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Tag: Chelsea

  • Willian helps Chelsea hold Liverpool at Anfield

    Willian helps Chelsea hold Liverpool at Anfield

    A strange 85th minute goal from Brazilian Willian earned English Premier League champions Chelsea a 1-1 draw at Liverpool on Saturday.

    This was after Mohamed Salah’s 15th goal of the season looked to have given the hosts the three points.

    Two minutes after coming on as a late substitute at Anfield, Willian whipped in an attempted cross from the right which floated over Liverpool goalkeeper Simon Mignolet and into the net.

    Salah, who was outstanding for Liverpool, had put his team ahead in the 65th minute when Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain poked the ball away from a hesitant Tiemoue Bakayoko.

    The Egyptian then pounced on the loose ball to fire past Courtois.

    The result leaves Chelsea in third place on 26 points, eight behind leaders Manchester City who play on Sunday, while Liverpool are fifth on 23 points.

    In other Premier League games also played on Saturday Jose Mourinho’s United bounced back from their surprise UEFA Champions League defeat at Basel in midweek to win.

    It was their 39th straight home win in all competitions.

    The win also meant the Red Devils equalled a 51-year-old record set by Sir Matt Busby, thanks to Lewis Dunk’s second half own goal.

    “I think we were more spirit and heart than quality. My boys didn’t play well but they gave everything,” Mourinho said.

    “For me probably Brighton deserve more than the result they got.”

    Also, Tottenham’s bid to win the title for the first time since 1961 was left in tatters after a 1-1 draw with lowly West Bromwich Albion left them 10 points behind City.

    Spurs have had mixed results at Wembley since moving into their temporary home while White Hart Lane is rebuilt.

    But, once again, they lacked a cutting edge against supposedly inferior opponents.

    “We weren’t clinical. It is always difficult in the Premier League when you concede a goal so early,” Pochettino said.

    “I’m disappointed because the effort was massive, but we lost two points.”

    Reuters/NAN

  • Willian helps Chelsea hold Liverpool at Anfield

    Willian helps Chelsea hold Liverpool at Anfield

    A strange 85th minute goal from Brazilian Willian earned English Premier League champions Chelsea a 1-1 draw at Liverpool on Saturday.

    The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that this was after Mohamed Salah’s 15th goal of the season looked to have given the hosts the three points.

    Two minutes after coming on as a late substitute at Anfield, Willian whipped in an attempted cross from the right which floated over Liverpool goalkeeper Simon Mignolet and into the net.

    Salah, who was outstanding for Liverpool, had put his team ahead in the 65th minute when Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain poked the ball away from a hesitant Tiemoue Bakayoko.

    The Egyptian then pounced on the loose ball to fire past Courtois.

    The result leaves Chelsea in third place on 26 points, eight behind leaders Manchester City who play on Sunday, while Liverpool are fifth on 23 points.

    In other Premier League games also played on Saturday Jose Mourinho’s United bounced back from their surprise UEFA Champions League defeat at Basel in midweek to win.

    It was their 39th straight home win in all competitions.

    The win also meant the Red Devils equalled a 51-year-old record set by Sir Matt Busby, thanks to Lewis Dunk’s second half own goal.

    “I think we were more spirit and heart than quality. My boys didn’t play well but they gave everything,” Mourinho said.

    “For me probably Brighton deserve more than the result they got.”

    Also, Tottenham’s bid to win the title for the first time since 1961 was left in tatters after a 1-1 draw with lowly West Bromwich Albion left them 10 points behind City.

    Spurs have had mixed results at Wembley since moving into their temporary home while White Hart Lane is rebuilt.

    But, once again, they lacked a cutting edge against supposedly inferior opponents.

    “We weren’t clinical. It is always difficult in the Premier League when you concede a goal so early,” Pochettino said.

    “I’m disappointed because the effort was massive, but we lost two points.”(Reuters/NAN)

  • FULL-TIME: Liverpool 1-1 Chelsea (Willian’s late strike rescued a point for Chelsea at Liverpool)

    FULL-TIME: Liverpool 1-1 Chelsea (Willian’s late strike rescued a point for Chelsea at Liverpool)

    FULL-TIME

    Liverpool 1-1 Chelsea

    A point apiece.

    Any good for either side

    Liverpool 1-1 Chelsea

    Gary Cahill pass through to Alvaro Morata.

    The Spaniard is in behind.

    Offside.

    • Liverpool need to consolidate here, just keep hold of the ball and slow everything down.
    Liverpool 1-1 Chelsea

    Last chance for Chelsea?

    Or even Liverpool?

    GREAT SAVE!

    Liverpool 1-1 Chelsea

    Big chance, big save.

