Sancho’s loan from Man United includes an obligation to buyCredit: Getty
Across three years at Man United, Sancho, who was signed for over £70million from Borussia Dortmund, scored just nine goals in 58 Premier League games.
He was exiled from the United squad after falling out with then-manager Erik ten Hag, leading to his loan departure to Chelsea.
The start to his spell in London went well, as he scored two goals and assisted three in his opening few games for the Blues.
However, Sancho’s form has dipped since and he’s been criticised for his performances, having not scored in his last 18 matches.
And with the deal only a loan, some Chelsea fans and even club legends, are questioning whether they want to keep him going forward…
Do Chelsea have to buy Jadon Sancho?
When Sancho made the summer switch to Chelsea, the deal was confirmed to be a season-long loan with the obligation to buy for £25million.
Reports claim that the Blues must pay the obligatory fee if they finish above 14th in the Premier League, and that looks sure to happen.
However, there is still a chance that the permanent move won’t happen at the end of the season.
However, to do that, they must pay £5million to the Red Devils.
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Sancho has been ineffective at Chelsea despite a good start
There are also reports that Sancho hasn’t agreed personal terms over a permanent move either, with that potentially scuppering things too.
But the forward seems to be happy with life in London, despite his recent struggles, and Chelsea are said to still be intent on signing him.
Speaking after a win over Leicester earlier this month, Sancho said: “I’m really delighted that I’m here, playing football at Chelsea.
“Maresca makes us feel at home. It’s not easy for players to say that. We’ve grown into one big family.”
Enzo Maresca mentioned Sancho after the Blues’ defeat to Arsenal at the weekend and he was seemingly pleased with his performance.
When asked about whether he wanted more out of his loanee and Christopher Nkunku due to Cole Palmer being absent, Maresca said: “Jadon did quite well, Christo also.
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Sancho may end up back at Man UnitedCredit: Getty
“I didn’t have the feeling they can do something better. For sure, we can create and attack better as a team.”
In that defeat to Arsenal, Sancho failed to register a shot on goal in 76 minutes and with only 36 touches of the ball, he struggled to get involved.
That continued his poor streak, with that game being his 11th in the Premier League this campaign that he didn’t have a shot on target.
So despite the obligation in his loan deal, Chelsea can still opt out if they want to.
Whether Man United want Sancho back is a different question and should the Blues decide to pay a fee to send him to Old Trafford again, he could be left in limbo.
He will be back in action after the international break when he could feature against Tottenham on Thursday, April 3.
Deceived! Chelsea legend John Obi Mikel lays into Jadon Sancho in scathing rant
Chelsea are not familiar with quiet summer transfer windows and as it stands, there’s no sign of bucking the trend in 2025.
Since the Todd Boehly and Clearlake Capital takeover three years ago, the Blues have welcomed 39 permanent signings through the doors.
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Maresca is unlikely to have a shortage of midfielders at ChelseaCredit: Getty
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Fernandez and Caicedo have been impressive for the Blues this seasonCredit: Getty
Enzo Fernandez and Moises Caicedo have been their two biggest arrivals with respective £106.8million and £100million transfers.
The South American duo are Chelsea’s go-to pairing in midfield, but that hasn’t limited their purchases in that position on the pitch.
Romeo Lavia and Kiernan Dewsbury-Hall remain options for manager Enzo Maresca, with Mathis Amougou their only winter signing.
Chelsea also have stars out on loan this season, and talkSPORT understands they have agreed to sign Sporting Lisbon wonderkid Dario Essugo as part of a deal which will see teammate Geovany Quenda join the Blues.
They could have as many as ten midfielders on the books once the summer arrives, and talkSPORT.com has looked at the potential plans for each.
Current stars
Fernandez and Caicedo, barring an incredible turn of events, look set to remain as their key assets in the midfield.
Both of their contracts run until at least 2031 and with a combined 52 Premier League starts this season, it’s clear Maresca trusts them.
Ankle and hamstring injuries limited Lavia to just one appearance for Chelsea last season but his fitness has improved since.
Although he has just returned from another hamstring issue, the 21-year-old is a fellow talent hopeful of a long-term future at the club.
Dewsbury-Hall thrived under Maresca at Leicester City and followed him to Chelsea last summer in a £30million transfer.
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Injuries have affected Lavia’s progress but he’s still shone when playingCredit: Getty
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Dewsbury-Hall doesn’t appear to be a key midfield option at ChelseaCredit: Getty
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Amougou has played just once since signing for the BluesCredit: Getty
However, it hasn’t worked out for him as he has made just one start in the Premier League since completing his move to Stamford Bridge.
