Chelsea rue late Havertz blow amid cautious plan
Chelsea target Lacine Megnan-Pave, 15, signs his first pro deal with Montpellier to 2028 amid interest from Chelsea and Arsenal. The contract strengthens Montpellier’s hand over any future move.
Chelsea’s 3-4-3 containment plan stifled Arsenal but blunted attack as Havertz struck on 97 minutes. Palmer, Estevao and Garnacho came on late. Fofana, Chalobah, Cucurella solid, Delap struggled out wide.
Gary Lineker hails Gianfranco Zola, signed by Chelsea for £4.5m in 1996, comparing the ‘super’ forward to Diego Maradona. Zola learned at Napoli, scored 80 in 312 for Chelsea and won six trophies.
Chelsea tried a new corners ploy, sending three players upfield to force Arsenal back, echoing Shay Given’s idea. It limited set-piece danger but Arsenal still won 1-0. Redknapp queried Enzo marking Gabriel.
ESPN Brasil say Carlo Ancelotti will include Chelsea’s Estevao Willian in Brazil’s 2026 World Cup squad if fit. The 18-year-old has 6 goals, 3 assists for Chelsea and 5 in 11 for Brazil.
Paul Merson blasted Chelsea’s conservative plan in the 1-0 defeat at Arsenal, saying they ‘went out with a whimper’. Chelsea had 14 shots, just two on target, xG 0.68, as Havertz sealed Arsenal’s progress.
Rosenior used a 3-4-3 with Enzo Fernández as a left No10 and Liam Delap pinned wide right, with Marc Cucurella at left wing-back. The reshuffle failed to spark Chelsea in the 1-0 Carabao Cup defeat at Arsenal.
Mikel Arteta praised Chelsea as ‘really well coached’ after Arsenal’s 1-0 win. Rosenior’s plan contained Arsenal before late Havertz goal. Paul Merson criticised the approach. Fofana emotional at full-time.
Liam Rosenior says Reece James and Pedro Neto failed fitness tests for the 1-0 Arsenal loss. Cole Palmer and Estevao were benched, minutes managed. Hopeful of returns for Wolves. Focus on league and FA Cup.
