AVB: No issue with Fernando Torres red card
Posted Sunday, September 25, 2011 by The Sun
ANDRE VILLAS-BOAS reckons Fernando Torres can still hold his head high despite his red card against Swansea.
Torres fired Chelsea in front with his second goal in two matches before a Ramires double and Didier Drogba's late effort sealed the win.
Ashley Williams grabbed a late consolation for the Swans but Torres' red card for a lunge on Mark Gower was the main talking point.
Blues boss Villas-Boas said: "There's nothing for Fernando to apologise for.
"It's the referee's decision. It was a good decision.
"It's part of the nature of the game and the referee has decided on that.
"It's a pity because the spectacle was promising.
"But even with 10 men, we never lost our will to continue to attack and I think it paid off.
"It was an important win for us based on the last defeat at Old Trafford and showing resilience in the end again after Wednesday.
"It really shows the nature and commitment of these players towards their objectives."
Chelsea stalwart Frank Lampard was left on the bench for the second successive game.
And it appears, at 33, he is being held back more than ever for the big fixtures.
Asked if Lampard was happy with his lot, Villas-Boas added: "I don't know but this is nothing to speculate about.
"The players just want the team to perform and Frank is like that.
"He's a magnificent player and soon he'll be back into the team, sooner than you expect."
Swansea boss Brendan Rodgers was confident Torres had not intended to hurt Gower with his challenge.
He said: "I don't think he's a malicious player.
"It's one where the ball's just got away from Gower.
"He probably feels it's there to be won and he's trying to show his intention at the moment that he's fighting for everything."
Rodgers had no complaints with the outcome, adding:"To be fair, the best team won.
"I'm not going to sit here and say that we deserved to win the game but I'm very proud players yet again.
"We made a terrific start to the match and in the opening 10-11 minutes showed our confidence.
"Then the first goal rocked us back a wee bit. Second half, we came out again and looked to get on the ball.
"We're disappointed probably with our finally ball and the goals we conceded today.
"But it's congratulations to Chelsea. They need to win these types of games to push on.
"For us, we'll have a great experience from it."
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