FRANK LAMPARD’S Chelsea have found victories difficult to come by of late, but when it mattered, against London rivals Tottenham Hotspur, they claimed the victory to strengthen their hopes of a finish in a top-four spot.

Goals from Olivier Giroud and Marcos Alonso either side of the half-time break ensured the much-needed victory for Chelsea, whose form at home had been a real concern.

A late Antonio Rudiger own-goal gave Jose Mourinho’s side a little hope but, in the end, it was not enough, and in truth, the visitors should not have deserved to take anything from the match.

The win gives a boost to Chelsea as they welcome Bayern Munich for the first leg of their Champions League tie tomorrow.

However, the ongoing controversy around the effectiveness of the much-derided video assistant referee reached a bizarre new level with yet another high-profile incident that demonstrates the system is in urgent need of review.

In the 52nd minute, Spurs’ Giovani Lo Celso appeared to stand on Cesar Azpilicueta’s shin in an altercation by the touchline. When replays were shown, it seemed an obvious red card. The decision went to VAR and the Argentinian midfielder was cleared of wrongdoing.

However, as the match continued, a statement was released by officials at Stockley Park acknowledging “human error” in an incorrect decision.

“I want it to work and help them, and make the game better,” said Lampard. “It was so wrong.

“Referees have such a difficult job and VAR was brought in to help them. I hate to call for red cards but that is a leg-breaker of a tackle.”

The moment of controversy overshadowed a vibrant Chelsea performance. Lampard added: “There’s a slight disappointment at their goal, which makes the result look slightly different but the performance levels of the team and the attitude, I can’t ask for any more.”

From the moment that Giroud put Chelsea ahead in the 15th minute, when he fired a powerful left-footed shot beyond compatriot Hugo Lloris in the Tottenham goal, the home side dominated their weaker opponents. Mourinho’s men had no answer.

Alonso added a second shortly after the interval as Chelsea, who had just won five of their 13 home league matches at Stamford Bridge under Lampard since the start of the season, pushed on for the victory against their opponents.

Mourinho, his side ravaged by injuries to his front line, did the best with what was available. The former Chelsea and Manchester United boss was supportive of his players.

He said: “I’m proud of the players, proud of the effort and proud to see the boys for the result until the last second.” 

Of course, he didn’t dwell too much on the VAR controversy but did add he “hopes that the noise is the same” when his team suffers a similar decision.