Chelsea news: Tuchel and Azpilicueta fume over Mane challenge

Chelsea news: The Blues played a 2-2 draw against Liverpool at Stamford Bridge on Sunday.

Liverpool took the lead through Sadio Mane in the ninth minute before Mohamed Salah doubled their advantage 15 minutes later.

However, the Blues responded brilliantly after going two down and pulled one back through Kovacic’s brilliant volley in the 42nd minute of the game. Christian Pulisic levelled the scoreline for the Blues during the first half’s stoppage time.

Chelsea news: Azpilicueta and Tuchel reacted furiously to Mane’s elbow challenge

Liverpool attacker Sadio Mane stuck an elbow into Azpilicueta’s face just seconds after kick-off. The Senegal international was penalized with a yellow card by referee Anthony Taylor.

However, Azpilicueta believes Mane should have been shown a red card for his challenge. He said: “It’s a clear red. I don’t mind if it’s five seconds into the game, it’s the first action and it’s a clear red. He doesn’t see the ball, he just wants to lead with the elbow. I honestly don’t understand it. It was a clear red card. We’re getting these decisions against us which could change the course of the game.”

“We don’t see consistency even within the same game, and to me it’s clear a decision like this is clear. I watched the replay, but I didn’t need to. It was a clear red.”

Chelsea manager Thomas Tuchel also reacted furiously to Mane’s challenge. He said: “I am not a friend of early red cards. I hate to say it because I love Mane and he is a nice guy and a top player, but it is a red card. The elbow is in the face – it doesn’t matter if you do this after 20 seconds or 20 minutes.”

Sadio Mane makes history with his yellow card

Despite the former Southampton attacker escaping a red card for his challenge. His yellow card still made English Premier League history with the speed at which it was issued.

With a yellow card after just 15 seconds into the game, the 29-year-old became the fastest player to be booked in English Premier League history since the Opta Stats began in the 2006-07 season.

The Senegal international also holds the record for scoring the quickest hat-trick in Premier League history. He netted three goals in just 2 minutes and 56 seconds against Aston Villa during his Southampton days.

Chelsea News: What’s next?

A draw between Chelsea and Liverpool gave Manchester City a massive advantage in the title race. The Cityzens are now 10 points clear of Chelsea at the top of the Premier League table.

Chelsea will next play Tottenham Hotspur in the EFL Cup before facing Chesterfield for an FA Cup game on January 8. Meanwhile, Liverpool will next lock horns against Arsenal in the EFL Cup before hosting Shrewsbury at Anfield for an FA Cup game on January 9.