West Ham were interested in signing him in January and an exit could be a possibility again this summer, whether on loan or permanently.
French youngster Amougou signed from Saint-Etienne last month in a move reportedly worth around £12.6million.
He made his debut in their 4-0 win over Southampton but as per the BBC, a loan move to sister club Strasbourg next season looks likely.
Out on loan
Chelsea have seen the benefit of sending young talent out on loan to Strasbourg, with Andrey Santos having an excellent campaign there.
The 20-year-old has scored eight goals in 24 Ligue 1 appearances and looks set for a first-team squad role at his parent club next season.
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Santos has been one of the most impressive players in Ligue 1 this seasonCredit: AFP
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Chukwuemeka could swap Chelsea for Dortmund on a permanent basis this summerCredit: Getty
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Ugochukwu could be given another loan spell away from the clubCredit: Getty
Carney Chukwuemeka was a bright spark for the Blues last year but has found himself out of favour under Maresca.
He featured only five times before a February loan move to Borussia Dortmund, who have the option to make his switch permanent.
Southampton have Lesley Ugochukwu until the end of the season, a player who has already played 12 times for Chelsea.
The Frenchman has made ten league starts for the Saints and may move on loan elsewhere for more experience in the summer.
Future prospects
Essugo looks set to become the latest starlet to join the Chelsea project with a move from Sporting.
Martin Keown reacts to Cole Palmer’s poor form and believes it is down to key Chelsea star being out injured
The 20-year-old is currently on loan at LaLiga side Las Palmas but is on course for a switch to London ahead of next season.
As reported by The Athletic, Chelsea plan to have Portugal U21 star Essugo as cover for Caicedo.
Kendry Paez will join the Blues this summer from Independiente del Valle after a stunning rise in Ecuadorian football.
He has already made 17 senior appearances for his country at the age of 17, scoring two goals.
Paez will also arrive as a deputy option as per The Athletic, this time deeper in midfield for Fernandez despite being more attacking.
Chelsea have more midfielders in their ranks such as Omari Kellyman, who has only played for the U21s and announced on Tuesday he’s out for the rest of the season due to a hamstring injury.
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Essugo looks set to be the next wonderkid arrival at ChelseaCredit: Getty
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Paez is eyed as one of the most exciting talents in South AmericaCredit: Getty
Cobham academy product Leo Castledine is on loan at Shrewsbury Town, with Alex Matos spending the season at Oxford United.
Joao Felix joined AC Milan but plays more as a forward, whilst Renato Veiga is at Juventus and primarily plays in defence.
The summer could therefore see another window with plenty of outgoings at Chelsea, with incomings surely set for other positions.
Maresca will have many options at his disposal in midfield for pre-season before the number whittles down for the new campaign.
Chelsea’s challenge for a place in next season’s Champions League faltered in a toothless 1-0 defeat at Arsenal on Sunday (Monday AEDT) as Fulham beat Tottenham 2-0 — with Ange Postecoglou giving a stinging assessment of one player.
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Tottenham kept their season alive by reaching the Europa League quarter-finals with victory over AZ Alkmaar on Thursday, but suffered the latest in a series of European hangovers at Craven Cottage.
Victory for Fulham propels Marco Silva’s men into the race for Champions League places as they climb to eighth, four points off the top four and three outside the top five.
A top-five finish will almost certainly secure a place in Europe’s top club competition next season thanks to the strong performance of English sides in European competitions.
Spurs, though, have struggled to handle the burden of Thursday nights when it comes to their Premier League form.
Postecoglou’s side have won just three times in the 10 league matches that have followed a midweek Europa League fixture.
“It’s been a difficult campaign for sure,” said Spurs captain Son Heung-min. “But I feel we’ve lost too many games that we should have got stuff out of, and this was one of those games.”
Postecoglou was unimpressed with Mali international Yves Bissouma’s performance.
“I feel Biss sometimes lets the game drift by him, he needs to be more dominant,” Postecoglou said, per the BBC.
“Today, we needed more in that position. I had needed him to play because he hasn’t played a lot.
“At the same time, I need him to perform. It is safe to say maybe Biss and a few guys lack a bit of confidence but at this stage of the season we need people to perform.
Son Heung-Min and Ange Postecoglou look dejected after defeat at Fulham.Source: Getty Images
“A disappointing outcome obviously. A tight game, it was always going to be a tight game, there wasn’t really much in it,” Postecoglou added.
