VAR makes the headlines as Chelsea sink Spurs

Olivier Giroud of Chelsea (C) celebrates with teammates after scoring his team's first goal during a Premier League match between against Tottenham Hotspur at Stamford Bridge, London, UK, February 22, 2020. /VCG

Olivier Giroud and Marcos Alonso came in from the cold to inspire Chelsea's 2-1 win against Tottenham as the Blues cemented their grip on fourth place in the Premier League on Saturday.

Giroud and Alonso had been reduced to fringe figures in Frank Lampard's first season as Chelsea manager.

But Lampard restored both veterans to the team at Stamford Bridge in a gamble that paid rich dividends.

With Tammy Abraham only fit enough to make the bench, Giroud started for the first time since November and the France striker's fine finish opened the scoring in the first half.

The 33-year-old could have joined Tottenham had Chelsea signed a forward in January, but instead he netted his first club goal since August and his first in the Premier League since April.

Alonso, 29, maintained the theme of exiles getting back in favor as the left-back struck in the second half of his first league start since Chelsea's win at Tottenham in December.

Antonio Rudiger's own goal came too late to ruin Chelsea's first win in five league games, moving them four points clear of fifth placed Tottenham in the race to qualify for the Champions League.

Chelsea Manager Frank Lampard applauds the home fans after a Premier League match between Chelsea FC and Tottenham Hotspur at Stamford Bridge, London, UK, February 22, 2020. /VCG

VAR has been causing controversies since introduced to the Premier League for the first time this season.

During this match, Referee Michael Oliver deemed that Giovani Lo Celso's rash challenge on Chelsea defender Cesar Azpilicueta did not warrant a red card and VAR upheld his decision.

Lo Celso stayed on the pitch, much to Chelsea manager Lampard's amazement.

"I hate to call for red cards but that is a leg breaker," Lampard said. "VAR is here to clear things up but this is another huge question mark."

Manchester City's Gabriel Jesus (L) celebrates scoring his side's first goal of the game with teammate Riyad Mahrez during a Premier League match at the King Power Stadium, Leicester, UK, February 22, 2020. /VCG

Elsewhere VAR was again brought to attention during the game between Manchester City and Leicester, in which City won by 1-0.

A decisive moment appeared to come after the hour mark when City were awarded a penalty after a VAR check confirmed that Leicester's Dennis Praet had handled the ball in the area.

Aguero blasted the ball down the middle but Schmeichel kept it out with his legs, moments later denying the Argentine hitman with his left foot.

Man City manager Guardiola replaced Aguero with Jesus with less than a quarter of an hour to go and the change paid quick dividends as the Brazilian stretched to put the ball past the diving Schmeichel after an assist from Mahrez.

(With input from agencies)