Why Cole Palmer goal for Chelsea vs Newcastle was ruled out as VAR check explained

Cole Palmer saw a would-be fourth-minute goal for Chelsea against Newcastle United overturned due to offside, the Premier League have confirmed.

The Blues got off to a bright start against Eddie Howe's side and thought they had taken a swift lead when Palmer finished superbly past Nick Pope. The midfielder was unleashed towards goal by a Nicolas Jackson pass, held off his marker then rolled the ball beyond a rooted goalkeeper.

Referee Simon Hooper indicated the goal to be all 'okay' from his on-field perspective however, as is custom, VAR Jarred Gillett checked the goal for offside. Last week the same official had been at the centre of the storm that saw Arsenal's William Saliba sent-off for a last-man challenge following a review.

On this occasion, he discovered Palmer to have marginally crept beyond the last man - Bruno Guimaraes - and therefore his goal was struck from the record, as was confirmed by a statement from the Premier League Match Centre.

Chelsea could have no qualms with the decision and were forced to play on. Thankfully for Enzo Maresca the early setback did not get into the minds of his players, and within 18 minutes Jackson had fired the hosts ahead. This time Palmer was the architect with a brilliant pass to Pedro Neto, who crossed into the striker for a simple tap-in.

READ MORE: Eddie Howe explains late Newcastle injury blow - despite player being spotted at Chelsea

READ MORE: Chelsea have Mykhailo Mudryk dilemma as Joao Felix's Cole Palmer problem becomes clear

But the lead did not last too long as Alexander Isak scored only his second goal of the season to level. The Magpies striker was subject to an intense offside review from Gillett also, though unlike Palmer he survived.