Maurizio Sarri was surprised by Rafa Benitez's defensive tactics in Chelsea's 2-1 win over Newcastle United on Sunday.

The Magpies boss lined his side up with five defenders and instructed them to sit deep. The move almost worked, with a draw looking likely until DeAndre Yedlin's own goal three minutes from time.

"I was surprised at Rafa," Sarri told Sky Sports. "In Italy, I have never seen him play with five defenders so I was really surprised.

"The match was very difficult, they were so low and compact, it was impossible to have spaces.

"We got better in the second half but it was a very difficult game.

"I think we showed improvement because the match was difficult it was not easy to play well."