The Nation Newspaper

Tag: Chelsea

  • UCL: Garnacho saves Chelsea from defeat at Qarabag

    UCL: Garnacho saves Chelsea from defeat at Qarabag

    Chelsea escaped suffering a historic defeat through substitute Alejandro Garnacho’s second-half equaliser, avoiding the embarrassment of becoming the first English team to lose to Azerbaijani side Qarabag.

    Garnacho equalised having come on as one of three half-time substitutes with his side 2-1 down through goals from Leandro Andrade and Marko Jankovic, after Estevao Willian had put the Blues ahead early on.

    Qarabag had lost all seven of their previous matches against English opposition. The last time they were in the Champions League, they faced Chelsea and lost both matches by an aggregate score of 10-0 and secured just two points from six matches.

    However, they gave Enzo Maresca’s side a real scare at the packed 32,000-seater Tofiq Bahramov Stadium, with a squad worth just £22m compared to that of Chelsea – valued at £1.5bn, according to figures by Transfermarkt.

    And it was Chelsea who initially took the lead. Estevao, 18, cut inside and shot low into the near post after linking well with his Brazilian team-mates Joao Pedro and Andrey Santos in the 16th minute.

    Yet Chelsea struggled defensively having made seven changes to the team that beat Tottenham on Saturday, with Jorrel Hato, 19, partly at fault for both first-half goals.

    Qarabag striker Camilo Duran overpowered the Dutch defender when competing for a long ball, hit his shot against the post, but winger Leandro Andrade brilliantly volleyed the rebound into the goal to equalise.

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    Midfielder Marko Jankovic then sent Chelsea goalkeeper Robert Sanchez the wrong way from the penalty spot to give Qarabag an unlikely lead – the penalty given after Hato handled Andrade’s cross.

    Maresca had already taken off injured midfielder Romeo Lavia after six minutes, replacing him with Moises Caicedo, and made three further changes at half-time, bringing on Garnacho, Enzo Fernandez and Liam Delap for young trio Andrey Santos, Jamie Gittens and Tyrique George.

    And it was Garnacho who levelled seven minutes into the half, latching on to Delap’s long ball, capitalising on a mistake from Kevin Medina and then shooting across goalkeeper Mateusz Kochalski and into the corner.

    Both sides had further chances, with substitute Nariman Akhundzade shooting from range for the hosts, and Fernandez and Estevao having several attempts to win the game for Chelsea, along with the final substitute Facundo Buonanotte.

    In added time, both sides had chances to win it through substitutes – Danny Bolt and Garnacho both seeing shots from inside the area saved.

    The points shared leave the sides level on seven points in the 36-team league phase of the Champions League after four matches.

    BBC SPORT

  • Things to know as Tottenham host Chelsea in fierce London rivalry

    Things to know as Tottenham host Chelsea in fierce London rivalry

    Tottenham will host Chelsea at the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium this weekend in a high-stakes London derby, a clash loaded with intensity, flair, and pressure.

    Both teams will be desperate for a win, with Spurs looking to prove their early-season promise and Chelsea aiming to find consistency after a mixed start. With bragging rights, momentum, and confidence on the line, this fixture promises end-to-end action and a fierce battle in every area of the pitch.

    Stats to know

    ·       Tottenham have won just one of their last 13 Premier League meetings with Chelsea.

    ·       Chelsea have claimed five wins in six league visits to the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium.

    ·       Chelsea have lost three of their last five Premier League games, more than in their previous 16 combined.

    ·       Thomas Frank has lost only two of his eight Premier League matches against Chelsea.

    ·       Tottenham’s Mohammed Kudus has completed the most dribbles in the Premier League this season.

    The rivalry renewed

    There’s tension in the air. North London knows it, West London feels it. Tottenham and Chelsea—two proud, volatile clubs—are both desperate for a result that can shift their seasons.

    For Spurs, it’s about proving their bright start wasn’t a false dawn. For Chelsea, it’s about finding consistency after weeks of mixed performances. Both sides crave momentum, and neither can afford another stumble.

    Recent form

    Tottenham sit inside the top four after nine matches (five wins, two draws, two losses). Their football has been bold and attacking but occasionally erratic, and they’re coming off a 2–0 Carabao Cup loss to Newcastle. With James Maddison and Dejan Kulusevski sidelined, new signing Mohammed Kudus has become their main creative spark.

    Chelsea, meanwhile, sit mid-table (four wins, two draws, three losses). They’ve struggled for rhythm under Enzo Maresca but showed resilience with a Carabao Cup win over Wolves. When they click, they look dangerous—but too often, inconsistency and defensive lapses undo their efforts.

