Chelsea weigh Garnacho start at Villa as Palmer fit and Neto banned
John Obi Mikel slams Arsenal’s 2-1 win over Chelsea as lacking creativity, saying they ‘depend solely on set-pieces’ after Saliba and Timber scored from corners.
Analysis on Cole Palmer’s downturn after a stellar 2024, exploring why Chelsea’s star is struggling to replicate top form.
After Sanchez’s error at Arsenal, Ian Wright says Chelsea need a new keeper. Glenn Hoddle defends Sanchez, praising improvement with feet and shot-stopping, though crosses and possession remain issues.
Opinion says Garnacho and Gittens have not bettered ex-loanee Jadon Sancho’s Chelsea output. Current tallies trail Sancho’s 3 goals, 4 assists, with dribbles and key passes also lower.
Carlton Cole slams Pedro Neto’s red card at Arsenal as ‘lazy’, disagreeing with Joe Cole. Chelsea’s set-piece frailties and Sanchez’s error also highlighted as Rosenior’s side lose 2-1.
Rosenior tips 21-year-old £40m Garnacho for long-term success, citing ‘outstanding’ talent and strong training. With Neto suspended, he could start vs Aston Villa as Chelsea chase top four and trophies.
Chelsea prioritise new deals for Reece James and Marc Cucurella, with Enzo Fernandez and Moises Caicedo extensions shelved for now. Chalobah and Tosin talks paused amid potential sales.
Poll shows many Chelsea fans want Nicolas Jackson kept after Bayern loan. His past 17-goal season and link with Palmer noted, but Rosenior must juggle Pedro, Delap, Emegha and Guiu options.
Chelsea join race for Galatasaray’s Barış Alper Yılmaz, priced at €45-50m. The versatile Turkey international has 6 goals and 10 assists in the league, with talks informed by coach Vincenzo Montella.
Real Madrid shortlist Chelsea youngsters Josh Acheampong and Jesse Derry. Derry has one senior game under Rosenior, while Acheampong is attracting interest from Man City, Bayern and Crystal Palace.
Eden Hazard hails Juan Mata among the most talented he played with at Chelsea. Mata left for Man United in a £37m deal after 69 games together, the pair winning the 2013 Europa League.
On this day in 1985, Sunderland beat Chelsea 3-2 in the League Cup semi-final second leg to reach their first final.
Ben Jacobs says Paul Winstanley has ‘no interest’ in leaving Chelsea for Tottenham and has signed improved terms. He remains sporting director alongside Lawrence Stewart under Boehly and Eghbali.
January signing Yisa Alao debuts for Chelsea U18s in a 55-minute outing vs Fulham, impressing as the side lead 2-1 through Mathis Eboue and Sol Gordon, with two assists by Chizzy Ezenwata.
Chelsea seek a first Villa Park win since 2022. Fofana returns, Palmer fit, Neto suspended. Predicted XI includes Sanchez, James, Chalobah, Fofana, Hato, Caicedo, Santos, Palmer, Fernandez, Garnacho, Pedro.
Chelsea set a target of seven wins from their final 10 league games to chase Champions League spots. Rosenior boosted by Romeo Lavia’s return and fitness updates on Marc Cucurella and Estevao Willian.
Report claims Chelsea offered Benjamin Sesko a 2022 move, but he felt it was too early. He later joined Man United, while Chelsea rely on Joao Pedro before a key trip to Aston Villa.
