Tuchel’s anger as Mane avoids early red card
History made as standing returns
CHELSEA were furious with referee Anthony Taylor’s decision not to send off Sadio Mane after just 20 seconds as Manchester City’s grip on the Premier League title tightened. Captain Cesar Azpilicueta and boss Thomas Tuchel criticised Taylor for his failure to show a red card after Mane appeared to catch the Chelsea skipper in the face with an elbow. The 2-2 draw at Stamford Bridge means City now have a 10-point lead over Chelsea in second, although Liverpool can reduce the gap to eight if they win their game in hand. Reds defender Virgil van Dijk admitted they were now relying on an unlikely collapse from Pep Guardiola’s side if they are to regain the title they won in 2020 — but it was Chelsea who were left feeling hard done by. ‘It is a clear red, I don’t mind if it is the first five seconds of the game, it is a red card,’ said Azpilicueta. ‘Mane doesn’t want to challenge. He does not see the ball, he just wants to hit with the elbow. ‘Today, the first action is a clear red card. We are getting these decisions against us and they can change the game.’ Tuchel added: ‘They did not check it (on VAR). I hate to say it normally as I don’t like a red card early in the game, it can kill it. The public are here to see 11 v 11. Sadio Mane should always be on the pitch because he is a brilliant player and a good guy, but it is a red card.’ Both teams now face the arduous task of trying to reel in the champions, who have won 11 top-flight matches in a row. Van Dijk said: ‘It’s never difficult to believe. It is a big gap, City have the title maybe to lose, but anything can happen still. ‘We have been there and gave it away, so anything is possible. We focus on ourselves, we just have to get results, play good football and win games.’ Meanwhile, Liverpool boss Jurgen Klopp, who missed yesterday’s game after testing positive for Covid-19, will also miss Thursday’s Carabao Cup semi-final first leg at Arsenal. ‘He can’t attend because of quarantine rules,’ said Klopp’s No 2 Pep Lijnders. ‘He has mild symptoms. But Jurgen is a very optimistic, positive leader, he’s our leader, our boss. ‘I just hope it stays mild symptoms and that he’s back with us quickly.’