    Mohamed Salah weighs up the situation on the edge of the box and shoots, but Thibaut Courtois dives full stretch to his left to keep the ball out.

    #Scenes if that had gone in.

    Liverpool 1-1 Chelsea

    THREE added minutes to play at Anfield.

    Liverpool 1-1 Chelsea

    Adam Lallana has been out through injury and has come back looking like Joe Allen.

    Long hair with a band on.

    Cool dude.

    SUBSTITUTION

    Liverpool 1-1 Chelsea

    A couple of changes for Liverpool.

    First appearance for Adam Lallana in place of Philippe Coutinho and Sadio Mane replaces Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain.

    CLOSE!

    Liverpool 1-1 Chelsea

    At the other end, James Milner’s low, skiddy shot is straight at Thibaut Courtois.

    Three minutes left.

    • If Willian’s meant that – that’s some unbelievable goal. But I think he’s meant to cross that – that’s definitely a cross.

    Chelsea have done well to get back in the game here, Cecs Fabregas has made a real difference, no one’s been able to get near him.

     GOAL – Liverpool 1-1 Chelsea
    Chelsea

    bbc

    Leveller.

    You have to say this is another Simon Mignolet howler.

    Substitute Willian – two minutes after coming – shifts the ball to his right and then loft a cross-shot into the box.

    The Liverpool goalkeeper misjudges it, he cannot backtrack in time and the ball sails over his head and into the net.

    What an impact from the Brazilian, did he mean it though?

    Liverpool 1-0 Chelsea

    James Milner clears the ball into the Chelsea half.

    No Liverpool players are there to collect, they are all camped in their own box.

    Another Chelsea attack…

    CLOSE!

    Liverpool 1-0 Chelsea

    What a chance for Chelsea.

    Marcos Alonso is the man who is free inside the box, but his volley sails high over the crossbar.

    He should have at least hit the target from eight yards out.

    CLOSE!

    Liverpool 1-0 Chelsea

    From the corner, Chelsea defender Cesar Azpilicueta heads towards his own goal and Thibaut Courtois has to dive high to his right to catch the ball.

     Liverpool 1-0 Chelsea

    Two Liverpool players on four Chelsea defenders, that is all the Reds need and they almost double their advantage.

    Philippe Coutinho holds up the ball and plays precise pass to Mohamed Salah, but across comes Cesar Azpilicueta again to make a last-ditch challenge.

    Corner.

    78min: Another smart call from referee Michael Oliver who has been superb this evening. Liverpool players and fans scream for a penalty as Wijnaldum’s 20-yard drive cannons off of Gary Cahill’s arm, but in no way was the Chelsea defender’s touch deliberate and the match official doesn’t even consider the spot-kick.

    CLOSE!

    Liverpool 1-0 Chelsea

    Liverpool in for the second, Georginio Wijnaldum shoots from the edge of the box, but it deflects off Gary Cahill and away for a corner.

    The Blues manage to clear the set-piece though.

    77min: Antonio Conte isn’t wasting time to make his second switch either as Pedro is stripped down and ready to come as he replaces Bakayoko.

    Liverpool have started to drop deep and it’s just allowing Chelsea to build up some attacking pressure.

    • What a lovely pass from Cesc Fabregas – that’s what he gives you. He sees passes so early.
    Liverpool 1-0 Chelsea

    Alvaro Morata gets space inside the box for the first time from fellow Spaniard Cesc Fabregas’s inch-perfect pass, but screws his shot horribly wide.

    He was offside anyway.

    Liverpool 1-0 Chelsea

    Mohamed Salah chases down a ball into the corner, but with no team-mates in support, loses possession of the ball.

    That was a decent opportunity for Liverpool.

    SUBSTITUTION

    Liverpool 1-0 Chelsea

    First Chelsea change.

    Danny Drinkwater played well in the first half but found it a little more difficult in the second.

    He trots off and Cesc Fabregas takes his place.

    Liverpool 1-0 Chelsea

    Chelsea still have a chance of getting something out of this game.

    Liverpool are all over the place at the back, hitting clearances at their own team-mates.

    The ball breaks free inside the box, but Tieumoue Bakayoko cannot make anything of the chance.

     

    Liverpool 1-0 Chelsea

    Tiemoue Bakayoko has had a stinker for Chelsea today.

    He has an easy pass out wide to Eden Hazard, but pumps it out of play.

    Less than 20 minutes left.

    Eden Hazard has looked a bit tired in the second half so far, he’s made a few sloppy passes, and it might be because of his exertions in the first half.

    CLOSE!

