post-game. "They have to explain. So if they give yellow, that means something happened. How can they judge it was not dangerous? You cannot. It's red."

Maresca's Bournemouth counterpart, Andoni Iraola, predictably disagreed: "There's no violence, it stops a counter, it's a clear yellow card."

- Grey Whitebloom

CHELSEA MUST MANAGE GAMES BETTER DESPITE WIN - MARESCA

Chelsea must manage games better and learn to deal with stressful situations, manager Enzo Maresca said after Marc Cucurella was sent off at the end of Sunday's 2-1 home win against Brentford in the Premier League.

Cucurella and Nicolas Jackson scored as Chelsea secured their fifth consecutive league win to close the gap to leaders Liverpool to two points.

However, Chelsea conceded a goal in the final minute against Brentford, while Cucurella was shown a second yellow card following an altercation with forward Kevin Schade for "adopting an aggressive attitude."

Chelsea lead the league in yellow cards this season with 50.

"For sure the goal we concede, and the last part of the game, it is something we need to manage better," Maresca said.

"I think it's experience for the players to learn and to improve things.

"But overall, with the spirit of the team, we know that sometimes it can happen. With the second [yellow] one, it's probably not the correct thing to do, but these are things we need to improve."

The Italian praised Cucurella's contribution against Brentford both in and out of possession.

"Cucurella was top on and off the ball ... together with the other 10 [players], they were fantastic. We are happy, delighted with Marc's performance."

Maresca confirmed midfielder Romeo Lavia is expected to return from injury for next Sunday's trip to Everton while João Félix will also be available for their Conference League match against Shamrock Rovers on Thursday.

Defender Benoît Badiashile is likely to be out with an injury sustained in training, he added.

- Reuters 

HALLAN RECALLS CUCURELLA'S SONG AFTWR CHELSEA-MAN CITY GAME

Erling Haaland has two Premier League golden boots to his name, but he keeps receipts as well.

Last month, Chelsea full-back Marc Cucurella was riding the high of highs. The 26-year-old Spaniard helped his nation to a record fourth European Championship, assisting on the winning goal in the final.

Enjoying the triumph, Cucurella made the most of Spain's post-championship celebration. He called out pundit Gary Neville, who had doubted whether Spain could win the tournament with Cucurella in the lineup. But he made perhaps the most headlines when he sang a song that references Haaland -- star forward for Chelsea rival Manchester City -- fearing him.

Haaland didn't need to wait long for a chance to rebut, however. Manchester City faced Chelsea in a prime-time Sunday afternoon clash during the Premier League's opening weekend. It took the Norwegian just 18 minutes to open up his account for the new season.

Dribbling ahead before putting City up 1-0 with a deft finish, Haaland had a familiar face by his side as he put the ball into the back of the net: Cucurella.

After the game, Haaland was asked about Cucurella's summer reference to his potential fear. He kept things light, recalling an interaction between the two players from the prior season.

Manchester City won the match 2-0 behind Haaland's opening goal and Mateo Kovačić's clincher, as they began their quest for a fifth consecutive Premier League title.

- J.J. Post, ESPN

MARC CUCURELLA JOINING CHELSEA

 Marc Cucurella is due to join Chelsea Football Club soon after a deal has been reached.