Machibet APPLoftus-Cheek and two hugely controversial decisions get Sarri out of jail in Chelsea comeback against Cardiff | The Sun - Mcb777 Cricket

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CHELSEA were spared humiliation at Cardiff after a late Ruben Loftus-Cheek winner saw the Blues snatch all three points.

Maurzio Sarri’s men benefited from two hugely controversial decisions as first Cesar Azpilicueta equalised from a yard offside and then Antonio Rudigier escaped being sent off after taking down Kenneth Zohore who was racing through on goal.

Ruben Loftus-Cheek scored a last gasp winner after converting a cross from Willian in extra-timeCredit: Getty Images - Getty

The result was a massive U-turn for the Blues following a lacklustre performance at CardiffCredit: AFP or Licensors

The Blues' lacklustre performance at Cardiff will see concerns grow at the players' attitude towards manager Maurizo Sarri as they very nearly dropped two points in the race for the top four.

Eyebrows were raised from the start as Eden Hazard, N’Golo Kane and Callum Hudson-Odoi, coming off two England appearances this week, were all benched.

And Blues fans frustration seemed to show on the pitch as Sarri’s men lacked creativity and energy through their midfield and attack.

Cardiff saw a penalty shout waved off on 32 minutes as Marcos Alonso carelessly held onto Sean Morrison’s shirt from a corner.

Alonso then had a golden chance to put Chelsea one up just before half-time as Willian fizzed the ball in but the left-back failed to adjust his body and his right-footed effort whizzed past the wrong side of the post.

A minute after half-time and a looping Aron Gunnarsson throw in was headed out by David Luiz, and as Harry Arter played the ball back into the box, Camarassa volleyed home.

Aron Gunnarsson throw in was headed out by David Luiz, and as Harry Arter played the ball back into the box, Camarassa volleyed homeCredit: Reuters

Blues captain Azpilicueta equalised on 84 minutes after Alonso flicked the ball on for the right-back to nod home - though replay’s revealed the Spaniard to be at least a yard offside.

Cardiff were again on the receiving end of a controversial decision as Rudigier took out an advancing Zohore with the defender receiving just a yellow.

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Blues stopper Kepa rushed off his line and the decision not to send off Rudigier could have stemmed from the keeper’s positioning.

The decision left Cardiff boss Neil Warnock in a blind rage on the sidelines - who saw his day get only worse four minutes later as sub Loftus-Cheek headed home a Willian cross for the winner.

Chelsea now go level on points with Arsenal in fifth, who play Newcastle tomorrow - though the nature of the Blues fortunate win should not go unrecognised.