    Liverpool 1-0 Chelsea

    Chelsea striker Alvaro Morata with an attempted overhead kick, but he does not catch it.

    Another opportunity goes begging for the visitors.

    SUBSTITUTION

    Liverpool 1-0 Chelsea

    Georginio Wijnaldum on for Daniel Sturridge after that Liverpool goal.

    Shoring things up.

    • What a dreadful error from Tiemoue Bakayoko. Rio Ferdinand called his defending a ‘disgrace’ at half-time and he isn’t wrong on this evidence as his terrible attempt at an interception allows Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain to poke the ball through for Mohamed Salah to slot past Courtois.

    Despite hardly ever playing for Chelsea, he refuses to celebrate against his former club.

     GOAL – Liverpool 1-0 Chelsea

    Mohamed Salah

    CLOSE!

    Liverpool 0-0 Chelsea

    Chances flowing for each side now.

    Mohamed Salah finds Daniel Sturridge in the box, the Liverpool striker shifts it left and shoots low, but across comes Cesar Azpilicueta with a decisive sliding challenge to save a certain goal.

    Great defending by the Spaniard

    CLOSE!

    Liverpool 0-0 Chelsea

    Chelsea should be ahead.

    Brilliant break leads to wing-back Davide Zappacosta feeding the ball across the box to Alvaro Morata, who mis-cues from six yards out.

    The Spaniard may have been put off by Joe Gomez’s sliding challenge, but he should still have done better.

    An hour gone, no sign of any changes yet.

    58 mins

    PENALTY APPEAL

    Liverpool 0-0 Chelsea

    Daniel Sturridge’s ball comes off Chelsea defender Gary Cahill’s arm.

    Referee Michael Oliver is looking straight at the incident and waves play on.

    Cahill’s arms were by his side when the ball struck him.

    Liverpool 0-0 Chelsea

    I reckon this is going exactly to plan for Jurgen Klopp.

    He would have wanted his Liverpool side to be in the game on the hour mark, before introducing the big guns off the bench.

    Let’s see if it materialises.

    CLOSE!

    Liverpool 0-0 Chelsea

    Liverpool skipper Jordan Henderson took a look of flack after the 3-3 capitulation against Sevilla in midweek.

    The midfielder takes matters into his own hands by shooting from 25 yards out, but this time Thibaut Courtois deals with it comfortably.

    Liverpool 0-0 Chelsea

    Philippe Coutinho’s corner falls to centre-back Joel Matip in the box, but the Cameroonian cannot sort his feet out and fails to get a shot on target.

    53min:

    As Sadio Mane goes to warm up, Liverpool win a free-kick 30 yards out after Tiemoue Bakayoko trips Philippe Coutinho.

    The Brazilian strikes for goal but it hits the top of the wall before flying out for a corner.

    Liverpool 0-0 Chelsea

    Tiemoue Bakayoko with a little too forceful a tackle on Philippe Coutinho and it gives the Reds a free-kick nearly 30 yards out.

    The Brazilian takes, but it deflects off the wall and away.

    • It was a good ball in earlier from Philippe Coutinho, but we never see any Liverpool attackers or attacking defenders get a clean header on the ball, ever.

    There’s just no movement, everyone’s so static when we have a set-piece.

    Liverpool 0-0 Chelsea

    Chelsea break with pace towards their own fans at Anfield and earn a corner, but defender Gary Cahill heads wide after rising highest in the box.

     CLOSE!

    Liverpool 0-0 Chelsea

    Hah,Thibaut Courtois almost makes a howler.

    Liverpool striker Daniel Sturridge crosses low into the box towards the far post, it is an easy gather for the Chelsea goalkeeper, but he somehow lets it squirm under his grasp.

    Thankfully for the Belgian, it dribbles inches wide of goal.

    That would have been very embarrassing.

    PENALTY APPEAL

    Liverpool 0-0 Chelsea

    Eden Hazard is causing so many problems.

    He tangles feet with James Milner and goes over inside the box.

    No penalty, says referee Michael Oliver.

    Correct decision, Hazard left his leg trailing there.

    Liverpool 0-0 Chelsea

    Chelsea midfielder Eden Hazard takes a kick to the back of his leg from Mohamed Salah’s mis-timed challenge.

    It leaves the Belgian in a heap at the start of this second half.

    KICK-OFF

    Liverpool 0-0 Chelsea

    Both sides sticking with what they have at the moment, no changes.

    We go again.

    First Half Ends, Liverpool 0, Chelsea 0 at Anfield

    HALF-TIME

    Liverpool 0-0 Chelsea

    Absorbing contest but it remains goalless.

    Liverpool 0-0 Chelsea

    Danny Sturridge has been given a start today but has failed to impress, mainly because he has not received any service.

