Chelsea boss Antonio Conte admits he finds it ‘strange’ that his team once again finished a game against Arsenal with 10 men.

During Chelsea’s 0-0 draw with Arsenal on Sunday, defender David Luiz was shown a straight red late on after a tackle on full-back Sead Kolasinac. It was the third time in three games between the two sides that Chelsea ended the game with 10, with Pedro and Victor Moses being given their marching orders during the previous two meetings.

Conte refused to talk about the refereeing decision itself, but did note a slight push from Alexis Sanchez just before the incident that could have led to Luiz lifting his foot high.

The Italian told Sky Sports: “I don’t talk about the referees, but the only thing I can say is we need to see what happened before the tackle.”

“I repeat that we have great respect for them. But sometimes, it is very strange to finish for the third time in a row with 10 men against Arsenal.”

It was the third red card Chelsea have received this season, after just five games. This is as many red cards as in their previous 73 games, and Conte said his side hopes to be more ‘lucky’ with the referees decision.

“For sure it’s strange. A strange situation,” he said in his post-match press conference. “I was a player and it can happen, this type of period and you are not so lucky to receive these red cards.”

“I think we have to try to improve all the situations physical, tactical and we will try to pay more attention in the future.”

“I hope to be more lucky with the referee’s decision, for us and also for the opponent. Sometimes the opponent deserves a red card and instead they continue to play with 11 men.”