All posts by z3u9t.icu

Sunderland will be eager to win away at Plymouth Argyle this Saturday in Championship action, a potentially pivotal three points for the Black Cats could be secured at the expense of Carlos Corberan's West Bromwich Albion if the Baggies slip up versus Ipswich Town in the evening.

West Brom are directly below Tony Mowbray's playoff chasers at the moment in seventh spot, only behind Sunderland on goal difference at this moment in time with the Black Cats' potency in front of goal giving them a slight edge in this early season butting of heads for the final playoff position.

6th – Sunderland: 26 points, GD: +10

7th – West Brom: 26 points, GD +9

8th – Hull City: 26 points, GD +3

Plymouth are an opponent Sunderland cannot take lightly this weekend, however, especially with the Pilgrims hosting the contest at Home Park – Steven Schumacher's men picking up four wins from eight home games in the Championship so far after lifting the League One title at the end of last campaign.

A selection conundrum that Mowbray will contend with prior to this game in Devon will be who starts in the centre-back positions, with young defender Jenson Seelt underwhelming in the 3-1 home win over Birmingham City despite the positive result.

Jenson Seelt's numbers vs Birmingham

The 20-year-old, who was a summer buy from PSV Eindhoven to add some more bodies defensively, has shown signs of nerves when fielded by Mowbray in the starting line-up this season.

This was particularly evident against Birmingham, but his poor showing didn't derail his side at all to the relief of the die-hard Stadium of Light faithful watching on.

Seelt was weak when it came to asserting himself up against the Blues attackers, only winning half of his overall duels, as per Sofascore.

Whereas, his defensive colleague Trai Hume won six of his nine ground duels on the day to make up for Seelt's below-par display.

It led to Roker Report journalist Andy Tomlinson giving Seelt a 5/10 rating in an article after the game, saying the pace of the game was 'too much' for the 20-year-old to cope with.

Bellingham rested in Sunderland's predicted lineup vs Plymouth

Jobe Bellingham could be rested for Sunderland’s next Championship match away in Devon against Plymouth Argyle.

ByKelan Sarson Nov 23, 2023

The former PSV youngster could well be dropped from Mowbray's first team for the trip down to Devon as a result, especially with the news that senior centre-back option Luke O'Nien will be back and ready for action after serving a suspension.

Luke O'Nien as Seelt's replacement

Predominantly playing as a defensive midfielder or central midfielder throughout his career, O'Nien has excelled under Mowbray this campaign featuring even further back in the heart of defence.

O'Nien's own hot-headedness can be his undoing – picking up his fifth yellow card of the season already against Swansea meant he was unavailable for the Birmingham win – but the commitment and determination shown by Sunderland's number 13 on a regular basis when picked is a trait the Black Cats masses can't help but love.

Winning four out of his five aerial duels in that Swansea 0-0 draw, O'Nien's ability on the ball – which has seen him play centrally under Mowbray – also shone even from the back.

Sunderland's captain was accurate with both of his crosses into the Swans area on the day, attempting to unlock a dogged defence all afternoon, even whilst carrying out his standard defensive duties.

For a tough test away at the Pilgrims, Mowbray could well opt to start the former Wycombe Wanderers man over his promising Dutch defender to give Seelt a breather and to ensure Sunderland are rock solid up against Schumacher's Argyle.

TNT Sports pundit and Man United legend Rio Ferdinand has suggested that he's completely changed his mind on one transformed Arsenal player.

Latest Arsenal news

It was a night to forget for the Gunners on Tuesday with Ligue 1 side RC Lens overcoming them Mikel Arteta's side on matchday two of the Champions League group stage. Goals from Adrien Thomassson and last summer's in-demand striker Elye Wahi cancelled out an early opener from Gabriel Jesus; bringing the north Londoners right back down to Earth after their 4-0 thrashing of Bournemouth last weekend.

The Premier League title hopefuls arguably failed to seize proper control of the match and allowed Lens to fight their way back into the contest, with Arteta praising the home side but also criticising Arsenal's poor finishing on a night to take lessons from.

