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Tag: Chelsea

  • EPL: Chelsea’s Delap injured in drab goalless draw at Bournemouth

    EPL: Chelsea’s Delap injured in drab goalless draw at Bournemouth

    Chelsea striker Liam Delap injured his shoulder during a drab 0-0 draw at Bournemouth in the Premier League.

    Delap appeared to dislocate his shoulder after pulling down Bournemouth defender Marcos Senesi while defending a corner.

    The England Under-21 international was replaced by teenager Marc Guiu after a series of physical duels with Senesi, who also later went off injured after overstretching for the ball in the second half.

    Both sides struggled in attack despite Chelsea recalling forward Cole Palmer, and the draw was a fair result. Palmer lasted 58 minutes in his first start since 20 September, having suffered a groin injury before fracturing his toe in an accident at home in November.

    Bournemouth thought they had scored in the fifth minute when forward Antoine Semenyo reacted quickest to finish from close range after Evanilson’s blocked attempt. However, Evanilson was marginally offside in the build-up and the goal was ruled out by the Video Assistant Referee (VAR).

    The hosts were the better side in the first half, with Semenyo showing why there is transfer interest from top clubs in January, by forcing a save with a long-range effort and almost setting up a tap-in for Evanilson.

    Marcus Tavernier and Alex Jimenez then came close for Chelsea before Marc Cucurella headed just over from Pedro Neto’s cross in the 21st minute. Delap then had a shot blocked before going off injured.

    Chelsea began to dominate after the break, with Alejandro Garnacho heading against the post. But most of their efforts came from outside the box, including shots from Neto, Palmer, Guiu and Enzo Fernandez.

    Both teams made attacking changes, with Bournemouth introducing attacking midfielders David Brooks and Amine Adli alongside striker Enes Unal, while Chelsea brought on Joao Pedro and Estevao Willian.

    Bournemouth held on comfortably but rarely threatened in the second half, apart from Semenyo’s dribble and shot that drew a good save from goalkeeper Robert Sanchez. Senesi’s withdrawal also disrupted their momentum.

    Andoni Iraola’s side will be pleased despite being now six matches without a win, while Chelsea are winless in three, denting talk of a potential title challenge.

  • Ten-man Chelsea hold Arsenal  in tetchy London derby

    Ten-man Chelsea hold Arsenal  in tetchy London derby

    Isak ends drought to fire Liverpool

    Mikel Merino rescued Arsenal as the Premier League leaders battled to a 1-1 draw against 10-man Chelsea in a heavyweight title clash, while Alexander Isak finally scored his first top-flight goal for troubled Liverpool in a 2-0 win at West Ham on Sunday.

    Chelsea midfielder Moises Caicedo was sent off in the 38th  minute at Stamford Bridge for a crude foul on Merino that caught the midfielder on his ankle.

    Despite Caicedo’s dismissal, Trevoh Chalobah headed Chelsea from Reece James’ corner into the lead in the 48th  minute.

    But Merino’s close-range header from Bukayo Saka’s cross in the 59th  minute ensured Arsenal emerged unscathed from a bruising encounter between the title rivals.

    Arsenal are five points clear of second-placed Manchester City, who beat Newcastle on Saturday, and sit six points above third-placed Chelsea.

    The Gunners remain the favourites to win their first Premier League crown since 2004, but Chelsea’s combative display suggested they could emerge as the biggest threat to the Gunners’ title aspirations.

    Arsenal are unbeaten in 17 games in all competitions, winning 14 of those matches, while Chelsea have gone seven matches without losing in all competitions.

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    “I think we showed we are heading in the right direction. We were a much better team than them 11 v 11 but with 10 players, it is difficult but we dealt with it outstandingly,” Chelsea boss Enzo Maresca said.

    Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta added: “Two teams that play with a lot of intensity and aggression, you could sense it in every tackle.

     “We scored a brilliant goal. We had two or three big chances. It’s been a massive week emotionally and physically.”

    Isak had failed to score in his five top-flight appearances since making a British record £125 million ($165 million) move from Newcastle in September.

