Chelsea manager Graham Potter admits Thiago Silva lucky to avoid red card in win against Crystal Palace
Chelsea manager Graham Potter has admitted that the Blues centre-back Thiago Silva was lucky not to receive a red card against Crystal Palace. The Stamford Bridge side ended up winning the game 2-1.
The Eagles took the lead in the seventh minute against the run of play. Chelsea dominated the opening proceedings. However, it was Odsonne Edouard who found the back of the net first.
In the 33rd minute, Jordan Ayew looked to have gotten the better of our Brazilian defender, who was the last man. But the 38-year-old ensured the Ghanaian forward could not go any further as he looked to have stopped the ball with his hands.
The referee gave Silva a yellow card despite protests from the Palace players and bench. VAR was also involved, but in the end, the official decision was upheld. And minutes later, Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang scored the equaliser, with the 38-year-old providing the assist.
Chelsea went into the break level with the Eagles. The Blues largely dominated the second half, with Patrick Vieira’s team having a few moments. However, it was only a Conor Gallagher goal from outside the box in the 90th minute that ensured victory for us.
Speaking after the 2-1 win via the Express, Potter acknowledged Silva may have gotten away with one. However, the English manager feels the distance from the goal could have been a factor in the card not being of a different colour for the Brazilian.
“I thought it was touch and go. The fact he was quite far from the goal saved him and it could’ve gone the other way.”
Silva has started every game in the Premier League for Chelsea this season. At the age of 38, the Brazilian is still the best defender in the team in the eyes of the fans.
Summer 2022 signing Wesley Fofana partnered Silva in what appeared to be a back four. Reece Jame and Ben Chilwell started the game as the Stamford Bridge side’s full-backs.
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The 38-year-old is an essential member of the starting lineup. And supporters will thank their lucky stars that Silva did not see red in the fixture. Chelsea need their best players available to close the gap at the top of the table.