04 December 2023 , 09:28
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Mauricio Pochettino says he is “disappointed” at Chelsea's lack of discipline following Conor Gallagher's dismissal against Brighton.
The Blues scraped to a 3-2 victory at Stamford Bridge at the weekend with Enzo Fernandez netting a brace and Levi Colwill finding the net against his former club. While they were eventually able to celebrate three points, Chelsea were certainly made to work hard for their victory after Gallagher’s red card.
He was sent off for two bookable during the first half. His first caution came after a heavy challenge on Facundo Buonanotte before a foul on ex-Chelsea star Billy Gilmour saw Gallagher head to the dressing room.
It is the second match in a row that the Blues have seen their captain sent off, after Reece James was also dismissed vs Newcastle. Gallagher’s sending off was also their third red of the campaign with only Liverpool having received more.
Speaking after the game, Pochettino bemoaned his side’s lack of discipline but suggested that it is only natural for a team so young across the park. The Argentine said: “Look, this type of thing happens in football. Of course, [I am] disappointed because we should finish with a player but it happens and we need to accept.
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“We are a young team. We need to leave this kind of experience with red cards. With time we’re gonna improve and avoid this kind of situations.
“The team was really good, I feel very proud because Newcastle was tough and then again Brighton is always difficult to play and in the first 25 minutes we scored twice and were controlling the game.
Conor Gallager was sent off against Brighton at the weekend (Getty Images)Where will Chelsea finish in the Premier League this season? Share your predictions in the comments below
“We were a little bit flat when we conceded at the end of the first half in the second half and then Gallagher was sent off. It wasn’t a second yellow card, but that is my opinion, maybe I am wrong.”
Chelsea will now be without Gallagher’s services following his red. A one-match ban means that he will be unavailable for the midweek trip to face Manchester United at Old Trafford.
However, in more positive news, the Blues will be able to welcome back James, who has served his own ban for his sending off at Newcastle. Marc Cucurella will also be back in contention after serving a suspension for five yellow cards.
There could also be a few injury returnees for the clash with the Red Devils. Malo Gusto and Christopher Nkunku could potentially be in contention.
The latter moved to Stamford Bridge in the summer in a £52m switch from German side RB Leipzig. He has yet to make his competitive debut for the Blues after suffering a knee injury during pre-season.