'The pitch is not in our favour' - Chelsea manager Thomas Tuchel blames Stamford Bridge turf after Arsenal loss

Thomas Tuchel has suggested the Stamford Bridge pitch was partially to blame for Chelsea’s 4-2 defeat against Arsenal. The Gunners emerged victorious from a manic game that swung back and forth between the two London rivals, with two of their goals coming through former Chelsea academy player Eddie Nketiah. Ad/> The 22-year-old’s opening goal game courtesy of mishit pass by Blues defender Andreas Christensen, allowing the Arsenal man to pounce.

Premier LeagueArsenal keep top four hopes alive with chaotic win at Chelsea12 HOURS AGO Tuchel hauled Christensen off at half time but afterwards insisted this decision was injury-related and not due to his error, instead blaming the state of the turf at the Chelsea stadium. «He said he cannot continue, so I think he had some problems,” he said in his press conference. “I don't take a player out because he makes one mistake.

To say the pitch is difficult to play here it maybe sounds like an excuse, but it is a very, very difficult pitch that we have here. It's not in our favour. “The ball bounces very awkwardly in front of Andreas when he wants to play this ball.

“We had the same mistake against Real Madrid that cost us the next round of the Champions League, and this one cost us the next match. I can't remember when we got two goals like this.» Arsenal keep top four hopes alive with chaotic win at Chelsea City battle past Brighton to reclaim Premier League top spot Despite refusing to blame Christensen, Tuchel lamented his side’s overall defensive display and doesn’t believe the absence of an injured Antonio Rudiger was a factor in the Arsenal loss. «We conceded seven goals with Toni against Brentford and Real Madrid, that answers the question,» he added.