The three title contenders in the Premier League were all have the officials to thank for their victories this afternoon, with Manchester City, Liverpool, and Chelsea all winning their respective thanks to goals from the penalty spot.
While City's spot kick was a questionable decision, Chelsea's last gasp winner against Leeds was controversial in its own right.
Referee Chris Kavanagh felt that Matheus Klich kicked out at Antonio Rudiger in the box, making contact with the German's leg while attempting to clear the ball. It was a borderline call, although VAR back the official's decision at the time.
Leeds certainly felt aggrieved with the injury time decision, with the two sets of players clashing after the final whistle.
They felt that Rudiger had gone down easily, confronting the defender after the game. He would have to be pulled away by his teammates as tensions began to boil over.
Scenes at Stamford Bridge as Leeds and Chelsea players clash at full-time
Rudiger is having to be pulled away by his teammates 🤬 pic.twitter.com/scBLJP8cRP— Football Daily (@footballdaily) December 11, 2021
There were actually three penalties awarded in the game, with Jorginho scoring twice from the spot after Raphinha gave Leeds the lead earlier in the contest. Rudiger was also the player fouled for the first Chelsea penalty.
This was a hugely important victory for Thomas Tuchel's side, who would have lost further ground on Manchester City and Liverpool in the title race. The win means they sit only two points behind Pep Guardiola's side in the table.
As for Leeds, they now face into a very tricky period in their schedule, with games against Manchester City, Arsenal, Liverpool, and Aston Villa all to come before the end of the month.
With the side only six points above the relegation zone and having played more games than most of the teams below them, they really could have done with taking something from their visit to Stamford Bridge.