Chelsea slide at Arsenal, Lavia cameo offers lift
Gary Neville tips Chelsea for fifth despite inconsistency, urging signings of a top goalkeeper, experienced centre-back and striker. Says Villa are vulnerable in top-five race.
Rosenior rues 2-1 loss at Arsenal, blasting repeat set-piece lapses and Neto’s red card. Warns Chelsea must improve discipline and decision-making ahead of Aston Villa, Wrexham and PSG tests.
Rosenior hails Romeo Lavia’s 15-minute cameo in 2-1 Arsenal loss, praising a ‘really high level’ and 12/12 passes. Chelsea hope his fitness boosts midfield before Aston Villa.
Estevao, Cucurella, Gittens, Colwill and Essugo remain out as Chelsea juggle a packed March featuring Wrexham, Newcastle, Everton and PSG, with suspensions adding to Rosenior’s headaches.
Chelsea winger Mykhailo Mudryk trains at semi-pro Uxbridge FC while awaiting an FA disciplinary decision over his 2024 positive test for meldonium. He denies wrongdoing and could face up to a four-year ban.
Goalkeeping coach Casper Ankergren agrees deal to join Chelsea until season’s end, linking up with Ben Roberts after leaving West Ham with Graham Potter. He says the move ends five frustrating months.
Ex-PSG defender Jallet warns Paris must be ‘at 100%’ to beat Chelsea, citing threats Enzo Fernández, Caicedo and Reece James, but noting Blues’ lapses and inconsistency ahead of the last-16 tie.
Chelsea linked with a move for Al-Hilal striker Darwin Nunez, potentially rivalling Newcastle. Other gossip includes Man City eyeing Tino Livramento and Palace set to keep Dean Henderson.
Rosenior says Neto ‘was causing Arsenal so many problems’ before his red, but stats show little impact. With Neto banned for Villa, Garnacho could start amid fan frustration over discipline.
Column argues Chelsea are ‘Spursy’ under Clearlake: tidy play but fold under pressure, poor discipline, while Arsenal grind wins via set pieces and own goals in tight games.
Raya’s saves key as Arsenal edge Chelsea 2-1. Saliba and Timber score, Sánchez flaps for winner. James assists equaliser, Neto sent off. Caicedo strong, João Pedro lively, Hato contains Saka.