“I thought, especially in the second half, I thought we were growing to the game, I thought we had the better chances at 0-0 to get ahead and then we gave them a really soft goal and then the game just got away from us.
“So it’s another day where we’re disappointed to lose. I don’t think Fulham really created much, I think Vic [Guglielmo Vicario] had a save to make and we had a couple of big chances to go 1-0 up.
“But we’ve done that a fair bit this year, conceding a soft goal and when you do that, especially away from home, then it just gives the opposition a chance to grow into the game.”
Fulham had to wait until 78 minutes to take the lead when Rodrigo Muniz steered home from Andreas Pereira’s pass.
Ryan Sessegnon then curled in a brilliant second against his former club to secure victory late on.
Spurs remain down in 13th, now 10 points off the top half.
Ange Postecoglou speaks to Yves Bissouma (L) earlier this season.Source: Getty Images
CHELSEA POOR AGAINST GUNNERS
Mikel Merino scored the only goal of a disappointing contest at the Emirates as Arsenal pulled clear in second place and to within 12 points of runaway leaders Liverpool.
Chelsea badly missed the presence of the absent Cole Palmer due to injury as they meekly surrendered to a damaging defeat for their hopes of a top-four finish.
The Blues remain in fourth for now but have five sides from Manchester City in fifth to Aston Villa in ninth within four points of Enzo Maresca’s team.
Both managers are hoping to be stronger after the upcoming international break. Bukayo Saka is nearing a return for Arsenal, while Maresca is confident of having Palmer, Nico Jackson and Noni Madueke back when they are next in action at home to Tottenham on April 3.
“We did enough to deserve to win the game,” said Arsenal boss Mikel Arteta. “Now we have the international break so let’s take a chance to breathe and bring some players back hopefully.”
Mikel Merino of Arsenal celebrates scoring his team’s goal.Source: Getty Images
Arsenal have struggled badly for goals since the loss of Kai Havertz to a season-ending injury forced midfielder Merino into a makeshift centre-forward role.
The Spanish international proved the match winner from a corner as he looped a header from Martin Odegaard’s delivery inside the far post on 20 minutes.
Chelsea barely threatened but were nearly gifted a route back into the game when David Raya fumbled Marc Cucurella’s shot and the ball trickled wide.
At the other end, Chelsea’s Robert Sanchez made a brilliant stop to prevent Merino doubling Arsenal’s lead with the best effort of the second half.
But the game petered out with little goalmouth action as a limp performance will do little to quieten the critics of Maresca’s style of play among the Chelsea support.
“There was not a big difference in the two games between us,” said Maresca. “Given the injuries, we fought until the end.”
Manchester United are in action later on Sunday when Ruben Amorim’s team visit lowly Leicester.
Cole Palmer needs Nicolas Jackson to function at Chelsea – he gives him the space to shine.
That’s the opinion of Arsenal legend Martin Keown, who believes Jackson’s absence in the Blues side has contributed to Palmer’s poor form of late.
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Palmer and Jackson share a great relationship on the pitch – something that has been missing in recent weeksCredit: Getty
Palmer is currently enduring his worst spell as a Chelsea player, having failed to be directly involved in any goals during his last nine games in all competitions.
And that run could stretch to ten with the west London outfit to face rivals Arsenal at the Emirates on Sunday – a team they have lost seven out of their last 11 games to.
England international Palmer has scored twice from his three fixtures against the Gunners, and Chelsea fans will be desperate to see him end his barren spell in north London.
Nothing seems to be going right for the ex-Manchester City playmaker, with Palmer hitting an unwanted career first in Chelsea’s 1-0 win over Leicester last weekend.
Prior to Marc Cucurella’s second half winner, the 22-year-old missed the first penalty of his career having previously scored each of his 12 spot-kicks for the Blues.
And while he has unarguably been a massive hit since his £42.5million arrival in 2023, there is undoubtedly concern over his drop-off.
But Keown believes Jackson‘s hamstring injury has played its part, with the Senegalese striker stretching defences to give Palmer the space to attack.
Sadly for Chelsea supporters, Jackson, who has missed his side’s last five matches, will not be in action against Arsenal as he targets a comeback after the March international break.
Speaking to talkSPORT.com, Keown was asked whether supporters should be worried over Palmer’s drop-off in 2025.
To which he said: “I think it’s linked to Jackson being fit.
