Cole Palmer received his first career red card on Saturday night as Tottenham stunned Chelsea at Stamford Bridge. A frustrating night for Palmer, and Xabi Alonso was not best pleased, either.

Pundits had predicted a win for Chelsea before the start of the game, but Xabi Alonso got his tactics wrong on the night and played into Roberto De Zerbi’s hands. Mike Penders made a huge mistake, too.

The Belgian punched a corner into his own net before Mathys Tel ran almost three-quarters of the pitch before hammering a low effort into the bottom corner. Spurs deserved to win, with Chelsea off the pace.

Xabi Alonso’s reaction as Cole Palmer walked off after red card

Palmer was initially booked for an altercation with Mateus Fernandes. Palmer was away, but Fernandes handled the ball to stop his attack. Palmer reacted angrily, shoving the former West Ham star to the floor.

Yellow card. The second yellow came for an inadvertent stamp on former Blues captain Conor Gallagher. As Palmer trudged off the pitch, Alonso turned his back on Chelsea’s no.10, clearly not impressed.

Daniel Sturridge and Jamie Redknapp were not impressed. Redknapp said: “Does he really deserve for that [Palmer’s bodycheck] to happen to him? It’s not a bad tackle. It’s petulant from Cole Palmer.”

Palmer unlucky reprieve as Chelsea star avoids Man United ban

At the start of the summer window and towards the end of last season, Palmer was heavily linked with a move to Man United. Nothing materialised, with Man United – and other clubs – unable to afford him.

For Chelsea fans, the fear of Palmer being suspended for Man United will have been large. But Palmer has got away with one; instead, the England star will miss Wednesday night’s trip to Anfield against Liverpool.

A huge blow for Alonso and Chelsea, but he remains available to play against Man United. Sunday night is a reminder that this side is far from the finished product. As a manager, Alonso has some way to go.