    The Sweden forward banished that drought with only his second goal in 11 games in all competitions for the Reds, following his maiden strike in a League Cup win against second-tier Southampton.

    Cody Gakpo bagged Liverpool’s second goal in stoppage time to secure their first win in four games in all competitions.

     “It’s very important for us as a team that we went 1-0 up, but I think it was also important for him because I think it was his third or fourth chance of this game,” said Liverpool manager Arne Slot.

  • EPL: 10-Man Chelsea hold Arsenal to 1-1 draw in fierce London Derby

    EPL: 10-Man Chelsea hold Arsenal to 1-1 draw in fierce London Derby

    Ten-man Chelsea held Arsenal to an entertaining 1–1 draw in Sunday’s Premier League clash at Stamford Bridge.

    Chelsea began brightly but were dealt a major setback in the 38th minute when midfielder Moisés Caicedo was shown a red card for a reckless challenge on Mikel Merino.

    Despite the disadvantage, the hosts took the lead just two minutes into the second half as Trevoh Chalobah rose to power in a superb header, sparking celebrations around the Bridge.

    Arsenal responded quickly, restoring parity 11 minutes later through Merino, who guided a precise header beyond the Chelsea goalkeeper.

    Arsenal midfielder Mikel Merino, speaking to Sky Sports, “On one hand, disappointed because we didn’t win. When you wear this shirt, you want to win every game. 

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    “This is a really tough stadium to come and take a point. We could have done things better but the team showed good mentality.

    “Maybe managing the game better and understanding what they were trying to do. With 10 men, we could have had more patience with the ball. Trying to find the wings and cross with players in the box. Obviously, they are a good side.

    On the red card challenge from Moises Caicedo, he said, “I felt my ankle go all the way but luckily I have very mobile ankles and body. I knew it was a horrible challenge and it was going to be a red card.

    A win for the Gunners would have seen them head into the midweek fixtures with a seven-point lead at the top of the table.

  • EPL: Things to know as Chelsea host stern rivals Arsenal

    EPL: Things to know as Chelsea host stern rivals Arsenal

    Stamford Bridge plays host to a heavyweight showdown on Sunday as Chelsea look to dent league leaders Arsenal, who currently sit top with a four-point.

    The London rivals arrive in outstanding form after midweek European triumphs, setting the stage for the most compelling edition of this fixture in years.

    Both sides arrive carrying major momentum after midweek Champions League statement wins. Chelsea delivered their most polished display since Enzo Maresca took charge, sweeping aside Barcelona 3–0, while Arsenal dismantled previously unbeaten Bayern Munich 3–1 in another emphatic performance.

    Many observers now consider Mikel Arteta’s team the strongest in Europe, but the Spaniard will be well aware that championships are not decided in late November. Victory in west London, however, would stretch their cushion to seven points.

    Chelsea, meanwhile, climbed above Manchester City last weekend after Pep Guardiola’s side slipped to a 2–1 defeat at Newcastle. That came on the heels of the Blues’ routine 2–0 win away at Burnley.

    Still, beating Arsenal has become a rarity for the hosts. Their most recent success in this fixture was back in August 2021, when Romelu Lukaku struck during Thomas Tuchel’s tenure.

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    Match Details

    Location: London, England

    Venue: Stamford Bridge

    Date: Sunday, Nov. 30

    Kick-off: 5:30pm

    Referee: Anthony Taylor

    VAR: John Brooks

    Recent Head-to-Head (Last Five Meetings)

    Chelsea: 0 wins

    Arsenal: 3 wins

    Draws: 2

    Most recent: Arsenal 1–0 Chelsea (March 16, 2025 — Premier League)

    Chelsea Team News

    Chelsea’s superb midweek outing makes sweeping changes unlikely, but Maresca has shown he is willing to tweak his setup depending on the opponent. João Pedro is expected to return to the XI after starting on the bench against Barça, though his role is up for debate—either operating as a No. 10 or playing slightly deeper as a roaming striker. Liam Delap’s physical presence could be useful against Arsenal’s back line.

    Estêvão appears almost certain to keep his place on the right, though Cole Palmer is back in full training and ready to feature from the start if required.

