Reece James makes honest Chelsea admission as Josh Acheampong verdict reached

Reece James has been talking about his Chelsea side picking up five red cards in six matches in all competitions with Malo Gusto being sent off at Nottingham Forest on Saturday

Chelsea captain Reece James has rubbished talk of his side having a discipline problem with the Blues having a man sent off in five of their last six matches.

Malo Gusto was shown a red card after picking up two bookings in the 3-0 win against Nottingham Forest on Saturday afternoon, with the visitors finishing the game with 10 men at the City Ground.

Chelsea head coach Enzo Maresca was shown a red card against Liverpool, Joao Pedro was sent off in the win over Benfica, Trevoh Chalobah versus Brighton and Robert Sanchez was given his marching orders early into the defeat at Manchester United last month. Despite this, James has refuted suggestions that Chelsea have an issue when it comes to discipline.

"It's difficult, if you look at all of them, they’re all very much different red cards," the Chelsea captain explained. "They’re not straight reds, they’re double bookings.

"I was next to him [Gusto] when I saw him going for the tackle, and it is a split second. He was there to win the ball, and he just mistimed it.

"No, I wouldn’t say this is a problem for us. We have to accept it. This is what's happened in the past few games, but it's not something that will continue."

James, who made his 200th senior appearance for Chelsea at the weekend, wrapped up a fine second-half showing from the Blues in Nottingham, scoring with a superb volley after some lapse defending from Forest. It was the England international's first goal of the season as he continues to look back to his very best after an injury-plagued two-and-a-half seasons.

Since returning from injury in January, James has featured 43 times for club and country and while he did not want to get into the secret for his injury-free period, the right-back believes his form is reflecting his fitness levels.

"I'm feeling good and that's reflecting in how I'm performing on the field," James said. "I don't want to go into too much. Many people behind the scenes are helping me; they know who they are.

"I have someone at the club that I work closely with as well. He has been a big part of keeping me on the pitch."

The Blues skipper added: "I'm on the way to getting back to where I was. It's taken a long time, but I am feeling stronger game by game. I'm happy to be playing for Chelsea Football Club and playing regularly again makes me happy."

While James was marking his double century of appearances for Chelsea, 19-year-old Josh Acheampong was making just his 19th - with nine of those coming in the Premier League - for the club.

Since being promoted to the first team last season, Acheampong has really impressed on the big stage and he continued that with a fine performance in Nottingham. The England Under-21 international capped off a superb display with his first senior goal for the Blues, and James could not be happier for his teammate.

"I'm delighted for him," James said. "He's an amazing player. But when you're so young, the best way of learning is playing on a regular basis.

"I've tried to help him as much as I can, and in the times he has played, everyone has seen what he can do and how well he can play."