Former referee Dermot Galagher has given his say on whether Chelsea deserved to find themselves down to 10 men in the first half of yesterday’s win over Brighton.
He told Sky Sports that Conor Gallagher deserved to see red for his second bookable offence on the stroke of half-time.
For the second consecutive game, Chelsea saw their captain sent off for very avoidable scenarios.
The Blues were forced to play more than half of the game with 10 men, forcing them to dig in deep and fight for just their second home victory of the season.
Gallagher has now given his say as to whether his namesake deserved to see red at Stamford Bridge.
He said: “I think so because of the nature of the tackle. I think that’s a yellow card. He does get the ball eventually but he certainly gets the man first. You can see there – clearly gets the man first.
Gallagher on Chelsea red card
“It’s not a nice tackle and he’d already been yellow carded. It’s not the wisest decision at that point.”
The England international is now set to miss his first game of the season on Wednesday when they make the trip up to Manchester to take on United.
It will leave Mauricio Pochettino analysing his squad for replacements, with him likely looking to Cole Palmer who did not start yesterday due to an injury concern.
However, the manager could look to a player who is yet to feature from the beginning in the league this season.
Ian Maatsen doesn’t look as if an appearance is coming his way anytime soon at full-back, and his substitute displays have normally been in midfield.
This could see the 21-year-old used for his defensive capabilities in a more compact midfield three.
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