    Levi Colwill, Roméo Lavia and Dário Essugo remain unavailable.

    Chelsea Predicted XI (4-2-3-1)

    Sánchez; Gusto, Fofana, Chalobah, Cucurella; James, Caicedo; Estêvão, Fernández, Neto; Pedro.

    Arsenal Team News

    Arsenal have slowly regained their attacking firepower since the international break, with Noni Madueke and Gabriel Martinelli both returning and both finding the net against Bayern.

    Leandro Trossard, however, picked up a knock in midweek and may miss out. Viktor Gyökeres is expected to remain sidelined, and Kai Havertz is projected to return next month. Gabriel Jesus is edging closer to full fitness after his long knee layoff.

    At the back, Piero Hincapié and Riccardo Calafiori should reoccupy the left side of the defence. Captain Martin Ødegaard is likely to resume his role in midfield, with Eberechi Eze drifting out wide.

    Arsenal Predicted XI (4-3-3)

    Raya; Timber, Saliba, Hincapié, Calafiori; Zubimendi, Rice, Ødegaard; Saka, Merino, Eze.

    Prediction

    Chelsea 1–1 Arsenal

  • CRANKING LONDON DERBY

    CRANKING LONDON DERBY

    • Arteta seeks another statement win at Stamford Bridge

    A six-point lead at the top of the Premier League table and a dominant midweek win over Bayern Munich are no cause for relief for Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta, who anticipates a big challenge when they visit second-placed Chelsea tomorrow.

    Chelsea are on a three-match winning streak and thrashed Barcelona 3-0 in the Champions League on Tuesday.

    But Arsenal, who beat local rivals Tottenham Hotspur last weekend, are determined to maintain their relentless pace as they chase their first Premier League title since 2004, Arteta told reporters on Friday.

    “After beating Spurs, we had to make a statement against Bayern Munich, we did that. Now we have to go to the next one,” the manager said. “It’s a big game, a big London derby. We’re going to play a really good opponent, they are in really good form. We know the challenge and the opportunity we have. We are fully ready for it.”

    Arteta said Chelsea, who have staged a strong comeback in the league after losses to Manchester United and Brighton & Hove Albion in September, deserve to be in the title race.

    “The squad they have assembled, the numbers they have, the amount of quality, the manager and the coaching staff they have, it makes sense what has happened which is very positive. They deserve to be there,” the Spaniard added.

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    Arsenal, who had to settle for draws on their last two trips to Stamford Bridge, are hoping Leandro Trossard will be fit tomorrow  after the Belgian attacker picked up a knock against Bayern, Arteta said.

    “With Leo, there is another test today. We have to see how he is feeling. It doesn’t look much. We still have a few hours and we have to wait and see. There is a potential chance,” he added.

    Arteta stressed the need for his players, who are unbeaten in all competitions since August, to maintain their levels of consistency.

    “Not that they surprised me but you have to be able to perform in the manner they did individually throughout long periods of the game against our opponents. That’s very difficult to do,” he added.

  • Maresca praises Estevao after teen ignites Chelsea UCL win over Barcelona 

    Maresca praises Estevao after teen ignites Chelsea UCL win over Barcelona 

    Chelsea coach Enzo Maresca hailed Estevao after the teenager inspired a 3-0 Champions League victory over FC Barcelona at Stamford Bridge.

    Maresca said Chelsea’s approach would not change in spite of  the emphatic win, stressing the team must stay grounded.

    He praised Estevao’s pressing and maturity, saying the winger delivered far more than his spectacular second-half goal.

    “It’s a big win, especially as it’s Barcelona, but nothing has changed in terms of what team we are and what we can achieve,” he said.

    “Estevao had a very good game, not only for the goal, he helped the team with how we were pressing.

    “The goal reminded me of the one he scored against us in the Club World Cup – very similar, the same action,” he said of Estevao’s effort for Palmeiras in Chelsea’s 2-1 quarter-final victory in July.

    He, however rejected comparisons linking Estevao and Barcelona’s Lamine Yamal to Lionel Messi or Cristiano Ronaldo, calling such pressure unnecessary.

