REECE James insists there is no discipline problem at Chelsea, despite the Blues being in the midst of a red card epidemic.
A 3-0 win over Nottingham Forest away from home was largely thanks to a goal and assist from the Chelsea captain.
And it was after receiving a note on the pitch from Enzo Maresca, ironically in the stands, that James, 25, rifled home a volley to condemn Nottingham Forest to defeat, and Ange Postecoglou to a predictable end.
With just three minutes to go of the 90, the Blues’ performance was left marred by a fourth consecutive red card, this time brandished to Malo Gusto.
The Frenchman, 22, was given his marching orders for a mistimed tackle on Neco Williams, which saw him pick up a sloppy and unnecessary second yellow.
His dismissal was Chelsea’s FIFTH in the last six matches, with Robert Sanchez, Trevoh Chalobah, and Joao Pedro also joining Enzo Maresca in the naughty corner of Stamford Bridge this season.
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Reflecting on the game, James joined Maresca in insisting it is NOT a culture problem, and instead is merely a string of coincidences in need of an end.
He said: “It’s difficult, if you look at all of them, they’re all very different. They’re not all straight reds. I was next to him when I saw him going for the tackle, and it was a split second in it. He was there to win the ball, and just mistimed it.
“I wouldn’t say it is a problem for us. We have to accept it. This is what’s happened in the past few games, but it’s not something that will continue.”
After breaking into the Chelsea first team at 19, James has risen to one of the best in the world in his position, but injury woes have always raised concerns over his consistency.
The Chelsea captain, though, has been on top form this season and available whenever Maresca needs him most, despite missing the latest international break for England.
His goal and assist against Forest were built on a first senior goal for Cobham academy graduate Josh Acheampong, 19, who James has been helping adapt to Premier League football.
The right-back added on his injury, and Acheampong: “Many people behind the scenes are helping me; they know who they are. I have someone at the club that I work closely with; he’s been a big part of keeping me on the pitch.
“I’m on the way to getting back to where I was. It’s taken a long time, but I’m feeling stronger. playing regularly again makes me happy.
“I’m delighted for Josh. He’s an amazing player. When you’re so young, the best way of learning is playing regularly.
“I’ve tried to help him as much as I can, and in the times he’s played, everyone has seen what he can do and how well he can play.”
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