"They are a really good side, exceptional opponent," said Arteta.

"We took the lead and then in one action they managed to score. We had a big chance straight after the break. In many occasions we attacked the space – but it was [decided] in the boxes. We missed some big chances and didn't defend well enough for their goals. Mistakes happen in football and they will continue to be there somehow but the difference was made in both boxes. You have to put the ball in the back of the net and defend well. It was a big night for us. We weren't able to take the result we wanted but we were able to learn."

It's now back to the drawing board for Arsenal and Arteta, who must bounce back quickly this weekend as they gear up for a highly-anticipated clash against title rivals Man City on Sunday.

Arsenal's star players

While Tuesday evening was one to forget for supporters, they're still in good stead domestically – remaining unbeaten over their opening seven top flight matches despite, at times, not playing at their imperious attacking best. Arsenal's latest league win over Bournemouth, though, showcased some of the club's undoubted attacking flair as goals from Bukayo Saka, Martin Odegaard, summer signing Kai Havertz and Ben White capped off a 4-0 hammering.

There is clearly potential for Arsenal to go and challenge yet again for the domestic crown this season after spending north of £200 million on fresh faces in the summer transfer window. TNT Sport's Ferdinand, speaking on his YouTube channel this week, reserved special praise for one man who has seemingly transformed thus far.

Odegaard, who has scored three goals and bagged an assist over seven league matches, has "got bigger" in an Arsenal jersey after being handed the captain's armband, according to Ferdinand.

“I love him. I like the way he plays. He’s an artist the way he plays off the left foot as well. Left footers always just look a bit different,” he explained.

“There’s pressure in that as well, being the captain. That’s why I questioned Odegaard. Has he got the personality? Will he be able to deal with all of the pressure that comes with being the captain of a big club like Arsenal? So young as well. But you have to say, since the armband went on him, I think he’s got bigger.”

Everton are believed to be battling a number of Premier League clubs for the signing of a huge talent, according to a new transfer update.

Will Everton avoid relegation from the Premier League?

The Merseysiders have arguably been one of the most underperforming teams in the country in recent years, considering what a huge club they remain, having never been relegated from the Premier League since its inception in 1992.

Having survived by the skin of their teeth last season, with Sean Dyche coming in and keeping the Blues up after Frank Lampard was sacked as manager, the hope was that they would kick on significantly in 2023/24.

Instead, it's fair to say that Everton have been hugely underwhelming to date this season, only collecting one point from their opening five league matches prior to the trip to Brentford, and not playing with anywhere near enough invention or positivity. It means that Dyche is under pressure to keep his job at the moment, and as things stand, the Blues are possibly one of the favourites to be relegated to the Championship next year.

Things can change very quickly, of course, and once the January transfer window arrives, there will be the chance to bring in new faces, injecting the squad with quality and depth in the process.

Which young talent to Everton want to sign?

According to IG Esporte [via The Boot Room], Everton are in the mix to sign highly rated Corinthians youngster Gabriel Moscardo in the coming transfer window.

The Blues are believed to have "investigated" the idea of snapping up the 17-year-old midfielder, who is already becoming an important player for his current side, despite still being a teenager.

That being said, it is stated that Newcastle United, Nottingham Forest and Chelsea are also in the race to bring him to England, so it will be a fierce battle to sign him. Corinthians are thought to be demanding €30m (£26m) for his services, such is the extent to which they rate him as a player, with £20m of that a fixed amount.

Moscardo could be a great addition to Everton's squad, albeit as nothing more than a squad option to begin with, given how young he is. The Blues' squad arguably looks a little one-dimensional at the moment, with the likes of Idrissa Gueye, Abdoulaye Doucoure and Amadou Onana all arguably too similar in terms of bringing energy and industry, but not always enough creativity.

The Brazilian has been lauded as "the future of Brazil's midfield", and the fact that he has already been capped at under-23 level for his country shows how mature he is as a player.

