Neville Slams Chelsea’s Discipline After Spurs Win at Stamford Bridge
Gary Neville has criticised Chelsea’s self-control following their home loss to Tottenham on Saturday, saying he believed two of their players deserved to be sent off.
Spurs ended an eight-year wait for a win at Stamford Bridge. Mike Penders put through his own net to hand the visitors the lead, and Mathys Tel then sealed it with a superb long-range strike. Roberto De Zerbi’s men looked the more composed and authoritative side, particularly in midfield.
Chelsea’s discipline became the main talking point, though. Cole Palmer was lucky to escape a straight red earlier on after making contact with the grounded Matheus Fernandes. He was later sent off for a heavy challenge on Conor Gallagher. Working as a co-commentator for Sky Sports, Neville said Palmer had let his emotions take over and simply lost his composure.
Tel’s goal left Spurs firmly in command, and they managed the game comfortably from there. Even so, Neville’s attention was drawn to another Chelsea incident late on, when Morgan Rogers was only booked for a late, forceful tackle on Gallagher in stoppage time. The former Manchester United defender felt it warranted a red card, describing it as a reckless challenge with no real intent to play the ball. He called the behaviour ludicrous, said Chelsea had completely lost their heads, and urged Xabi Alonso to take Rogers off before things got worse.
Neville also praised Tottenham’s dominance in the middle of the park, saying Chelsea were overrun by the visitors’ intensity and structure and that Spurs controlled the match from start to finish.
The result marks a big moment for Tottenham, who not only ended their long Stamford Bridge drought but did so with a performance that should boost their confidence. For Chelsea, the defeat leaves fresh questions about their discipline, with Palmer’s dismissal and the Rogers incident likely to keep supporters talking.
