Cahill feared ref might ‘award penalty’ as he picked up Lingard

Rob McCarthy

Gary Cahill: In action against Man United

Chelsea defender Gary Cahill has refused to take any blame for the second goal the Blues conceded against Manchester United on Sunday.

Chelsea saw their title charge halted by United at Old Trafford after a 2-0 defeat, with Marcus Rashford and Ander Herrera on target for the Red Devils.

Cahill has been roundly criticised by Blues fans for appearing to lose concentration in the build-up to Herrera’s strike as he helped Jesse Lingard up from the turf after he tumbled in the area, rather than focus on trying to push Chelsea’s defence out to block the effort.

While admitting he was ‘nervous’ he might have conceded a penalty, he didn’t think he was at fault for the goal in any way.

“I don’t see how it could have cost me (picking up player from ground), my instinct was I was nervous it could have been a penalty, the sooner I get him on his feet I can stop the ref thinking otherwise, maybe it looks silly in hindsight,” Cahill said.

As for why the Blues were so off colour, Cahill added: “We spoke before the game and said we expected them to start fast and they did.

“The most disappointing thing is we were below the standards we have been setting.

“We have to react in the right way, didn’t deserve to win, we dust ourselves off and go again.

“We need to realise it is not over and we need to dig in now.”

Chelsea’s defeat leaves them just four points ahead of nearest title challengers Tottenham at the top of the table with six games to go.