Whether Everton are able to fight off the interest from other clubs remains to be seen – the likes of Newcastle and Chelsea would likely be able to guarantee him high wages and a greater chance of trophy success as the years pass – but he is someone who could become a mainstay of the team over time and represent an upgrade on their current options in that area of the pitch.

Manchester United boss Erik ten Hag could be dealt a cruel blow on the injury front as one of his star players is now awaiting assessment for an injury picked up on international duty, according to reports.

Man Utd latest news: Sheikh Jassim withdraws, injury problems, Sancho exit

Recently, huge news has hit the headlines in regards to a Man Utd takeover after Sheikh Jassim bin Hamad al Thani withdrew from the bidding process to try and acquire 100% of the club. Sir Jim Ratcliffe is now close to agreeing a deal to buy 25% of the club, in an agreement that would still see the Glazer family hold a verticle of control at Old Trafford; however, the exact terms of any potential deal upon ratification are yet to be fully established.

In other news, The Athletic have recently reported that Man Utd's injury latest is being investigated as their list of absentees continues to mount over the course of the season. Luke Shaw, Kobbie Mainoo, Aaron Wan-Bissaka, Lisandro Martinez, Amad Diallo and Tyrell Malacia are all currently on the sidelines long-term due to various concerns; meanwhile, summer signing Mason Mount, Raphael Varane and Sergio Reguilon have missed chunks of action due to sustaining knocks. Director of Football John Murtough has shed some light on the next steps to try and combat the Premier League giants' injury crisis, stating:

"We’re also looking at why we’ve had so many injuries to see if there are any patterns to improve prevention in future. Some of them have been impact injuries, such as Kobbie’s and Amad’s, which are unpredictable. Others have been muscular and could reflect the sheer volume of games played over the past year, including last year’s World Cup."

Meanwhile, Barcelona are said to be keen on a cut-price move for Manchester United outcast Jadon Sancho next summer; however, the England international would need to significantly lower his salary demands to push through any deal either on loan or permanently.

Jadon Sancho at Manchester United – statistics per season since arrival

Signed from Borussia Dortmund for a fee in the region of £73 million in 2021

Statistics 2021/22: Appearances in all competitions – 38

Goals: 5

Assists: 3

Statistics 2022/23: Appearances in all competitions – 41

Goals: 7

Assists: 3

Statistics 2023/24: Appearances in all competitions – 3

Goals: 0

Assists: 0

Man Utd injury update – Casemiro suffers concern on international duty

As per a fresh Man United injury update on Casemiro from the club, the midfielder suffered an ankle injury on international duty with Brazil against Venezuela and was substituted in the 79th minute after asking to be taken off.

Reports since have claimed he did not train on Saturday due to his ankle being 'badly swollen' and he will undergo further assessment to determine the severity of the injury, which could lead to a spell on the sidelines for the veteran midfielder, who has previously been hailed as "magnificent" by Ten Hag.

Casemiro has been a major contributor for United since completing his move from Real Madrid in 2022, registering 11 goals and seven assists in 62 appearances across all competitions (Casemiro statistics – Transfermarkt).

Nevertheless, it looks as if he could now be unavailable for some upcoming fixtures at Old Trafford, though United will need to wait and see on that front.

Leeds United have now shown they can compete with the big boys in the Premier League, but can they pick up results against the sides nearer to them in the overall division?

Up next for Daniel Farke’s reinvigorated Whites, after facing off against Manchester City, Chelsea, and Liverpool in quickfire succession, is Brentford away, who are only four points better off than the West Yorkshire outfit, sat in 14th spot.

After that, more tough ties flood the calendar for the relegation-threatened side against Crystal Palace and Sunderland, before Arne Slot’s Reds do battle with Farke’s men back at Anfield to see in the New Year.

It will be more obvious by that point in time whether Leeds can go the distance in their survival aims, as plenty of new signings also begin to be linked with a switch to Elland Road, in preparation for the bumper January transfer window swinging open.

