Graham Potter defined why Joao Felix’s pink card in opposition to Fulham is “doubly disappointing” after Chelsea’s 2-1 defeat at Craven Cottage.
The Blues had been afforded a lift main into Thursday evening’s London derby in opposition to Fulham as Felix accomplished his mortgage transfer from Atletico Madrid.
Arsenal and Man Utd had been initially linked with Felix however Chelsea moved to recruit him amid their ongoing harm woes.
The Portugal worldwide began in opposition to Fulham and he had some optimistic touches within the first half.
Fulham did go forward earlier than the break although as Willian’s deflected shot beat Chelsea goalkeeper Kepa Arrizabalaga.
The Blues recovered after the restart as Kalidou Koulibaly scored from shut vary to make it 1-1.
Chelsea appeared just like the probably winner at this stage however the sport was turned on its head when Felix was despatched off with round half an hour to go.
The attacker was proven a straight pink card for a high-footed problem on Kenny Tete.
This pushed Fulham on to win the sport as ex-Tottenham striker Carlos Vinicius sealed the victory with a header from shut vary.
This consequence lifts the Cottagers as much as sixth whereas Chelsea stay tenth. They’ve now received simply one in all their final 9 video games and they’re ten factors adrift of fourth-placed Man Utd.
Potter acknowledged post-match that Felix was “actually good” earlier than he was despatched off and he “understands” the referee’s resolution.
“I feel we managed the sport early received the ball again excessive created some alternatives perhaps missed the final go. We made a few errors for his or her purpose,” Potter instructed BT Sport.
“Second-half I feel we responded properly after which the pink card modifications the sport. Makes it a little bit harder for us, I assumed the applying after we went right down to 10 was actually good.
“Upset with the purpose as a result of I feel we might do higher and that’s what price us.
On Felix’s pink card: “It was a forwards deal with, there was no malice in it however I perceive why it was a pink.
“It’s one other blow. The hits preserve coming in the mean time. He was actually good you may see his high quality within the sport so it’s doubly disappointing for us.”
He added: “Now we have received to maintain working there are not any different options, you need to preserve working keep collectively and attempt to get the three factors.”
Chelsea legend Joe Cole acknowledged after the ultimate whistle that Felix “was good” earlier than he was despatched off.
“Graham Potter should be pondering when is his luck going to vary. That second [the red card] modified the sport. Felix was good – I noticed sufficient in his 59 minutes to know he’s going to be a superb signing for Chelsea,” Cole mentioned.
“It’s exhausting if you’re right down to 10 within the Premier League since you’re getting overloaded in numerous areas of the pitch.
“Moments are going in opposition to Graham Potter and one thing has to vary. They want a flukey win or purpose to convey confidence again into the aspect.”
READ MORE: Joao Felix introduced his ability to Chelsea however left his brains in Madrid