    Team news

    Tottenham’s injury list is easing, with Cristian Romero and Destiny Udogie nearing returns. Kudus has been a standout performer, while midfielders Palhinha and Bentancur are regaining form.

    Chelsea’s injury troubles continue—Cole Palmer, Levi Colwill, and Benoît Badiashile remain doubts. João Pedro’s creativity and Enzo Fernández’s control will be vital if the Blues are to dictate play.

    Key battle: Mohammed Kudus vs João Pedro

    Kudus has dazzled since joining Spurs, combining flair with end product and already registering four assists. Pedro, meanwhile, has two goals and three assists for Chelsea, showing glimpses of the creativity and composure the Blues have been missing since Eden Hazard’s departure.

    Read Also: Tottenham close in on £51.8m move for Leipzig star Xavi Simons

    Tactical outlook

    Tottenham will press high and look to dominate possession, while Chelsea will rely on Fernández and Caicedo to absorb pressure and hit on the counter. Both sides have attacking quality but defensive vulnerabilities, suggesting this could be an open, end-to-end game.

    Match details

    Date: Saturday, November 1

    Kick-off: 4:30 p.m. GMT

    Venue: Tottenham Hotspur Stadium, London

    Referee: Jarred Gillett

    VAR: Craig Pawson

    With both teams searching for rhythm and confidence, this derby could define the direction of their seasons. Bragging rights, belief, and momentum are all on the line in North London.

  • EPL: Talbi scores late winner as Sunderland stun Chelsea

    EPL: Talbi scores late winner as Sunderland stun Chelsea

    Sunderland moved into second place in the Premier League as winger Chemsdine Talbi scored a 94th-minute winner to stun Chelsea at Stamford Bridge.

    Regis le Bris’ side were on the brink of earning a valuable point in west London, but snatched all three when Talbi converted from the edge of the box after a quick counter-attack.

    The victory – Sunderland’s first on the road this season – was all the more remarkable given Chelsea had taken an early lead when Alejandro Garnacho scored his first goal for the club with a fine solo effort.

    Sunderland levelled through Wilson Isidor, who netted from close range for his fourth goal of the season following Chelsea’s failure to clear their lines from a long throw.

    The Black Cats were less adventurous in the second half, seemingly content to settle for a point against the Club World Cup champions.

    But the home side struggled to create clear-cut chances and over-committed numbers in the search of a winner.

    Sunderland expertly exploited the space left in Chelsea’s half as substitute Brian Brobbery latched on to a long ball, held up possession and laid off for Talbi to score a famous winner.

    The win means the Black Cats move into second place, two points behind leaders Arsenal having played a game more than the Gunners.

    Chelsea, who would have gone second with a victory of their own, slip to seventh behind London rivals Tottenham.

  • UCL: Chelsea crush Ajax 5–1 to make history with teen trio

    UCL: Chelsea crush Ajax 5–1 to make history with teen trio

    Chelsea became the first club in Champions League history to have three teenagers on the scoresheet in a single match as they dismantled a disorganised Ajax side 5–1 at Stamford Bridge.

    Marc Guiu, 19, opened the scoring and briefly became Chelsea’s youngest-ever goalscorer in the competition—just moments after Ajax captain Kenneth Taylor was sent off for a reckless challenge.

    That record lasted only 33 minutes, as 18-year-old Estevão Willian converted the third of three first-half penalties, following earlier spot-kicks from Enzo Fernández and Wout Weghorst, and a long-range strike from Moisés Caicedo.

    Chelsea made changes at half-time, including the introduction of Tyrique George, who scored just three minutes after coming on to become the third teenager on the scoresheet.

    Read Also:EPL: Chelsea win puts Forest’s Postecoglou out of managerial duty

    Later, Reggie Walsh, 17, made his debut and became the youngest player to represent Chelsea in the Champions League, and the second-youngest Englishman in the competition’s history behind Jack Wilshere.

    Ajax, four-time winners of the tournament, delivered a poor performance throughout. Taylor’s red card set the tone early, and a clumsy challenge by Youri Baas on Estevão gifted Chelsea a third penalty just before the break. Weghorst briefly pulled one back for Ajax after Fernández’s opener but the Dutch side never recovered.

    Such was Chelsea’s control that manager Enzo Maresca was able to rest key players like Caicedo and Fernández by the 65th minute, having already used all five substitutes.

    Ajax remain winless in the group stage, sitting bottom with three defeats, while Chelsea have now won back-to-back European fixtures and will next travel to Azerbaijan to face Qarabag.

  • EPL: Awoniyi’s Forest lose 3-0 to Chelsea

    EPL: Awoniyi’s Forest lose 3-0 to Chelsea

    Nigerian striker Taiwo Awoniyi’s Nottingham Forest lost to Chelsea at the City Ground in the English Premier League.