Leeds transfer latest

The Premier League newcomers have splashed the cash in January before, having once splurged a club-record £35.5m on Georginio Rutter back in 2022.

The same over-the-top spending is unlikely to be on the menu this time around, but Farke and Co. have been linked with a move for Hibernian midfielder Josh Mulligan, who continues to impress in Scotland.

Barcelona’s Roony Bardhji has also reportedly caught the eye, but the most tantalising rumour of them all now has them linked with Chelsea reserve talent Tyrique George, according to a fresh report from TEAMTalk.

Sources have allegedly revealed to the site that George is adamant about a permanent move away from Stamford Bridge, amid concerns about his lack of first-team opportunities.

That has generated interest in his services from the likes of Fulham, Everton and Leeds, with the Whites said to be monitoring the exciting Englishman, as they seek out depth in the attacking areas this January.

With goals such as this one put away in the Champions League earlier in the season, George should be able to come into Farke’s camp and stamp his authority, as another discarded Chelsea youngster potentially comes into his own at Elland Road, much like Ethan Ampadu.

Why George can be the next Ampadu

Ampadu would only go on to make 12 unmemorable senior appearances for the Blues before moving on from West London.

Transfer Focus

Mega money deals, controversial moves and big-name flops. This is the home of transfer news and opinion across Football FanCast.

George, at the time of writing, sits on a far heftier 36, but he will still be itching for more consistent senior minutes.

The Welshman would, ultimately, never look back after swapping Stamford Bridge for Elland Road in the summer of 2023, with Ampadu now a Championship-winning midfield star under Farke.

He even had the last laugh against his ex-employers at the start of the month, when his six duels and two tackles won, as per Sofascore, gave Leeds some much-needed grit in the 3-1 victory over Enzo Maresca’s challengers.

George will look at Ampadu’s sharp rise from reserve fodder at Chelsea to leading star at Leeds with an eagerness to follow in his footsteps, with clear bursts of quality in the Blues’ first team picture, already, standing the 19-year-old in good stead to make waves in Farke’s main team, if a move is sealed.

Indeed, analyst Ben Mattinson dubbed the London-born winger “explosive” last summer when he was starting to make strides, while scout Jacek Kulig has also noted George as being “special” when chipping in with goal contributions in the FA Cup, Premier League and Conference League for Maresca’s men.

Games played

36

Minutes played

1601 mins

Goals scored

6

Assists

6

Still, despite having 12 goal contributions next to his name in the senior side in West London, George has been restricted to just four Premier League appearances so far this season, with Leeds perhaps the location that can finally hand him the minutes he longs for.

With one goal and one assist in the top-flight from just one start, George would surely be a worthy back-up option at the very least for Leeds.

But, in time, everything looks in place for George to become a dependable first-team presence under the German, with Ampadu’s patience in the reserve ranks at Chelsea, ultimately rewarded by breaking out in style at Elland Road.

Shades of Klich & Dallas: Farke's Leeds "monster" must now start every week

This Leeds star has become a key man in midfield

ByJoe Nuttall 2 days ago

A new era is on the horizon at Rangers and one that the 49ers will hope to see last longer than 123 days with the potential appointment of their next manager.

Rangers confirm staff for Dundee United clash

In an ideal world for the Gers, they would have their manager ready to go as soon as this weekend. But that’s not the case. The 49ers have been working on appointing a replacement for Russell Martin since the start of the international break, but are yet to confirm their decision following rejection from Steven Gerrard.

The former Rangers manager opted out of returning to Ibrox amid belief that the timing simply isn’t right. Forcing the Gers back to the drawing board, a number of names have emerged ever since as the wait goes on.

It became clear since Gerrard’s decision that the 49ers would have to make a decision about the Tangerines’ visit to Ibrox this weekend and it has now been confirmed that Steven Smith, Brian Gilmour, Rhys Owen and Sal Bibbo will lead the side on Saturday.

