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Chelsea captain Azpilicueta: Fred pushed me!

Chelsea captain Cesar Azpilicueta admits there was great frustration inside the home dressing room after defeat to Manchester United.

Chelsea had two goals denied by VAR and also saw United captain Harry Maguire avoid a dismissal during the 2-0 reverse.

Azpilicueta said, "In two key moments we lost the game. We created clear chances and were looking good but we were punished before half-time.

"It's VAR. What disappoints me is the big decisions are taken by a referee on a monitor. The refs should go to the monitor to take the decisions. Of course for Zouma's goal I pushed Williams but I was pushed. At least go to the monitor - it takes 30 seconds. The referee on the pitch has to be the one to take the decisions.

"My intention when I ran to the front post was not to push Williams. I'm not saying the push from Fred was a penalty but my push is a consequence of his push."

On their top four push, the defender added: "We are really disappointed and we cannot hide behind VAR. We have lost all the advantage that we have had - we have thrown that away and now we know we have decisive games coming up and everything is going to be decided. Saturday, against Spurs, is a massive London derby."

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Paul Vegas

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