‘Probably the toenail of Chukwueze is too big’ - Fulham manager expresses frustration on Super Eagles stars’ disallowed goal

Palace handed Fulham another defeat at the weekend, defeating them 2-1 at Craven Cottage on Sunday.

The Cottagers, who were looking to bounce back from a midweek 5-4 loss to Manchester City, thought they had taken the lead early in the second half of the London derby. 

In the 53rd minute, Samuel Chukwueze delivered a cross from the left flank, which Alex Iwobi headed onto the crossbar. Emile Smith-Rowe was on hand to tap in the rebound, sparking celebrations at Craven Cottage.

However, the joy was short-lived as a VAR review concluded that Chukwueze was marginally offside in the build-up, and the goal was subsequently chalked off. 

The decision proved to be a turning point, as Fulham failed to register another shot on target for the remainder of the match. 

Speaking to Sky Sports after the game, Silva criticised the fine margins of the VAR call. "I think we scored a brilliant goal, a very good combination," he said. "It was a great moment for sure. It was going to boost ourselves."

"Of course, again, the goal was disallowed," Silva continued. "Probably the toenail of Chukwueze is too big for the sport that we are playing. Now, another decision from the VAR against us."

The Portuguese manager admitted his team's performance dropped after the incident. "After, the game was too tight. 

“Not many chances, not for us, not for them. What we should have done differently was to move the ball quickly. Our possession in the back was too slow."

The defeat marks Fulham's seventh loss in their last 10 Premier League matches, leaving them in 15th place and just four points clear of the relegation zone. 

Their situation is further complicated by the upcoming absence of key Nigerian players Alex Iwobi, Calvin Bassey, and Samuel Chukwueze, who will be on international duty.