    Awoniyi made his first start since a serious abdominal injury left him in a coma last season.

    Forest started the game well but failed to capitalise with striker Awoniyi, missing an early chance and Morgan Gibbs-White also missed two first-half chances.

    Chelsea struggled with a makeshift midfield, missing the injured Cole Palmer and Enzo Fernandez, while Moises Caicedo started on the bench.

    Read Also: Forest axe injured Ola Aina from Premier League squad, Awoniyi in

    However, three half-time changes by manager Enzo Maresca, including the introduction of star midfielder Caicedo, helped turn the game.

    Defender Josh Acheampong and winger Pedro Neto scored just after half-time, before captain Reece James sealed victory in a 3-0 win for Chelsea.

    Ange Postecoglou was later sacked by Nottingham Forest 19 minutes after the loss with the 60-year old leaves the club after only 39 days and eight winless games.

  • EPL: Chelsea win puts Forest’s Postecoglou out of managerial duty

    EPL: Chelsea win puts Forest’s Postecoglou out of managerial duty

    Ange Postecoglou has been sacked by Nottingham Forest after three second-half goals secured Chelsea’s Premier League victory at Nottingham Forest’s City Ground, extending Forest’s winless run to eight games.

    Defender Josh Acheampong and winger Pedro Neto scored just after half-time, prompting chants of “you don’t know what you are doing” from the home supporters after Postecoglou reacted by immediately bringing on Callum Hudson-Odoi, before captain Reece James sealed victory in a 3-0 win for Chelsea.

    Forest owner Evangelos Marinakis left the directors’ box after 66 minutes, with Postecoglou’s future understood to be under scrutiny.

    Postecoglou will bemoan Forest’s failure to capitalise on a dominant first half, when striker Taiwo Awoniyi, on his first start since a serious abdominal injury left him in a coma last season, missed an early chance. Morgan Gibbs-White also missed two first-half chances.

    Chelsea struggled with a makeshift midfield, missing the injured Cole Palmer and Enzo Fernandez, while Moises Caicedo started on the bench.

    However, three half-time changes by manager Enzo Maresca, including the introduction of star midfielder Caicedo, helped turn the game.

    Read Also:  BREAKING: Chelsea stun Liverpool with late winner

    Acheampong, 19, was unmarked when he headed home Neto’s cross from close range four minutes after the interval. Neto curled a free-kick past Forest’s wall and goalkeeper Matz Sels three minutes later.

    James volleyed in a third a poor Sels clearance and Chelsea defender Malo Gusto was sent off for a second yellow card in a hectic last few moments of the match.

    Postecoglou was seen shaking his head minutes earlier after defender Neco Williams volleyed over when unmarked. Substitute striker Igor Jesus then hit the post and bar as poor finishing cost Forest.

    The result also cost Postecoglou his job with six defeats with two draws in his first eight matches since replacing Nuno Espirito Santo in September.

    BBC

  •  BREAKING: Chelsea stun Liverpool with late winner

     BREAKING: Chelsea stun Liverpool with late winner

    Chelsea secured a dramatic 2–1 victory over Liverpool at Stamford Bridge, with substitute Estevão Willian scoring a stunning stoppage-time winner to hand the Blues all three points in a tense Premier League clash.

    The hosts took the lead in the 14th minute when Moises Caicedo finished off a neat move orchestrated by Malo Gusto, slotting past Giorgi Mamardashvili to make it 1–0.

    Read Also: EPL: Chelsea name strong line-up for Liverpool clash 

    Liverpool, however, fought their way back into the game after the break. Cody Gakpo equalised in the 63rd minute, converting from close range after a fine assist from Alexander Isak, silencing the home crowd.

    Just when it seemed both sides would share the points, Stamford Bridge erupted deep into added time. Marc Cucurella surged forward on the left and delivered a low cross that found Estevão Willian, who calmly tucked the ball in the 96th minute to seal a memorable victory.

  • EPL: Chelsea name strong line-up for Liverpool clash 

    EPL: Chelsea name strong line-up for Liverpool clash 

    Chelsea captain Reece James makes his long-awaited return to the starting XI and is expected to feature in midfield as the Blues host Liverpool at Stamford Bridge. Moises Caicedo retains his ever-present record in the Premier League this season, while Pedro Neto, Enzo Fernández, and Alejandro Garnacho also start.

    João Pedro leads the line once again for Mauricio Pochettino’s side, while academy defender Landon Emenalo earns a place on the bench alongside Romeo Lavia, who continues his comeback from injury.

    Chelsea Starting XI: Robert Sánchez; Malo Gusto, Bashiru Acheampong, Benoît Badiashile, Marc Cucurella; Reece James (c), Moisés Caicedo; Pedro Neto, Enzo Fernández, Alejandro Garnacho; João Pedro.

