David Luiz is shown red (Getty)

Antonio Conte has tried to deflect the blame from David Luiz following the Chelsea defender’s red card, instead shifting the focus to Alexis Sanchez.

Luiz was sent off late in the clash between Chelsea and Arsenal following a high tackle on Sead Kolasinac.

The decision by referee Michael Oliver was impossible to argue with, but Conte highlighted what happened in the build-up to the incident.

Prior to Luiz tackling Kolasinac the Brazilian appeared to be fouled by Alexis Sanchez.

‘David Luiz, you know very well that I don’t like to comment about the referee,’ said Conte. ‘I don’t do it in the past, or the present. You need to see what happened before the tackle.

‘We have great respect for officials, but it is strange to finish a third game in a row against Arsenal with 10 men.’

Conte on the touchline (Getty)

Chelsea captain Gary Cahill echoed his manager.

‘I didn’t see the red card properly but David Luiz thought he was fouled beforehand.’

Speaking about the game in general, Conte was satisfied with the draw.

‘It was a good, open game with both teams trying to win.

‘Every game against Arsenal is always very tough, we knew very well what type of game to face. Both teams are great teams, it’s a good draw.’

Conte speaks with the referee (Getty)

Cahill also felt it was a decent result for the defending champions.

‘We have responded well to losing on the opening day and got some strong results. We take the point and we move on.’

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