    The striker flicks a ball into the box, which almost runs into the path of James Milner, but Chelsea can clear.

    44 mins:

    PENALTY APPEAL

    Liverpool 0-0 Chelsea

    Best moment in the game for Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain, turning past Davide Zappacosta.

    The former Arsenal man floats a cross to the back post which Marcos Alonso heads away.

    It is about to drop for Philippe Coutinho inside the box, but Eden Hazard does his defensive duties by easing the Brazilian off the ball.

    The home fans shout for a penalty to go their way, but that would have been harsh.

    43min:

    For once the Reds deal with it, with Mignolet claiming confidently.

    42min:

    Commentator’s curse nearly strikes again, with Salah just firing wide across the Chelsea goal.

    At the other end Alvaro Morata’s shot deflects off Joel Matip for a Blues corner.

    39min:

    Chelsea perhaps look the closest to scoring just because their defence actually look like they can keep a clean sheet this evening. You don’t quite have the same faith in Liverpool’s back line which is being pulled apart rather easily on the counter attack.

    Liverpool 0-0 Chelsea

    Waheeeeeey!

    Cheers from the crowd as referee Michael Oliver takes a tumble in the centre circle.

    There was no-one around him, what a dive.

    They will take a retrospective look at that on Monday morning.

    Liverpool 0-0 Chelsea

    Gamble!

    Philippe Coutinho swings in a free-kick from the right after Mohamed Salah was hauled down.

    Chelsea defender Andreas Christensen jumps to head away but misses the ball and with no Liverpool player taking a chance at the far post, is allows an easy clearance for Davide Zappacosta.

    Liverpool 0-0 Chelsea

    Most tackles made by a Chelsea player so far?

    N’Golo Kante with three.

    #Machine

    Liverpool 0-0 Chelsea

    Lovely from Eden Hazard again, playing the ball round the corner to Alvaro Morata.

    The Spaniard tries a quick one-two with Tieumoue Bakayoko, but is blocked off the ball by Joel Matip.

    Free-kick 25 yards out, Marcos Alonso over it…

    Liverpool 0-0 Chelsea

    Liverpool are patiently working to try and prise open the Chelsea backline.

    Skipper Jordan Henderson has the opportunity of a free pop at goal but decides to pass the ball sideways to a team.

    Cue groans from the Anfield faithful.

    CLOSE!

    Liverpool 0-0 Chelsea

    Brilliant turn by Mohamed Salah in the area, opening up the space past Gary Cahill, but his poked shot is blocked by the impressive Andreas Chirstensen.

    CLOSE!

    Liverpool 0-0 Chelsea

    Chelsea are well on top now with a sustained period of possession.

    Wing-back Davide Zappacosta tries his luck from the angle, which Simon Mignolet pushes over the crossbar.

    From the resulting set-piece, the Reds fail to clear, the ball is slipping around the box like a bar of soap, ricocheting all over the place.

    Alvaro Morata cannot shoot, Gary Cahill cannot connect either and eventually the home side can somehow get the ball out of the dangerzone.

    •  I thought that was it. it was an amazing chance created by Eden Hazard, he drops that shoulder and jinks past Jordan Henderson like he’s not even there. They’ve got to stop the ball getting to Hazard, because everything’s coming through him.
    GREAT SAVE!

    Liverpool 0-0 Chelsea

    Another excellent stop by Simon Mignolet.

    Liverpool are just not picking Eden Hazard up and the Belgian magician is pulling out his tricks.

    He plays a delightful throughball to Danny Drinkwater breaking from midfield, he tries to go round the Liverpool goalkeeper, who sticks out a foot to halt the Leicester man.

    GREAT SAVE!

    Liverpool 0-0 Chelsea

    Finally something that will make the MOTD edit.

    Eden Hazard instantly takes Danny Drinkwater’s long ball, cuts inside and drills a low shot which Simon Mignolet has to dive full stretch to his right to keep out.

    Liverpool 0-0 Chelsea

    This one has failed to live up to the hype so far.

    Let’s hope it shows an improve as the contest wears on.

    Liverpool 0-0 Chelsea

    Almost 20 minutes gone, but neither goalkeeper called into action yet.

    Liverpool 0-0 Chelsea

    James Milner, up from central midfield, receives the ball on the edge of the area but scuffs a shot a mile wide.

    Not the best effort of his career.

    •  Bakayoko is the one who’s really struggled to get into the game so far, he’s had the chance to play a pass a few times and he keeps giving Liverpool possession. He’s obviously talented, but his concentration levels seem to let him down in the big games – he’s been one of Liverpool’s best players so far!
    Liverpool 0-0 Chelsea

    Chelsea will be looking to his forward Eden Hazard on every attack, the Belgian has got on the ball a couple of times now, jinking left and right.

