Chelsea’s use of the “dark arts” was pivotal in helping them earn a 3-1 win over Crystal Palace at Stamford Bridge, according to Jamie Redknapp.
Alvaro Morata scored twice as the Blues forced the victory having been pegged back to 1-1 by their London rivals.
Morata’s second goal restored the lead, but Redknapp said Chelsea used foul means to help earn the points.
“For the second goal, it’s a brilliant finish by Morata, but Marcos Alonso has got hold of Mamadou Sakho,” pundit Redknapp said on Sky Sports.
“It’s a block. He puts his back into him and the ball goes to Morata. They are trying to make space for other players.
“It’s the dark arts. It’s trying to get every advantage you can because he [Alonso] has no intention of playing the ball.”
Redknapp said Alonso twice cleverly made a nuisance of himself to help Chelsea gain an advantage from set-pieces.
The first time the former Tottenham and Liverpool midfielder said the Spaniard’s positioning and blocking allowed David Luiz to get a free header on goal, which was saved.
“It’s a definite foul,” Redknapp added.
The win moved Chelsea back up to second in the Premier League table, two points behind leaders Manchester City.