Tuchel explains inevitable struggle against Brighton, questions non-penalty decision and disallowed goal, and issues injury update

The boss never usually brings up refereeing decisions, but he couldn’t help but do so after seeing his side concede an equaliser in stoppage time. Prior to that, Reece James and Andreas Christensen went off with what Tuchel confirmed were hamstring and back injuries respectively, while Timo Werner remains out with Covid.

Romelu Lukaku had headed us in front at the Bridge and although we endured difficult moments against a predictably tricky Seagulls side, it looked like we would fight our way over the line until Danny Welbeck headed in with time almost up.

‘We knew it would be a tough match against a strong side,’ said Tuchel.

‘I have not seen one team play a nice match against them. It was clear we would struggle. We have simply way too many players of whom we don’t know what we can demand. They come from long injuries, from Covid. I don’t know what they are capable of.

‘We started very well. The injury to Reece James was a huge blow. Andreas until then was one of the top players on the pitch. It’s too much. It’s why I understand if you struggle against a Brighton side with nothing to lose who plays with confidence. We overcame some difficult moments and with NG on we were much better.’