Away from the drama of their managerial search, Rangers will hope to at least get back to winning ways after drawing Martin’s final game against Falkirk. If results go their way then they could cut the gap on shock leaders Hearts to eight points and the gap on Old Firm rivals Celtic to five points – handing their next manager something to at least build on.

Meanwhile, the speculation will only continue about the next manager in the hotseat, especially after the latest update on Kevin Muscat’s potential arrival from Shanghai Port.

Reporter drops latest Muscat update as Rangers close in on deal

As reported by The Daily Mail’s Mike Keegan, Kevin Muscat’s move to Rangers is now “almost done” with the 49ers now closing in on ending their managerial search by hiring the Shanghai Port manager.

It looks as though Rangers have gone full steam ahead with Muscat even if it remains to be seen when he will officially step into the Ibrox dugout. As things stand, the 52-year-old has four games left of his side’s Chinese Super League campaign and, with Shanghai top by two points, he may yet delay his Scotland move.

If that does happen, then the Gers will have to wait until November 22 to get their man. In the meantime, it could be Smith and others who are left with the task of turning things around before the manager’s arrival, at which time the Aussie has reportedly demanded “belief” in his attacking 4-3-3 system from the higher ups at Ibrox.

49ers now convincing coach to drop his wages and join Rangers, they're confident

The Gers are closing in…

ByTom Cunningham Oct 16, 2025

It would be the most chaotic start to a reign at a time when there has been uncertainty all around Ibrox. Alas, after Gerrard’s rejection and Danny Rohl’s latest snub, it at least seems as though Rangers are set to get their manager.

Micah Richards criticised two Manchester United players for the role they played against Brentford as the Red Devils were put to the sword once again at the Gtech Community Stadium by Brentford.

Brentford heap more misery on Amorim

Fresh from defeating Chelsea last weekend, Man United had the task of handing Ruben Amorim back-to-back wins for the first time in the Premier League almost nine months on from arriving. With 20 minutes on the clock, however, it was an all too familiar story for the Manchester club, as Igor Thiago struck not once but twice.

The opening goal saw Harry Maguire fall culrpit to a tight offside call, as Thiago took full advantage to sprint in behind and fire home a tremendous finish.

As for the second, the forward had a far simpler task after getting the best out of Matthijs de Ligt and then on the end of Altay Bayindir’s spilled save straight into his path. In 20 minutes, the Brentford star had his brace gift-wrapped.

Benjamin Sesko’s first Man United goal then gave the Red Devils plenty of hope when he slammed home at the third time of asking midway through the first period and a comeback certainly looked on the cards.

Alas, it almost summed up United’s afternoon, their season and arguably Amorim’s tenure when Bruno Fernandes missed his second penalty of the season to deny United their equaliser late in the second-half. The Portugal international, often so reliable, has fallen short of his standards so far this season.

Caoimhin Kelleher’s save put the writing on the wall for the Red Devils, who had their misery compilled by a stunning late strike from substitute Mathias Jensen to make it 3-1.

Richards slams "shambolic" Maguire & De Ligt

Among those critical of Man United following yet another defeat, former Man City defender Richards slammed Maguire and De Ligt as “shambolic” for their actions in Brentford’s two goals.

There will now be questions asked of Amorim’s position once again, but whether defeat at Brentford is INEOS’ final straw remains to be seen. There’s work to be done, that cannot be denied.

Not just Obi: Man Utd have "dangerous" attacker who can be the next Rooney

Man United fans can get excited about this player’s talent.

ByJoe Nuttall Sep 26, 2025

Up next for United is the visit of Sunderland next Saturday. Defeat against newly-promoted opposition would be yet another low for Amorim, who simply has to change things if he is to turn his tenure around at Old Trafford.

Arsenal are now believed to be frontrunners to sign a “very complete” forward from PSG, with Real Madrid and Barcelona also eyeing a move for the player.

