Gallagher praises referee for not sending off Caicedo during Chelsea vs Tottenham
Moises Caicedo was at the heart of the action in Chelsea’s 4-3 win over Tottenham Hotspur at the weekend.
It was Moises Caicedo who earned the first penalty of the match, which Cole Palmer converted to make the score 2-2.
However, before that he could well have been sent off after an unfortunate foul on Pape Matar Sarr.
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Former Premier League referee Dermot Gallagher has discussed whether the midfielder should have been shown a red card that day.
Anthony Taylor did not think Caicedo’s foul deserved a red card.
And Gallagher, speaking on Sky Sports, said he agreed with the decision because the 23-year-old “lacked” more intensity in his attack on the Spurs man.
Moises Caicedo vs Tottenham Hotspur
— 🏄♂️ (@CFCIbi) December 8, 2024
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Gallagher said:
“I think it’s a yellow card. I can’t understand why Jamie Carragher thinks it’s a red card. Taylor did a great job. I can clearly see that Caicedo, when he goes down, he puts his foot on the ground and doesn’t go through Sarr’s leg – that’s what saves him. He tried not to be too hard. If he had hit him higher, on the shin, he would have got a red card.”
“All referees are looking for now is intent and intensity. Does he have it, does he have momentum, did he go hard with his studs through the opponent’s leg? In this particular case, Caicedo’s boot lands on the pitch, not on the shin. That’s what will save him.”
helsea’s disciplinary record this season has raised concerns as Enzo Maresca’s team currently holds the unwanted distinction of having accumulated the most yellow cards in the Premier League, with 50 in just 15 games. While the Blues have managed to avoid any red cards so far, the sheer volume of bookings highlights an area that requires immediate attention, particularly for a team with title ambitions.
Challenges in Discipline
Discipline issues can disrupt a team’s rhythm and impose unnecessary risks, including suspensions and vulnerability in tight matches. Maresca must address this trend through tactical adjustments and instilling better judgment among his players in challenging situations.
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Focus for Improvement
To maintain their title charge, Chelsea needs:
- Better Tactical Discipline: Players must reduce unnecessary challenges and remain composed in heated situations.
- Referee Awareness: Understanding when to pull back from marginal fouls to avoid needless bookings.
- Individual Responsibility: Senior players like Caicedo must lead by example to foster a disciplined environment.
If Chelsea can rectify these issues, they will strengthen their campaign and avoid jeopardizing their title ambitions due to suspensions or momentary lapses in judgment.
Gallagher praises referee for not sending off Caicedo during Chelsea vs Tottenham
