Antonio Conte's Chelsea bad boys: David Luiz becomes the club's fifth red card in their last eight matches... even the manager is showing no remorse
- The stats show that Chelsea have developed a nasty streak under Antonio ConteĀ
- David Luiz became the Blues' third player to be sent off in the first five gamesĀ
- Indiscipline was seen by Victor Moses and Pedro against Arsenal at Wembley
- No Premier League side have committed more fouls than Chelsea's 66 this termĀ
David Luiz was sent off in the dying minutes of Chelsea's stalemate with Arsenal to become the club's fifth player to be sent off in their last eight games.Ā
Michael Oliver showed no hesitation in brandishing a straight red card at the defender following an over-the-top challenge on Sead Kolasinac, remarkably with Luiz already on a booking.
It is the latest example of the nasty streak Chelsea have developed under Antonio Conte with the unwanted habit of picking up red cards in danger of derailing the Premier League champions' quest for silverware.
David Luiz can have no complaints about the decision to send him off for his ugly challengeĀ
Antonio Conte protested the decision but he could have few complaints about the lunge
Luiz lost control of the ball and lunged high on Kolasinac, sending the Arsenal man up in the air
Perhaps what was most galling about Luiz's potential leg-breaking challenge on Kolasinac was manager Conte's reaction to the media.
When asked for his opinion on the Brazilian defender's wild and reckless lunge, the prickly Italian was more concerned about referencing the push from Alexis Sanchez on his player in the build-up to the foul.
Conte said: 'It's very important to see what happened before the David Luiz tackle. For sure there was a foul. The referee has to use the whistle. If he stops the play before I think it (wouldn't) happen.'
Rather than admit Luiz's wrongdoing, Conte apportioning the blame primarily at the feet of the match officials smacks of the growing ill-discipline in the Chelsea ranks.Ā
Antonio Conte waves an imaginary card but should focus on the discipline of his own players
The Italian is often seen flailing his arms and screaming theatrically on the sidelines
Conte protests with Michael Oliver after Luiz was given a straight red card for his challenge
Conte added: 'I don't talk about the referees, but the only thing I can say is we need to see what happened before the tackle.
'I repeat that we have great respect for them. But sometimes, it is very strange to finish for the third time in a row with 10 men against Arsenal.
'For sure it's strange. A strange situation. I was a player and it can happen, this type of period and you are not so lucky to receive these red cards.'
Luiz follows fellow centre half Gary Cahill in spending three domestic games on the sidelines with the former Paris Saint-Germain defender set to miss the Carabao Cup match against Nottingham Forest and league fixtures with Stoke and Manchester City.
Gary Cahill received a straight red card for his challenge onĀ Burnley's Steven Defour
Cesc Fabregas shows his shock at receiving a red card during the opening day loss to Burnley
The two dismissals against the Clarets came after Pedro was sent off in the Community Shield
Cahill was joined by Cesc Fabregas in having an early bath during the opening day defeat by Burnley at Stamford Bridge, with the Spaniard shown his first yellow card for sarcastically applauding referee Craig Pawson.
Victor Moses was dismissed during the FA Cup final defeat by Arsenal at Wembley as the Blues were denied a domestic double last term, while the Gunners similarly capitalised on Pedro's dismissal in the Community Shield last month.
Quite tellingly,Ā Chelsea have received as many red cards in their last five Premier League games (three) as they had in their previous 73.
It is not just red cards that the Blues have been collecting at will this term with the 66 fouls committed more than any other team in the Premier League.
Victor Moses hides his face after being sent off during the FA Cup final against Arsenal
Moses' red card handed Arsenal the advantage and they went on to secure the win at Wembley
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