Chelsea manager Xabi Alonso has criticised defender Levi Colwill for his role in Sunderland’s decisive goal during the Blues’ Premier League defeat on Sunday.
The controversial incident occurred just before half-time when referee Gillet awarded Sunderland a penalty following a challenge involving Colwill and striker Brian Brobbey.
Despite Brobbey appearing to grab Colwill by the collar before going down, the referee maintained his decision after a VAR review. The video assistant referee also decided against recommending an on-field review, allowing the penalty decision to stand.
Enzo Le Fee stepped up and confidently converted the spot-kick to give Sunderland the lead on the River Wear.
Chelsea were also left frustrated by an earlier penalty appeal involving Cole Palmer, who went down following a challenge inside Sunderland’s penalty area. However, Gillet initially waved play on, with VAR subsequently reviewing the incident after the ball had gone out of play.
VAR officials Nicholas Hopton and Wade Smith, who were overseeing the match from Stockley Park, maintained that the contact on Palmer took place outside the penalty area, ruling out the possibility of a penalty for Chelsea.
Speaking to Sky Sports after the final whistle, Alonso was asked to give his assessment of both controversial decisions.
Rather than directing his frustration towards the match officials, the Chelsea manager focused on his team’s responsibility, particularly Colwill’s defending during the incident that led to Sunderland’s winning goal.
“I haven’t seen Cole’s actions, but there could be a chance that it could be given,” Alonso said.
Turning his attention to the penalty conceded by Colwill, the Spaniard added, “The other one, I think it’s an action where he can defend better.”
Alonso also admitted that Chelsea struggled to break down Sunderland’s defensive setup, acknowledging that his side lacked the patience, pace and creativity required to create clear-cut opportunities.
“It’s our mistake. I was trying to find solutions. We were missing a bit of speed on the ball, a bit of patience playing against a low block. We didn’t create enough chances; we didn’t have enough patience or creativity to create chances.
“That’s why we were not close to scoring.”
The defeat will leave Alonso with plenty to address as Chelsea look to improve their attacking performance and defensive discipline in their upcoming Premier League fixtures.