Arsenal target new winger as Mikel Arteta eyes Bukayo Saka alternative

Whether it be in January or next summer, there have been recent suggestions that Arsenal are in the market for a new winger, and a potential alternative to star man Bukayo Saka out wide.

Arteta told that club may let Arsenal sign £60m striker on loan in January

The Spaniard has been “alerted” to this opportunity behind-the-scenes.

ByEmilio Galantini Dec 4, 2024

Saka is an absolutely pivotal player for Mikel Arteta – scoring seven goals and racking up 11 assists already this season – but the England star is by no means invincible when it comes to injury.

West Ham United (away)

November 30

Man United (home)

December 4

Fulham (away)

December 8

Everton (home)

December 14

Crystal Palace (away)

December 21

The £195,000-per-week forward spent some time on the sidelines earlier this season – after he picked up a leg injury during England’s 2-1 defeat to Greece at Wembley – therefore missing Arsenal’s games against Bournemouth and Shakhtar Donetsk before returning against Liverpool.

While Saka’s absence was only brief, it did bring attention to Arteta’s need for a quality alternative who could step into the 23-year-old’s shoes – or perhaps even contend for a place.

Arsenal are eyeing Brentford star Bryan Mbeumo as one option, according to some reports, while it is also believed that Bournemouth’s Antoine Semenyo has admirers at the Emirates Stadium.

GiveMeSport journalist Dean Jones has also reported that Arsenal are among the potential destinations for Rayan Cherki, who could be available for a cut-price fee of around £25 million, amid Lyon’s financial crisis.

“Potential landing spots at the moment for Cherki include Liverpool, Chelsea, Arsenal,” said Jones on the Ranks FC Ultras podcast last week.

“I’m sure you’ll have thoughts on others that should be in the mix. But obviously, this becomes more interesting because there’s a lot of talk that Lyon are going to have to cash in on some players in the near future.

“We’ll have to wait to see whether that actually proves to be true, whether they’re actually tempted. But I mean, you see figures around Cherki and there’s like 25 million pounds is talked about, which just seems too good to be true. He’s just different, this player.”

Arsenal emerge as frontrunners to sign Xavi Simons with Real Madrid and Barcelona

As per reliable journalist David Ornstein of The Athletic, RB Leipzig’s Xavi Simons, who is currently on loan in the Bundesliga from PSG, is looking more and more likely to leave the Parc des Princes on a permanent basis.

There is no sign of the Dutchman signing another deal, making his move away more plausible, and it is believed Arsenal are among the “most probable” destinations for Simons as he heads towards the PSG exit door.

Alongside the Gunners, Barcelona, Bayern Munich, Liverpool and Real Madrid are all named as fellow frontrunners to sign the “very complete” forward – who could leave for a “minimum” amount of £66 million.

There is a small chance Simons could stay at PSG, but it would depend on whether he is satisfied being more of a benchwarmer under Luis Enrique.

It’s no secret that Chelsea haven’t been afraid to splash the cash since the arrival of owner Todd Boehly back in May 2022 – spending over £1.2bn on new signings in the process.

The money spent has allowed for a complete overhaul of the first-team squad, handing boss Enzo Maresca all the tools to be a success during his debut season at the helm in West London.

Various big-money attackers have arrived at Stamford Bridge over the last couple of years, with the likes of Mykhailo Mudryk and Pedro Neto up there with the biggest fees spent on players during the American’s reign as owner.

The Ukrainian cost the club a whopping £88.5m, with Neto setting Boehly back around £54m after his surprise summer transfer from Wolverhampton Wanderers.

However, neither have yet been able to reach the level of one star who captured the hearts of the fanbase during his own time as a player with the Blues.

Eden Hazard’s time at Chelsea

Belgian winger Eden Hazard arrived at Chelsea back in the summer of 2012 as an unknown quantity to many, but quickly introduced himself to the Blues faithful, rapidly becoming a fan favourite.

He quickly caught the eye with his direct dribbling ability, breezing past many opposition players – with his eye for goal also notable during his seven years at the Bridge.