    Maresca said both 18-year-olds needed freedom to grow without unrealistic expectations.

    “With him, Lamine, they are so young at 18 that if you start to talk about Messi, Cristiano Ronaldo, I think it’s too much pressure for young boys like them.

    “At 18, they need to enjoy, they need to arrive at the training ground happy, but when you start to compare them with the Messi or with the Ronaldo, I think it’s too much for them,” he said.

    Estevao had troubled Barcelona throughout the match and sealed Chelsea’s second after beating two defenders before scoring from a tight angle.

    He said the goal was the most special moment of his young career and described the night as unforgettable.

    “I don’t really have any words to sum up how I’m feeling – the perfect night,” the 18-year-old Brazilian said.

    “It just happened before I even knew it, I wriggled through. I hope to score many more; it was definitely the most special moment of my career.

    “I am so happy my family were here watching.” he said.
    (Reuters/NAN)

  • UCL: Things to know as Chelsea host Barcelona

    UCL: Things to know as Chelsea host Barcelona

    Chelsea and Barcelona – two former Champions League winners enter Tuesday night’s showdown level on seven points from their first four league-phase fixtures, making the clash at Stamford Bridge pivotal in the race for automatic top-eight qualification.

    Both sides sit just outside the cut-off and know that victory could significantly strengthen their push toward the last 16.

    Chelsea arrive in impressive domestic form, riding a wave of three consecutive Premier League wins against Tottenham, Wolves, and Burnley, all without conceding. Enzo Maresca’s young squad has surged to second place behind leaders Arsenal, with the Blues remarkably going 50 straight Premier League matches without starting a player aged 30 or above. Barcelona, meanwhile, remain locked in their usual battle with Real Madrid for La Liga supremacy.

    Hansi Flick’s men enjoyed a triumphant return to the refurbished Camp Nou on Saturday, dispatching Athletic Bilbao 4–0 in front of their home fans for the first time in 909 days. Ferran Torres struck twice, Lamine Yamal delivered two assists, Robert Lewandowski got his trademark goal, and Fermin Lopez added another as Barça reclaimed top spot in Spain.

    The history between the two giants has swung dramatically across eras. Chelsea famously stunned Barcelona in 2012 under Roberto Di Matteo on their way to their maiden Champions League title, while the Catalans returned the favour in 2017–18 with a commanding 3–0 round-of-16 aggregate win.

    Tuesday’s meeting may not carry knockout stakes, but both teams urgently need points after inconsistent European starts. Barcelona were held to a chaotic 3–3 draw by Club Brugge last time out, while Chelsea managed only a point away to Qarabag.

    Barça’s defensive fragility remains a theme, having conceded in every Champions League match this season, though Saturday’s clean sheet ended an 11-game run without one. Chelsea, by contrast, looks steadier at the back and continues to rely on a blossoming young core mixed with emerging leadership.

    Team News

    Chelsea captain Reece James was substituted at half-time against Burnley, but Maresca clarified the decision was precautionary and pre-planned. Wesley Fofana, rested for “protection,” should return to contention, while Tosin Adarabioyo is pushing for a start after starring at the weekend. However, the Blues remain without Romeo Lavia (thigh), Cole Palmer (groin/toe), Dario Essugo (thigh), Levi Colwill (knee), and the still-suspended Mykhaylo Mudryk.

    For Barcelona, Alejandro Balde was withdrawn after a head knock but is expected to be available. Marcus Rashford is doubtful due to illness, though Raphinha made his comeback from a hamstring injury, and Ferran Torres’s brace makes him difficult to drop. Frenkie de Jong returns after a domestic suspension, but Pedri (hamstring), Gavi (knee), and Marc-André ter Stegen (back) remain sidelined.