    His team-mates are not on his wavelength though, as Tiemoue Bakayoko’s pass rolls through to Liverpool goalkeeper Simon Mignolet.

    • It’s a very open game, a very exciting game, but we’re still waiting for the first opportunity. It’s been a good tempo from Liverpool so far.
    Liverpool 0-0 Chelsea

    Here he is, little Mohamed Salah on the ball for the first time.

    He finds a pocket of space 25 yards out, having drifted in from the right, but fails to find the target with his shot.

    Liverpool 0-0 Chelsea

    Liverpool are quickly in on the Chelsea players, not letting them settle on the ball.

    The Blues are playing a 5-3-2 when they are not in possession, but full-back Davide Zappacosta and Marcos Alonso will be expected to push forward once they break forward.

    5 mins: Mohamed Salah with an early effort of the edge of the box, a similar position from where he scored against Southampton, but it is blocked by a man in blue.

    3 mins: Mohamed Salah with an early effort of the edge of the box, a similar position from where he scored against Southampton, but it is blocked by a man in blue.

    Liverpool 0-0 Chelsea

    Liverpool dangerman Mohamed Salah is without regular assistants Roberto Firmino and Sadio Mane today.

    Boss Jurgen Klopp has wrung the changes, let’s see how they get on.

    KICK-OFF

    tions have started in the Saturday Premier League start match between Liverpool take on Chelsea at Anfield.

    Antonio Conte’s side were third in the table at the beginning of the weekend and sit nine points behind leaders Manchester City, while Liverpool are three points further back in fifth.

    • Liverpool starting XI: Mignolet, Gomez, Matip, Klavan, Moreno, Oxlade-Chamberlain, Henderson, Milner, Salah, Sturridge, Coutinho
    • Liverpool subs: Karius, Wijnaldum, Firmino, Mane, Lallana, Robertson, Alexander-Arnold
    • Chelsea starting XI: Courtois, Azpilicueta, Christensen, Cahill, Zappacosta, Drinkwater, Kante, Bakayoko, Alonso, Hazard, Morata
    • Chelsea subs: Caballero, Rudiger, Fabregas, Pedro, Moses, Willian, Luiz
    • Liverpool take on Chelsea at Anfield in the evening Premier League fixture
    • Both sides are in the top five but have ground to make up on leaders Man City
    • Antonio Conte’s side have been to Azerbaijan and back in the week
    • Liverpool threw away a three goal lead to draw with Sevilla on Tuesday night

     

  • Moses returns for Chelsea against Liverpool

    Moses returns for Chelsea against Liverpool

    Victor Moses is set to bounce back for Chelsea Saturday against Liverpool.

    With six premier league matches lined up Saturday, that between Liverpool and visiting Chelsea is no doubt likely to be the center of discussion.  With the probability of Nigerian international Victor

    Moses bouncing back after close to a month on the sidelines no thanks to injury, the hosts will be keeping a close tab on him because of his tendency to do damage at the slightest opportunity. But how fit he is to do those dashing moves that contributing in no small measure to Super Eagles qualification for the World cup in Russia and progress recorded by the Blues so far will be known in the course of the match. At least for now coach Antonio Conte has confirmed readiness of the former Wigan Athletic ace to be in action

    Moses has not featured since limping out of last month’s shock defeat at Crystal Palace after 39 minutes, with Davide Zappacosta and Cesar Azpilicueta taking turns to fill in at right wing-back in his absence.

    Liverpool go into the match fresh from what some dubbed surprising poor run in the match against Sevilla which ended 3-3 after the Reds had led three goals and watched Sevilla reclaim all the goals. Chelsea will definitely not hesitate to do the same should the hosts chose to make same mistake Saturday.

    The Blues will further be boosted by Thursday’s successful demolition of Qarabag in the Champions League midweek. Interestingly the 4-0 defeat Chelsea gave Qarabag was the same margin they handed West Brom just before the Champions league ties. Liverpool hosted Southampton before the clash against Sevilla and made a clean show of the tie winning 3-0.

    Manchester United host Brighton and Hove Albion and may be looking to get back to winning ways after the loan goal defeat by Basel.

  • Chelsea Beats Qarabag 4-0, Reaches Champions League last 16

    Chelsea Beats Qarabag 4-0, Reaches Champions League last 16

    Willian scored twice in a 4-0 victory over 10-man Qarabag in the Wednesday UEFA Champions League.

