Chelsea 2 Liverpool 1: David Luiz hails 'amazing' Eden Hazard while denying deliberate yellow card
Manager Mourinho had joked the defender picked up fifth booking on purpose
Your support helps us to tell the story
From reproductive rights to climate change to Big Tech, The Independent is on the ground when the story is developing. Whether it's investigating the financials of Elon Musk's pro-Trump PAC or producing our latest documentary, 'The A Word', which shines a light on the American women fighting for reproductive rights, we know how important it is to parse out the facts from the messaging.
At such a critical moment in US history, we need reporters on the ground. Your donation allows us to keep sending journalists to speak to both sides of the story.
The Independent is trusted by Americans across the entire political spectrum. And unlike many other quality news outlets, we choose not to lock Americans out of our reporting and analysis with paywalls. We believe quality journalism should be available to everyone, paid for by those who can afford it.
Your support makes all the difference.David Luiz hailed Eden Hazard after Chelsea's 2-1 win over Liverpool, while denying Jose Mourinho's claim that he deliberately earned a booking so he could enjoy some time off over the New Year period.
Mourinho interrupted the players' post-match interviews to congratulate the pair and to tell Luiz that he could head home to Portugal for a few days after picking up a yellow card which will see him suspended for the trip to Southampton on New Year's Day.
"I'm making fun," Mourinho said. "But now he can go to Portugal."
Liverpool snatched a fourth-minute lead through Martin Skrtel but Hazard scored a fine equaliser before Samuel Eto'o completed the turnaround before half-time.
"Of course it is not very good to (concede) a goal in the first minutes but there was a really strong mentality in the team, we gave everything on the pitch and it was magic tonight," Luiz said on Sky Sports 1.
Further reading...
Samuel Eto'o's strike secures crucial victory for the Blues
John Terry joins Chelsea's '600 club' with milestone appearance
Premier League Sunday - LIVE! As it happened
"Eden had a great game tonight and I'm happy we have players like Eden in the team because then I see amazing football."
The win keeps Chelsea in third, just two points from leaders Arsenal.
"We will keep fighting for the title," Luiz added.
The Portuguese was booked five minutes into the second half for a tug on Joe Allen's shirt but laughed off Mourinho's claims.
"I didn't know I had four yellows," he said. "But if he says I can have some days I'm happy of course."
Join our commenting forum
Join thought-provoking conversations, follow other Independent readers and see their replies
0Comments