Hazard registered a total of 110 goals within his 352 appearances for the Blues, winning six major trophies during his time in England, which includes two separate Europa League triumphs in 2013 and 2019.

The one goal that could sum up his talent during his time with the Blues is his solo effort against London rivals Arsenal, picking the ball up just inside the opponent’s half before shrugging off multiple players before dinking the ‘keeper and slotting the ball home.

He would subsequently leave the club back in the summer of 2019, joining Real Madrid in a £150m deal – a move that would see his career rapidly decline with injuries plaguing his time in Spain.

However, it will never tarnish his legacy as a Chelsea player, undoubtedly going down as one of the very best players in their recent history – with no player more able to turn a game on its head like Hazard did.

Arguably, the club have struggled to replace him five years on from his departure, but they could be handed an opportunity to finally end their hunt in January with a move for one talent.

Transfer Focus

Mega money deals, controversial moves and big-name flops. This is the home of transfer news and opinion across Football FanCast.

The player who could be Chelsea’s next Hazard

According to reporter Graeme Bailey, Chelsea have sent scouts to keep a close eye on Lyon winger Rayan Cherki over a potential move to Stamford Bridge.

However, they aren’t alone in their pursuit of the French talent, with fellow Premier League side Newcastle United also firmly in the race for his signature.

The 21-year-old has enjoyed a phenomenal start to the 2024/25 campaign, registering two goals and three assists in his first nine outings in all competitions.

Cherki has previously been compared to Hazard, with French football expert Jonathan Johnson previously saying:

Such a comparison may seem far-fetched, but when delving into his stats from the Europa League so far this season, it’s clear he possesses serious talent which could see the Blues land another version of the Belgian.

In his three European outings this season, he’s averaged a staggering nine progressive passes per 90, along with five successful take-ons – with both figures ranking him within the top 1% of players in the competition. Hazard was one of the finest dribblers in the Premier League so the comparison begins to make sense here.

Games played

3

Goals & assists

3

Progressive passes

9

Progressive carries

6.2

Successful take-ons

5

Key passes completed

5.8

Through balls

2.5

Take-on success

71%

The “world-class” Cherki, as described by talent scout Jacek Kulig, has also averaged 5.8 key passes and 2.5 through balls per 90, showcasing his ability to find teammates in attacking areas, potentially benefitting the likes of Cole Palmer and Nicolas Jackson.

Whilst it’s unknown how much any potential deal would set Maresca’s side back in January, it’s evident that he would be a superb addition that would bring added firepower in attacking areas.

His comparison to former fan-favourite Hazard would see him bring huge excitement to Stamford Bridge in the club’s hunt to return to a Champions League finish this season.

Boehly must permanently axe Chelsea flop who earns even more than Palmer

Chelsea need to sell a player who’s earning even more than Cole Palmer.

ByAngus Sinclair Nov 5, 2024

Chelsea have stared down the barrel of desperation since everything changed a few years ago, but last season’s football saw a new sense of optimism take root at Stamford Bridge.

At the time, Mauricio Pochettino’s departure was met with questions and concern, but the club have a vision and Enzo Maresca is proving to guide Chelsea back to a position of strength among Europe’s elite.

Sunday’s hard-fought draw against rivals Arsenal in the Premier League saw the Blues move into third place, sitting atop a congested pile that stretches one measly point down to ninth, but sees Liverpool and Manchester City start to shift away in a budding title showdown.

Competing for that ultimate prize might be a step too far for Chelsea, but the squad have so much more to give and are demonstrating quality of the first class. Transfer strategy has been focused, and new forwards like Pedro Neto are proving their worth.

Pedro Neto steps up

Arsenal had claimed the lead through Gabriel Martinelli’s second-half strike, meeting a fizzed delivery of Martin Odegaard, whose return was a blow for the hosts in a tight encounter.

The setback stoked the fire in Stamford Bridge’s belly, however, and saw Chelsea up the ante and deservedly restore parity through Neto’s stunning strike.