    The win assured Chelsea of a top-two finish in Group C and left the 2012 European champion with a two-point lead over Roma, which plays Atletico Madrid later.

    The match turned on the 19th-minute sending-off of Qarabag defender Rashad F. Sadygov, who received a straight red card for tugging back Willian just inside the area as the Chelsea forward ran onto Eden Hazard’s pass.

    Hazard, who started as the lone striker with Alvaro Morata on the bench, stroked home the penalty for a sixth goal in his last seven games since returning from a broken ankle.

    The Belgium international turned provider in Chelsea’s well-worked team goal in the 36th minute, back-heeling the ball into the path of Willian as part of a one-two to allow the Brazilian to side-foot a finish into the bottom corner.

    There was little chance of Qarabag, the first Azeri team to reach the group stage of the Champions League, stopping Chelsea from becoming the seventh club into the last 16. And it was a damage-limitation exercise for the hosts thereafter.

    That suited Chelsea, which eased off in view of its tough-looking trip to Liverpool in the Premier League on Saturday. Chelsea manager Antonio Conte even had the luxury of substituting left wing back Marcos Alonso and Hazard around the hour mark.

    That meant Hazard was off the field when Chelsea was awarded a second penalty, for a tug on Willian by Gara Garayev. Cesc Fabregas tucked his spot kick away, only for it to be ruled out for encroachment, but the midfielder converted at the second attempt, too.

    Willian made the victory even more emphatic by driving home a low finish from 25 meters in the 85th, taking Chelsea’s tally of goals against Qarabag in the group stage to 10. The English team won 6-0 at Stamford Bridge in September.

    Qarabag was used to playing with 10 men, having had players sent off in each of its last two Champions League outings — impressive draws home and away to Atletico.

    The home side, which had given Chelsea an early scare by hitting the crossbar through Michel in the 13th minute, has two points from its five games and cannot advance.

    Chelsea joined Tottenham, Real Madrid, Manchester City, Besiktas, Paris Saint-Germain and Bayern Munich in the knockout stage.

  • Drogba May Replace Emenalo as Chelsea’s Sporting Director

    Drogba May Replace Emenalo as Chelsea’s Sporting Director

    The departure of Nigerian Chelsea Technical Director, Michael Emenalo could lead to the sensational return of Didier Drogba to the club.

    The Blues were rocked this week when Emenalo decided to walk away from his position, ending his 10-year association with the club.

    The Telegraph report that the former striker could be lured back to Stamford Bridge in some capacity.

    The man who scored the winning penalty when Chelsea won the Champions League in 2012 has spoken in the past of a desire to return to the club at some point.

    However, whether he could be convinced by owner Roman Abramovich to return at this moment is unclear.

    The 39-year-old is currently at Phoenix Rising in a player-owner capacity and plans to switch to a sporting director role there when he stops playing.

  • John Terry  off to Dubai shuns injury worries

    John Terry  off to Dubai shuns injury worries

     

    John Terry’s injury has not stopped him from enjoying the international break as he headed for Dubai on holiday.

    The former Chelsea defender picked up a metatarsal injury during his club Aston Villa’s game against Sheffield Wednesday at the weekend, the final game before the break.

    But he has managed to get himself away from the Midlands to Dubai while his club have time away from competitive action.

    He posed on the beach with his crutches and showed off his cast in a series of photographs.

    And while out in the middle east, it seems Terry is working on his mind while he is unable to exercise his body to the usual level.

    He flashed the front cover of the James Kerr book Legacy: What the All Blacks Can Teach Us About the Business of Life while relaxing on the beach during his break.

    It seems like an ideal read for Terry. The book covers 15 lessons from the New Zealand rugby side and how they apply to leadership, something the veteran defender has to consider as Villa captain.

    Terry has already said he is desperate to return as soon as possible from his lay-off.

    The 36-year-old has been an integral figure for Villa this campaign, playing every minute of their Championship matches until he was substituted off in the 20th minute on Saturday.

    Manager Steve Bruce said after the game that he was hopeful Terry would be able to return within six weeks and not 12

    Terry who made over 492 appearances for Chelsea scoring 41 goals in the bargain signed a one year contract with championship club Aston Villa on 3rd July this year, and was appointed captain of the team for the 2017-18 season

  • Chelsea 1-0 Man Utd: How Jose Mourinho was Humbled at Stamford Bridge

    Chelsea 1-0 Man Utd: How Jose Mourinho was Humbled at Stamford Bridge

    All over, what a win for Chelsea and Antonio Conte. Big blow to Manchester United’s title hopes, falling eight points behind leaders Manchester City.

