Chelsea boss Jose Mourinho leapt to the defence of striker Diego Costa following the Blues’ scrappy 0-0 draw at Sunderland.
The in-form hitman failed to add to his 11 goals for the season at the Stadium of Light and was fortunate to escape punishment after two contentious incidents against his stubborn Black Cats opponents.
Costa was lucky to stay on the pitch after appearing to kick out at John O'Shea in the first-half, before picking up his fifth yellow card of the season for catching fellow defender Wes Brown with a flailing arm during the stalemate.
His physical approach to the game increased as his frustration grew in the game, but asked if his feisty nature on the pitch was becoming as problem, Mourinho said: "Why do you speak all the time about Diego?
“I don't agree, I don't agree. I was just told that he was unlucky to get the yellow card.
“It was a very physical game, Sunderland were very aggressive and they frustrated my players a lot.”
His fifth booking of the season means Costa is now suspended for Wednesday night's clash with Tottenham, although Mourinho insists he will lose no sleep over the top striker’s absence.
Asked if Chelsea will miss him, he said: "No. We'll play [Loic] Remy or [Didier] Drogba. We don't cry about injured players or about suspended players.
"If he's suspended, he's suspended. He can rest, he can be fresh against Newcastle and against Tottenham, Drogba and Remy will have their opportunity to start the game. No problem, let's go."
Opposite number Gus Poyet admitted Costa could have seen red, but did not argue with referee Kevin Friend's decision to spare him.
Poyet said: "That's Diego, always on the line, close to the limit. The first one with John O'Shea, there was a little bit of a situation in there.
"But those decisions, if they go one way or the other, I would say the same here. But it's true that sometimes you give the ref the chance, and if you give the ref the chance, then it's difficult to complain.
"But I'm pleased he is going to be able to play because he's the best striker in the league and you want to see him week in, week out."
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