Chelsea fitness boost and Europe on the line
Enzo Fernandez scored from 30 yards and assisted Andrey Santos in the 2-1 win over Spurs, underlining Xabi Alonso’s wish to keep him as central to Chelsea’s project from 2026-27.
Chelsea’s 2-1 win over Spurs sparked Djed Spence’s anger after a clash with Liam Delap. Cucurella’s holding brought only a booking. Delap failed to impress in front of incoming boss Xabi Alonso.
Chelsea beat Spurs 2-1 as Enzo Fernandez and Andrey Santos shone. Home fans taunted Conor Gallagher as a ‘Chelsea reject’ on his first return to Stamford Bridge.
Calum McFarlane says Levi Colwill and Joao Pedro could return for Sunderland, but both were rested after knocks. Reece James was also held back. A win would secure Europe for Chelsea.
Chelsea plan to sell Liam Delap after a poor season, with Xabi Alonso seeking a top striker. Emanuel Emegha will arrive from Strasbourg and Nicolas Jackson returns from loan to bolster options.
A Wrexham supporter received a three-year football ban after admitting homophobic chants towards Chelsea fans before the FA Cup tie, following police warnings and arrest.
Chelsea plan to ‘fully integrate’ goalkeeper Mike Penders into Xabi Alonso’s squad after the World Cup, with the 20-year-old set to serve as deputy to the first-choice keeper after a strong year at Strasbourg.
Danny Murphy and Joe Hart say Chelsea naming Xabi Alonso ‘manager’ not head coach gives him more control to turn results around.
Calum McFarlane hails Chelsea’s resilience after the FA Cup final loss as they beat Tottenham 2-1 to keep European hopes alive.
Chelsea reach Europe with a win at Sunderland. A draw risks Brentford overtaking, defeat means no Europe. Seventh is possible if Brighton drop points to Manchester United.
Southampton appeal their Spygate expulsion from the play-offs, citing Chelsea’s £10.75m agent-payments fine without sporting sanction as a benchmark they say shows their penalty lacks proportion.
