Sunday 9 August 2015 11:45, UK
Jamie Redknapp thinks the decision to send off Chelsea goalkeeper Thibaut Courtois in the 2-2 draw with Swansea was "harsh" and says Jose Mourinho will be worried by his side's performance.
The Premier League champions were leading 2-1 at Stamford Bridge when Courtois was shown a straight red for bringing down Bafetimbi Gomis as he knocked the ball past the Belgian.
The visitors were also awarded a penalty for the foul, which Gomis dispatched past substitute keeper Asmir Begovic to level the scores.
"No doubt it’s a penalty, but I don’t think he is denying a goalscoring opportunity," Redknapp said on Saturday Night Football.
"I don’t think it’s a red card and I think Chelsea are really unlucky. The ball is going away from goal and I believe Gary Cahill can get back on the line. There’s a chance he can score but I think the ball has to be going directly at goal.
"Maybe the referee thought it was dangerous play, I don’t think it was. Penalty absolutely, but I think a red card is extremely harsh."
Fellow Sky Sports pundit Thierry Henry agreed with Redknapp’s assessment, saying: "You can have the debate, would he (Gomis) have had the time to put it in the back of the net or would Cahill have got it?
"It’s not that clear, but I don’t think it was a red card, that’s harsh."
Chelsea twice led at Stamford Bridge through Oscar’s 23rd-minute effort and an own goal from Federico Fernandez.
However, Swansea replied through Andre Ayew and Gomis to deservedly claim a share of the spoils.
The result is a disappointment for Chelsea, who failed to win a match in pre-season in regular time, and Redknapp thinks the display should concern Mourinho.
"It’s the first day of the season so we don’t want to get too carried away but in terms of the champions that was as poor a performance you could see," he said.
"The defending was lax, it wasn’t sharp, it wasn’t aggressive. Chelsea scored nine goals against Swansea last season but today the body language didn’t seem right. It seemed very flat.
"Mourinho will be extremely worried. There were too many problems for the Chelsea defence, I can’t see how Mourinho said they played well. Swansea created so many problems for them."
The Blues have attempted to strengthen their defence this summer by signing John Stones, but they have seen two bids rejected by Everton.
Redknapp believes Mourinho will be frustrated if he is unable to secure the services of the England international this summer.
"I can’t see how Jose can be happy with not bringing any players in," he said. "A few ago if Chelsea wanted players they would go and get them, if it means paying a bit extra they bring great players to the club and they have stood still this summer.
"I am sure this is not the last we have heard and Mourinho is not happy."