    This result could provide a big impact in the Premier League title race and Manchester United have work to do. They sit eight points behind Manchester City and now have to look over their shoulders, with Tottenham and Chelsea right behind them and providing plenty of pressure. November will be a crucial month for the Red Devils.

    There was a lot of pressure on Antonio Conte heading into this game but his side have responded in superb fashion. The victory means Chelsea are three points clear of Liverpool, Arsenal and Burnley in the race for a top-four finish. Crucially though, they’re now just a single point behind Tottenham and Manchester United.

    What a header from the Spaniard! Morata header in the 55th minutes has given Chelsea lead over Man Utd at Stamford Bridge. Morata powers in header from Azpilicueta’s deep cross.

    It’s been coming and Chelsea finally take the lead. Azpilicueta launches a ball towards Morata and the Spaniard, under no pressure from the Manchester United defenders, heads into the top corner past his compatriot De Gea- his seventh Premier League goal of the season.

    A superb ball from Azpilicueta. Morata had plenty of space but he had to be found and the ball from the defender was spot on.

    Asked if it was his most important goal for Chelsea, Alvaro Morata told Sky Sport; “For sure.”It is important that we won. We had a very good chance today to come back to winning ways. We are happy now with the international break we can go with three points.”

    Meanwhile, Jose Mourinho takes the positives from his side’s current position of second in the league. In the post match interview he said, Manchester United are in a better position than 18 other teams in the league,

    “It was an even match. Both teams could win. The first to score would be in more defensive control and to win the match.

    “The first half was really even. In the second half in the only period where they were on top of the game, they scored.

    “It frustrates us to concede a goal in this situation. We lost ourselves after the goal emotionally. We found again the balance and desire in the last 15 to 20 minutes. It was all us. We had big chances to equalise but we couldn’t,” he said.

    ‘Happy’ Conte was pleased with the handwork and spirit of the Chelsea players. He told Sky Sports that; “It’s an important victory. When you play against Manchester United it’s always a massive game. We know very well this team is very strong. This type of win is important for our confidence. We showed great desire and passion to win this kind of game.

    “We can win or lose but our spirit must be this. Last season our spirit was in every game – we started this season with a lot of problems. We were up and down. This game showed if we want we can.”

    He was asked if David Luiz has a future at Chelsea: “I don’t know. He has to work really hard otherwise they are on the bench or in the stand.”

    Substitution

    Mkhitaryan, who’s been a passenger throughout, is the first man sacrificed as Anthony Martial takes his place. Chelsea forced all the way back to Courtois after their own corner but they remain the better side here.

    Fellaini is the second man on, with Phil Jones sacrificed. It suggests a tactical change for the visitors, who could now set-up in a 4-3-3.

    Big opportunities already have been wasted with Rashford’s miss and spectacular Phil Jones own goal chalked off for push by Morata in the first half.

    Match statistics has it that Chelsea leads with 56.6% possession and Machester United has 43.4% in the first 45 minutes

    But, It has been a frantic opening 25 minutes, but it has settled down a little bit now and Chelsea are starting to monopolise possession.

    The balance seems to be good in this Chelsea side today. Bakayoko and Fabregas have been let off the leash with Kante back and Herrera has got a massive job on his hands to keep control in that area.

    Read what the two managers said before the match

    And Chelsea manager Antonio Conte said Leaving David Luiz out) is a tactical decision. There is Andreas Christensen in good form and we have Ethan Ampadu who is a good, young player at the club.

    “We are conceding many goals so you have to find stability and solidity. We have to be patient with the team and defend in the right way.

    “Manchester United is a really good team they will want to win, like us. We have to try playing our football and be focused from the start to the end.”

    Manchester United manager Jose Mourinho left it open saying anything can happen in the match “The same team as against Tottenham shows I was pleased with the performance but we do not have many other options for this game. We tried to prepare the team best we could and we are ready for a big match.

    “When you have one bad result, this is what happens at a big club. People that work at big clubs, they are used to it and know how to cope with the pressure. That is what we did after losing against Huddersfield and we managed to get results. Chelsea are not at all affected by the defeat against Roma.

    “We have to respect big players individually. I would be very happy if Chelsea does not care about Romelu Lukaku, Marcus Rashford or Henrikh Mkhitaryan. They will be trying to win the match but also thinking about them. We are going to try to win the match but Eden Hazard, Alvaro Morata, do not deserve respect? We would be in trouble.

    “I expect a big match, difficult for both teams trying to win and respecting their opponents.

  • Jose celebrates with daughter Matilde @21

    Jose celebrates with daughter Matilde @21

     

    Jose Mourinho’s mind will no doubt be occupied by his return journey to former club Chelsea on Sunday, he nonetheless had no choice but celebrate with daughter Matilde who turned 21 on Saturday

    And the proud father took to Instagram to celebrate his daughter’s landmark birthday with a selfie, followed by another image flashing back to her younger years.