    Read Also: EPL: Relief for Amorim as Man United beat Sunderland 2–0

    Substitutes: Lucas Bergström Jorgensen, Gabriel Slonina, Jorrel Hato, Landon Emenalo, Romeo Lavia, Facundo Buonanotte, Jamie Gittens, Estevão Willian, Marc Guiu.

    For Liverpool, Giorgi Mamardashvili starts in goal behind a backline of Conor Bradley, Ibrahima Konaté, Virgil van Dijk, and Milos Kerkez. The midfield trio consists of Ryan Gravenberch, Alexis Mac Allister, and Dominik Szoboszlai, while Mohamed Salah, Alexander Isak, and Cody Gakpo form the attacking trio.

    Liverpool Starting XI: Giorgi Mamardashvili; Conor Bradley, Ibrahima Konaté, Virgil van Dijk, Milos Kerkez; Ryan Gravenberch, Alexis Mac Allister, Dominik Szoboszlai; Mohamed Salah, Alexander Isak, Cody Gakpo.

    Substitutes: Freddie Woodman, Jeremie Frimpong, Joe Gomez, Andrew Robertson, Wataru Endo, Florian Wirtz, Curtis Jones, Federico Chiesa, Hugo Ekitike.

  • EPL: Brighton beat 10-man Chelsea 3-1 in dramatic comeback win

    EPL: Brighton beat 10-man Chelsea 3-1 in dramatic comeback win

    Brighton produced a stunning late turnaround to defeat Chelsea 3-1 at Stamford Bridge on Saturday, capitalising on Trevoh Chalobah’s second-half red card.

    Substitutes Danny Welbeck and Maxim de Cuyper scored during 11 minutes of added time as the visitors profited from Trevoh Chalobah’s 53rd-minute red card.

    The Blues had been coasting to victory in the first half when Enzo Fernandez headed in Reece James’s cross, via a deflection off Brighton winger Kaoru Mitoma.

    However, Mitoma played a key role in the game’s big turning point – as he won possession from Chelsea’s Andrey Santos, on his first Premier League start, leading to Chalobah’s desperate challenge on Georginio Rutter.

    After a lengthy video assistant referee check, Chalobah was dismissed – seven days after goalkeeper Robert Sanchez was sent off early in their 2-1 defeat at Manchester United.

    And Welbeck benefited by scoring twice – getting his first, shorty after coming on, by heading in the equaliser at the far post in the 77th minute.

    Read Also: EPL: Haaland scores brace as Manchester City beat Burnley 5-1

    De Cuyper then headed Brighton in front from a corner in the second minute of stoppage time – before Welbeck finished from close range to seal victory in the ninth.

    Chelsea, who drop to seventh place, left the field to a smattering of boos. They have not won a Premier League match since the international break, with Liverpool next to visit west London.

    Meanwhile, Brighton rise into to 10th place after another positive result against big six opposition.

  • EPL: Fernandes, Casemiro fire ten-man United to victory over Chelsea

    EPL: Fernandes, Casemiro fire ten-man United to victory over Chelsea

    Manchester United took full advantage of Robert Sanchez’s early red card to claim a much-needed 2-1 win over Chelsea in a rain-soaked Premier League clash at Old Trafford.

    The match, played under heavy downpour, made history as the first Premier League fixture to feature two goals, red cards, and multiple substitutions all within the first half. United captain Bruno Fernandes opened the scoring before Casemiro doubled the lead, though he too was sent off before the break.

    The turning point came just five minutes in when Chelsea goalkeeper Sanchez was dismissed for a professional foul. The Spaniard rushed off his line to stop Bryan Mbeumo, who had broken through on goal, but brought him down outside the box to prevent a certain scoring chance.

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    Chelsea manager Enzo Maresca was forced into a tactical reshuffle, making three changes within 20 minutes. Pedro Neto and Estevao Willian were sacrificed following the red card, while Cole Palmer was forced off with a groin injury.

    Despite being down to 10 men, United pressed their advantage. Fernandes converted from close range before Casemiro added a second, giving the hosts a two-goal cushion heading into the break. Casemiro’s evening ended early as well, after he received his marching orders following a second bookable offence.

    Chelsea pulled one back through Trevoh Chalobah, who headed in with 10 minutes left on the clock. But United held firm, managing the game through to the final whistle to record only their second win of the season.

    The result was watched by minority owner Sir Jim Ratcliffe, who had recently offered public backing to manager Ruben Amorim. Meanwhile, Chelsea’s poor run at Old Trafford continued — they have now gone 12 years without a league victory at the venue, last winning there in 2013 under Sir Alex Ferguson’s reign.