Why have Premier League clubs made so few signings in the January 2019 transfer window? January 21, 2019 On the field, the action continues to come thick and fast in the Premier League. Liverpool and Manchester City remain locked in a title race of the highest quality, there are compelling battles both to finish in the top four and to avoid relegation, and the most recent round of fixtures saw not one but [...]
Chelsea manager Maurizio Sarri has chosen a dangerous time to gamble on his criticism provoking a positive reaction January 20, 2019 Conventional wisdom dictates that football managers shouldn’t criticise their players in public. Point out their flaws, tear strips off them and give them the hairdryer treatment behind closed doors, but in front of the cameras it’s generally regarded as counter-productive. Maurizio Sarri has never been one for convention, though. The Chelsea manager, who had a [...]
Europa League: What Chelsea and Arsenal need to do to win their groups November 28, 2018 Chelsea and Arsenal may have already guaranteed their progress to the knockout rounds of the Europa League, but there is still something to play for in both of their fixtures on Thursday evening. What Chelsea need The Blues can clinch top spot in Group L and, in theory, an easier draw in the last 32 [...]
Five things we learned from the Premier League weekend: Lucky Arsenal, in-form Jordan Pickford, Fulham test Shahid Khan’s patience, Roy Hodgson’s gripes and Tottenham earn a breather November 11, 2018 There have been many occasions during Arsenal’s rollercoaster 16-game unbeaten streak when it seemed like the run was about to end and the 1-1 draw with Wolves on Sunday was certainly one of them. The match had every one of the hallmarks of Unai Emery’s short reign: a slow, ponderous first half, an improvement after [...]
Chelsea named bottom of the league for prompt payments as big clubs let the side down September 27, 2018 Elite Premier League clubs are less likely to pay their suppliers promptly than smaller teams, according to industry data provided to City A.M. Chelsea are the slowest team to settle invoices, says business information company Dun & Bradstreet, while Tottenham and Manchester City are also in the bottom four. Brighton and Bournemouth are the [...]
Five things we learned from the Premier League weekend: Chelsea stumble, Palace home woes, Klopp in denial, Spurs scrape win, Burnley off the mark September 23, 2018 1. Chelsea stumble at last Chelsea’s perfect start to life under Maurizio Sarri was always going to be tested once they started their Europa League campaign and so it proved on Sunday at West Ham. Less than 72 hours after their win over PAOK in Greece, the Blues – featuring six of the same [...]
Chelsea staying at Stamford Bridge has saved fans from an inexplicable sadness October 1, 2014 The increasing likelihood that Chelsea might remain at Stamford Bridge, the club's home since 1905, is wildly comforting to me as a supporter since the late sixties. When the club flirted with moving to Earls Court or Battersea Power station a couple of years ago, I allowed myself to see the reasoning behind it. [...]
Chelsea sign Portugal’s Deco July 1, 2008 Chelsea last night completed the £8m signing of Portugal midfielder Deco from Barcelona, as Frank Lampard edged closer to leaving Stamford Bridge for Inter Milan. Deco, 30, has reportedly agreed a two-year contract, and follows his former Portugal coach Luiz Felipe Scolari to Chelsea. Scolari built his Portugal team around Deco and the playmaker insists [...]
Chelsea feel pain in Spain November 2, 2005 Chelsea suffered a first defeat in open play for six months, and damaged their Champions League chances in the process, as Real Betis ambushed Jose Mourinho’s side in Spain. It was a far cry from last month’s reverse fixture at Stamford Bridge when Chelsea went top of Group G with a 4-0 win. The Spanish [...]
Holders Chelsea crash out October 27, 2005 Charlton knocked holders Chelsea out of the Carling Cup but only after a penalty shoot-out at Stamford Bridge. It was the Blues’ first taste of defeat this season, coming on the back of their first dropped points in the Premiership at Everton’s Goodison Park last weekend. Defender Robert Huth was the only player to miss [...]