    In his first post, translated from Portuguese, Mourinho wrote: ‘HAPPY BIRTHDAY DAUGHTER, 21 years of making us smile.’

    The second sees a much younger looking Mourinho standing in central London holding little Matilde.

    It’s a given that the image was taken long before Mourinho announced himself on the European stage with his Champions League triumph with Porto.

    Judging by his looks in the snap, it came when the former Inter and Real Madrid manager was working as an assistant prior to his breakthrough as a manager.

    Sunday though, brings a different kind of visit to London, and undoubtedly a much more professional one.

    Mourinho takes his side to Stamford Bridge for his third match against former club Chelsea with United, looking to build on April’s 2-0 victory at Old Trafford and find revenge for the 4-0 thrashing he was dealt at the hands of Antonio Conte’s champions last season.

    Conte has found himself in difficulties in west London after a disappointing Champions League showing on Tuesday night at Roma – losing 3-0 – and has reignited the flame of his rivalry with Mourinho by calling for respect.

    ‘I have respect for his (Mourinho’s) job. He must have respect for my job,’ he commented.

    But while Conte has earned the kudos of so many, his predecessor Mourinho responded to the Italian’s plea with a jibe at ‘crying’ over injury woes, something that Conte has been riled by in the past. Mourinho used Paul Pogba as his prime example.

    ‘I know that I moan about a lot of things but I don’t with injuries,’ he said. ‘Probably I should cry every week about our injuries. Any other manager would be speaking about Pogba every day.

    ‘I don’t speak about Pogba one single time, it’s only when you ask me about his situation.’

  • Nigerian-born Abraham gets first England call-up

    Nigerian-born Abraham gets first England call-up

    England on Thursday called up the uncapped Nigerian-born Tammy Abraham, Joe Gomez and Ruben Loftus-Cheek for their friendly matches against Germany and Brazil at Wembley this month.

    The Football Association (FA) in England listed them in the 25-man squad for the games against the World Cup holders on November 10 and Brazil four days later.

    Abraham and Loftus-Cheek, who are both Chelsea players out on loan at Swansea City and Crystal Palace respectively, have broken into the Gareth Southgate’s senior squad.

    This is on the back of some impressive performances in the Premier League.

    Striker Abraham who some weeks back caught the fancy of Amaju Pinnick, the President of Nigeria Football Federation (NFF), has scored four of Swansea’s seven league goals this season.

    He has since, in the light of Pinnick’s expressed desire to have him play for Nigeria, said he was not yet ready to make up his mind on his international future.

    Midfielder Loftus-Cheek has made six appearances for Crystal Palace in spite of missing some games with a thigh injury.

    Defender Gomez, who has rebounded well since returning from a 15-month layoff with a ligament injury in January, started seven league games for Liverpool this season.

    “We’re in a position now where we’ve qualified for the World Cup and we always wanted to look at the team and how we want it to evolve,” Southgate said in a statement.

    England team
    England team

     

    “This is an opportunity to look at new players and a different way of playing and I think the beauty of my position is that I know the young players in the system.”

    Manchester United’s Ashley Young, who last played for his country in September 2013, was recalled for his impressive run under Jose Mourinho at Manchester United.

    Full-back, Danny Rose and Jamie Vardy returned from injury, while Liverpool duo Daniel Sturridge and Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain and Manchester United defender Chris Smalling were not included in the squad.

    2018: England squad against Russia

    Goalkeepers: Jack Butland (Stoke City), Joe Hart (West Ham United – loan from Manchester City), Jordan Pickford (Everton)

    Defenders: Ryan Bertrand (Southampton), Gary Cahill (Chelsea), Joe Gomez (Liverpool), Harry Maguire (Leicester City), John Stones (Manchester City)

    Kieran Trippier (Tottenham Hotspur), Phil Jones (Manchester United), Kyle Walker (Manchester City), Danny Rose (Tottenham)

    Midfielders: Dele Alli (Tottenham), Fabian Delph (Manchester City), Eric Dier (Tottenham), Jordan Henderson (Liverpool), Jesse Lingard (Manchester United)

    Ruben Loftus-Cheek (Crystal Palace – loan from Chelsea), Ashley Young (Manchester United), Harry Winks (Tottenham)

    Forwards: Tammy Abraham (Swansea City – loan from Chelsea), Harry Kane (Tottenham), Marcus Rashford (Manchester United), Raheem Sterling (Manchester City), Jamie Vardy (Leicester).