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Palmer is struggling for form having gone nine games in a row without a goal or assistCredit: Getty
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But Palmer still leads his Blues teammates for goals and assists in the Premier League
“I think he’s really underrated and I looked at his statistics – he’s making more high-intensity runs than any other player.
“Almost 100 more runs into channels, he’s freeing up space for Palmer.
“OK, it [Palmer’s form] started to drop a little bit before Jackson gets his injury.
“But they need him back really quickly.
“And of course, again, recruitment, it’s an area Chelsea will want to strengthen despite the fact they’ve spent £1.5billion on players.”
Despite Palmer’s form, Chelsea have returned to winning ways – beating relegation-threatened Southampton and Leicester in their last two matches.
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Jackson may have his critics, but Chelsea are a better team with the striker leading the line
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The Senegal international has missed Chelsea’s last four top-flight matches with a hamstring issue
Their victories have lifted them back into fourth spot having previously won just two from their ten previous top-flight matches.
But Keown isn’t getting carried away by their positive results, as he stated that their current stars may be feeling the pressure of Chelsea’s history under ex-owner Roman Abramovich’s stewardship.
He also insisted that comments made by boss Enzo Maresca where he insisted his side were not in a title race may have done more harm than good.
Pressed as to whether Chelsea have turned a corner, Keown remarked: “Well, they were two useful home games.
“You play Southampton and then you play Leicester, it was on the brink a little bit with the fans, [there is] high expectations with the last regime of ownership.
“They won 21 trophies in 19 years and they’re looking at the [current] team and thinking, ‘Are they really at the level anymore?’
Danny Murphy defends Cole Palmer and insists he’s still one of England’s best players!
“So it’s a hard club to play for from that point of view with their history.
“It seems to be weighing heavy a little bit on the players.
“Cole Palmer, no goals in seven [Premier League games]. But six points on the board and you’re back in the top four.
“So that’s a launching pad really now for the rest of the season, it’s important what they do and what he [Maresca] says.
“Because I do feel that where he kind of lowered the bar a little bit around the Christmas period when he was saying they weren’t in the race to win it, it seemed to have put the brakes on their success.”
Tottenham conceded in the 42nd minute when Marcus Tavernier applied the finishing touch to Milos Kerkez’s pin-point cross after Pedro Porro carelessly conceded possession.
Bournemouth struck again in the 65th minute as Evanilson raced onto Justin Kluivert’s pass and lifted a composed finish over Guglielmo Vicario.
But Pape Sarr reduced the deficit two minutes later, the Tottenham midfielder catching out Bournemouth keeper Kepa Arrizabalaga with a misjudged cross that somehow dipped in at the far post.
Tottenham completed their escape in the 84th minute as Kepa conceded a penalty with a desperate lunge on Son Heung-min.
Son calmly slotted home from the spot for his first goal in 10 games, taking him to 11 in all competitions this season.
– Spurs must show fighting spirit against Alkmaar: Postecoglou –
Ange Postecoglou urged Tottenham to replicate the fighting spirit that salvaged a 2-2 draw against Bournemouth when they return to action in Thursday’s crucial Europa League tie with AZ Alkmaar.
Postecoglou’s side slumped to a 1-0 defeat in the last 16 first leg at AZ on Thursday and looked set for another loss when Marcus Tavernier gave Bournemouth a half-time lead on Sunday.
Cristian Romero’s return after a three-month injury absence did little to improve Tottenham’s fortunes as Evanilson doubled Bournemouth’s advantage after 65 minutes.
With the atmosphere turning toxic in north London and the pressure mounting on Postecoglou, Tottenham showed some much-needed character to scramble out of trouble.
Pape Sarr’s miscued cross crept in to give Tottenham a fortunate lifeline and Son Heung-min converted an 84th-minute penalty that the South Korean won himself.
Languishing in lower mid-table in the Premier League, Tottenham can now turn their attention to the visit of AZ on Thursday in the second leg.
“Chaotic game, for sure. We added to the chaos and it was a little bit self-inflicted, especially in the first half. Just with the ball, we were really careless with our passing,” Postecoglou said.
“At 2-0 down, it would have been very easy, particularly with the atmosphere as it was, for the boys to just let the game get away from us, but credit to them, they found a way to get back into the game and we got something out of it.
“I don’t think it was a case of being open because we were throwing men forward, we just kept giving the ball away. We certainly need to be better in the way that we execute that part of our game for Thursday.
