Conor Gallagher saw red in the first half before two goals from Raheem Sterling put the Blues into a strong position in the contest.

However, it never felt like Tuchel’s side had total control, particularly when Harvey Barnes quickly reduced the deficit, and it was a case of hanging on in the latter stages to claim all three points.

After the game, Tuchel reflected on a strong start disrupted by some sloppy play and then the need to dig deep for long periods in difficult conditions.

‘We were in total control for the first 20 or 25 minutes,’ he said. ‘We had big chances with Ruben [Loftus-Cheek] and the penalty, which was marginally offside but looked a big strange on our mobile devices.

‘Then suddenly you’re one man down and after a corner for us, a good opportunity to score with a set-piece goal. We were sloppy again on set-pieces and conceded a counter-attack. It was a bad decision from Conor and it gives you a big disadvantage in these conditions, where we come from a defeat and it’s so hot.

‘Unfortunately we conceded a goal which was totally unnecessary, therefore we were under pressure and conceded two big chances. We were lucky not to concede the equaliser.’

There were positive words for Sterling’s goals and impact…

‘It was necessary because we need him to score. It’s what he does and he will score. I could feel he was not happy because he wants to score more and have more chances.

‘We played today in a more aggressive shape but then we were one man down so we needed him to step up, which he did. The goals were crucial today because they gave us the belief.’

Tuchel also reflected on his unusual position in the stands…

‘I was in the stadium, and I felt the atmosphere. It is unusual and we do not need to do it again. I couldn’t have influence directly from the sidelines but I am happy we got the win.

‘I had the chance to be in the dressing room before and at half-time so I thought the position to analyse the team was very good. It was unusual and we don’t want to do it again but we made the best of it. It was well-organised and I’m happy we got the win.’

Finally, the boss was asked whether he had spoken yet with Gallagher following his red card…

‘Today he is responsible for what he did and he knows it was a huge mistake. We spoke briefly after the game and things like this happen. It’s not purely his fault alone because it was a set-piece for us and it’s sloppy how we take set-pieces at the moment.

‘We lack belief and precision so it’s not good enough. We give chances away, we are sloppy in the coverage and bad in decision-making so we have to stop and improve immediately. We are on it with the team so I don’t know why it happened again. It’s a very bad decision for Conor so of course he’s upset because it almost kills a whole football match.’