    Chelsea’s possible XI:

    Sanchez; James, Adarabioyo, Chalobah, Cucurella; Caicedo, Fernandez; Neto, Pedro, Garnacho; Delap

    Barcelona’s possible XI:

    J. Garcia; Kounde, E. Garcia, Cubarsi, Balde; Casado, De Jong; Yamal, Lopez, Torres; Lewandowski

    Match Details

    Location: London, England

    Stadium: Stamford Bridge

    Date: Tuesday, Nov. 25

    Kick-off: 9 p.m

    Referee: Slavko Vinčić (SVN)

    VAR: Christian Dingert (GER)

    Betting Tips / Prediction:

    Over 1.5 goals

    Both teams to score

    Chelsea 2–4 Barcelona

  • EPL: Chelsea ease past Burnley to go second in table

    EPL: Chelsea ease past Burnley to go second in table

    Pedro Neto and Enzo Fernandez delivered a comfortable 2-0 win at Burnley to lift Chelsea to second in the Premier League.

    The opener came when Neto met Jamie Gittens’ cross at the far post, while Fernandez sealed victory with a late run into the box after a counter-attack involving Neto and substitute Marc Guiu.

    The Blues rarely moved out of second gear during the 90 minutes and were able to rest unused substitute Moises Caicedo, with matches against Barcelona and Arsenal to come.

    However, resting players looked a gamble early on as Burnley started brightly, with Jaidon Anthony having two early shots blocked and Loum Tchaouna forcing a save from Chelsea goalkeeper Robert Sanchez with a strike from the edge of the box.

    Chelsea started slowly and had only tested Burnley keeper Martin Dubvravka with a tame long-range effort from Trevoh Chalobah.

    But after Neto’s header put them ahead they took control, withdrawing captain Reece James at half-time yet growing increasingly dominant.

    Neto struck a post soon after the interval, while substitute Malo Gusto saw a shot saved amid further attempts from Joao Pedro, Gittens, Fernandez and Marc Cucurella.

    Chelsea’s second-half display was largely about game management as they gave little away and dominated possession, finishing with about 60%.

    In-form striker Zian Flemming fired Burnley’s only second-half chance over, 30 minutes after his side’s previous effort, and substitutes Lyle Foster and Armando Broja could not inspire a comeback.

    After Chelsea made several changes of their own, young striker Guiu provided Fernandez with a cutback to turn home the second goal.

    Burnley remain 17th in the table and could drop into the relegation zone later on Saturday, with Nottingham Forest and West Ham still to play.

    Chelsea climbed to second, having played a game more than their rivals.

  • Ex-Chelsea player Oscar in hospital with heart issue

    Ex-Chelsea player Oscar in hospital with heart issue

    Former Chelsea and Brazil midfielder Oscar is stable in hospital after falling ill with a heart issue.

    The 34-year-old became unwell while undergoing physical testing before the new season at Sao Paulo’s training centre on Tuesday.

    He returned to Brazilian side Sao Paulo, where he started his career, in December 2024.

    The club said: “Oscar presented an incident with cardiological changes, being promptly attended to by the club’s professionals and the medical team from Einstein Hospital Israelita, who were present at the site.

    “The player was then taken to the hospital, where he is currently in stable condition and remains under observation for further tests to clarify the diagnosis.”

    Brazilian publication Globo reported, external that Oscar was using an exercise bike when he collapsed and was unconscious for two minutes.

    It added that Oscar is now considering retirement. He returned to Sao Paulo, who are managed by ex-Chelsea and Argentina striker Hernan Crespo, on a three-year deal running until 2027 after spending eight years playing in China.

  • Chelsea cruise past Wolves with commanding 3–0 win

    Chelsea cruise past Wolves with commanding 3–0 win

    Chelsea produced a dominant performance to beat Wolverhampton Wanderers 3–0 at Stamford Bridge on Saturday, with all three goals coming in the second half.

    Malo Gusto opened the scoring for the Blues, before Joao Pedro doubled the lead with a composed finish. Pedro Neto added a third, securing a commanding win for Chelsea.

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    The victory lifts Chelsea to second place in the Premier League, keeping them in contention for the top spot, while Wolves remain entrenched in a relegation battle.

    Chelsea controlled possession throughout the game, boosting confidence in manager Enzo Maresca’s squad as they aim to maintain momentum in the title race.

    Wolverhampton, meanwhile, must quickly regroup after another setback in their fight to escape the relegation zone.