Chelsea boss Graham Potter believes Fikayo Tomori's sending off was a 'big moment' in their Champions League win against AC Milan.
The Blues travelled to Italy to face the Serie A giants on matchday four of the competition, with the west London side already tasting victory against them prior to the clash.
Early in the first half, Tomori fouled Mason Mount inside the box after a through ball from Reece James.
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The former Chelsea man was sent off for his challenge and therefore ensured Milan played the rest of the match with ten men, with Jorginho scoring the subsequent penalty.
Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang then sealed the result with his goal just after the half hour mark, with the striker scoring his third for the club.
As a result, Potter's side are now top of Group E in the Champions League, having originally been bottom before the reverse fixture against Milan last week.
The Chelsea head coach spoke to the media after the win, and revealed his belief that Tomori's red card was a huge turning point in the match.
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“From where I am, I can’t really see too much.
"I could see that Mason was in on goal and if he’s brought him down, he’s brought him down. But I’ve not seen it back other than watching live. Clearly, that is a big moment for us.”
He also added: “Firstly, to get a penalty and then a red card is a big moment (in the match).
"Everybody would agree with that as it changes the game in terms of what Milan want to do.
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"For us, we still have to make it count and it isn't straightforward playing against ten men, especially here as any action can lead to a goal and then the crowd are so into the game again.
"So it's really difficult. It was a big moment but I felt we could do enough eleven vs eleven. But the referee has made a decision and we have to get on with it.”
Since Potter arrived as the new Chelsea head coach, the west London side are unbeaten in all competitions.
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The Blues have scored 11 goals and conceded just two, with their results seeing them rise up the rankings in both the Premier League and the Champions League.
There are just two games left to play in Europe, with a trip to FC Salzburg and a home tie against Dinamo Zagreb awaiting them as they eye a place in the last 16.
Potter's side have now played four of their 13 matches between the recent international break and the World Cup.
They will return to Premier League action on Sunday afternoon when they make the trip to Aston Villa.
Topics: Chelsea, Graham Potter, Fikayo Tomori, AC Milan, Champions League
Robert Calcutt