A real roof raiser. It’s a shame that the hosts were unable to follow up with a winner to take them within touching distance of second-placed City, but significant steps are being taken and transfer arrivals are proving to be on the money.

Neto, one of the Premier League’s most talented wingers, had endured several frustrating years at Wolverhampton Wanderers, so clearly of the top drawer when taking to the field but being pulled back by the cold steel coils of injury, limited to infrequent starting berths, limited success.

2023/24

20 (18)

2

9

2022/23

18 (13)

0

1

2021/22

13 (5)

1

1

2020/21

31 (30)

5

6

2019/20

29 (9)

3

3

No such misfortune so far as a Blue. Neto has only started five of Chelsea’s 11 top-flight fixtures so far but he rewarded Maresca’s faith with his splendid strike on Sunday, swiping Arsenal of their bragging rights.

It’s pleasing to see some of Chelsea’s forwards start to step up in the absence of Cole Palmer, who was on the field for the full 90 minutes but not with the aura of his usual self.

Chelsea’s all-conquering attacking midfielder is the star of the show, his person no doubt pasted to the walls of many young Blues fans across west London, but he’s not infallible, and flattered to deceive against the Gunners.

Chalkboard

Football FanCast's Chalkboard series presents a tactical discussion from around the global game.

Cole Palmer's performance vs Arsenal

Palmer has been incredible across his Chelsea career so far and has been Maresca’s talisman this season, so elegantly shifting between assault force and architect.

Chelsea have plenty to work on; this is a side blessed with immense talent but yet to channel it pointedly, like a precocious teenager lacking experience and maturity. But the possibilities are boundless, sprawled across a sweeping expanse that has prompted Maresca to state: “For the next five to ten years we want to dominate.”

It’s a future that really could be realised. The west Londoners will be driven toward the limelight across countless contests by their 22-year-old superstar, but he does need to find the next gear in the matches of the greatest significance.

Gary Neville, live on Sky Sports, had hailed Palmer for one “absolutely sensational” movement, almost otherworldly when collecting and dropping his shoulder, deft touch, sharp swivel. He’s the real deal, carrying the quality within that suggests he might cement himself in Chelsea lore for time immemorial.

But even Frank Lampard suffered a howler every now and again. Palmer has indeed been sensational since Todd Boehly signed Manchester City’s prospect in a deal worth £42.5m, almost single-handedly supercharging the club’s incipient resurgence last term, posting 25 goals and 15 assists.

Neville’s arch-rival, Jamie Carragher, hailed the England international as “the best player in the Premier League” last month, but he didn’t bring it all together against resilient Arsenal, not quite nullified but placated.

Minutes played

90′

Goals

0

Assists

0

Touches

50

Shots (on target)

4 (1)

Accurate passes

23/30 (77%)

Key passes

1

Crosses (completed)

4 (0)

Possession lost

18x

Dribbles (completed)

4 (1)

Total duels (won)

9 (3)

As you can see not his finest hour (and a half). Palmer was unable to get himself in the scoresheet and only made one key pass all afternoon, despite ceding possession 18 times across his 50 touches in total.

Football.london’s Bobby Vincent shared the opinion that he had endured an uncharacteristically poor showing, branding the Three Lions star with a 5/10 match rating and commenting on his ‘very quiet’ effort, marshalled as he was by Thomas Partey.

It was an off day, but the mercurial talent will rest easy in the comfort of his skill set, aware that better, more impactful displays abound in front of him.

The best thing about Palmer is he’s always looking to make things happen, be it lancing through defensive lines and striking true into the net or ripping opponents to shreds with speech-stifling passes, cleaving blocks and allowing the electric-paced Neto, for example, to slot through, into the third.

It might have been Palmer’s worst performance in a Chelsea shirt, but does that not simply speak to the magnitude of the nascent greatness that the Londoners have equipped themselves with?

The third-placed Blues will march on, with Palmer at the vanguard.

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