Andre Villas-Boas believes Stoke City were 'pushing the boundaries' with some of their tactics on Sunday.
Tactician stunned at amount of jostling in penalty area
Chelsea's new manager Andre Villas-Boas believes Stoke City were 'pushing the boundaries' with some of their tactics on Sunday.
The Blues were held to a goalless draw in their season-opener at the Britannia Stadium over the weekend, a result that disappointed their manager.
Villas-Boas was expecting a physical encounter with Tony Pulis' men, but was surprised at the amount of jostling that took place.
Chelsea gave away a number of corners and throw-ins during the game, and Villas-Boas thinks referees may need additional help identifying infringements in a crowded penalty area.
Out of this world
"The amount of pushing and grabbing in the box is out of this world," commented the Portuguese tactician.
"We are okay to deal with Stoke's set plays, we know the amount of goals they have scored everywhere with them, but I think there's a limit to the pushing and grabbing, and it makes things impossible.
"They pushed the boundaries of pushing and grabbing, for sure.
"When you know that one of the main strengths of Stoke is this, you know that it's going to happen. It's a physical game in the end.
"It's difficult because you have to have an eye on the ball, you have to be aware of certain situations, but maybe in this case maybe the referees need some extra help.
"Maybe other assistants, maybe the fourth referee, maybe they need more focus on this situation."