“You can imagine the noise around if the players didn’t respond. Thursday is obviously a massive game for us.
“At least from that perspective – and even for the players themselves – we’ve obviously got a challenge, but they overcame a fairly big challenge today and hopefully we show the same kind of mindset.”
Adding to Postecoglou’s woes, Romero’s first appearance since December was followed by a pointed social-media post where he thanked the medical staff of Argentina and not Tottenham on his X account.
Micky van de Ven also returned for his first league fixture in three months and lifted a nervous crowd, which Postecoglou conceded could lead to more tension among his players in the AZ clash.
“I can’t sort of dictate to people how they sort of interact, but AZ’s crowd certainly helped them on Thursday night and we need our crowd to get behind the boys,” he said.
“To make it an atmosphere where maybe we lose some of that nervousness and anxiety within our game.
“The reality is, we as a team have to respond irrespective of the atmosphere and one may follow the other. If we start the game strong, it’ll get the place nice and loud, which will help us.”
ARSENAL HOPES ALL OVER
Arsenal’s fading hopes of winning the Premier League suffered a fresh blow as Manchester United held the Gunners to a 1-1 draw, while Chelsea boosted their bid to qualify for the Champions League with a 1-0 win over Leicester on Sunday (Monday AEDT).
After Liverpool’s 3-1 win against Southampton moved the leaders 16 points clear at the top on Saturday, there was no margin for error when Arsenal arrived at Old Trafford 24 hours later.
But United captain Bruno Fernandes put the hosts ahead with a superb free-kick in first half stoppage-time.
Declan Rice’s clinical finish from just inside the United area hauled Arsenal level in the 74th minute.
But Mikel Arteta’s second-placed side couldn’t find a winner and now sit 15 points adrift of Liverpool.
Despite holding a game in hand on Liverpool, Arsenal look certain to miss out on the title yet again after finishing as runners-up for the last two seasons.
Liverpool are bidding to win a record-equalling 20th English title and their first since 2020 in Arne Slot’s first season in charge.
The Anfield club need a maximum of 16 more points from their last nine matches to ensure they clinch the silverware.
Not for the first time, Arsenal have faded as the title pressure mounts, with a run of three league games without a win effectively gifting the trophy to Liverpool.
Troubled Manchester United are down in 14th place, with just one win in their last six games in all competitions.
Adding to the gloom around Old Trafford, thousands of United fans staged a pre-match protest against co-owners the Glazer family and Jim Ratcliffe.
At Stamford Bridge, Marc Cucurella struck with a long-range rocket in the second half to lift Chelsea above Manchester City into fourth place.
The Blues are two points ahead of City in the race for the top four finish that guarantees a Champions League berth.
It was only Chelsea’s fourth victory in their last 12 league games as they responded to boss Enzo Maresca’s challenge to win all their remaining home matches.
Maresca believes that should be enough to ensure Champions League action, but Chelsea will have to improve on a spluttering performance against second-bottom Leicester.
– Cucurella lifts Chelsea –
Chelsea’s Cole Palmer missed the first penalty of his career and was later substituted, making it seven league games without a goal or assist for the England forward.
Second-bottom Leicester have lost five successive league games and sit six points from safety as they slide towards relegation.
Victor Kristiansen’s clumsy challenge pole-axed Jadon Sancho, earning Chelsea a first half spot-kick.
Usually such a ruthless penalty taker, Palmer seized the ball, only for Mads Hermansen to deny him with a superb save.
Chelsea finally took the lead in spectacular fashion on the hour when Spanish defender Cucurella drilled into the bottom corner from 25 yards.
Enzo Maresca has revealed how playing Reece James in midfield for Chelsea has been a long-term idea.
James is mostly known for his quality as a right-back but started as a midfielder for the Blues in their 2-1 win over FC Copenhagen.
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James scored his second Chelsea goal of the season from midfieldCredit: Getty
He scored the opening goal of their UEFA Conference League last 16 first leg clash with a first-time effort from outside the area.
The 25-year-old ran from midfield as soon as Marc Cucurella regained possession on the left before hitting his shot into the bottom corner.
Whilst his positioning may have appeared unorthodox, Chelsea head coach Maresca revealed that playing James in midfield is nothing new.
“You can ask Reece,” he explained in his post-match press conference.
“When I signed with Chelsea, probably the day after, I sent him a video about seeing him as a midfielder.
“I saw Reece as a midfielder, not now but since day one. I sent him… As I said, before I met him for the first time he was on holiday, I sent him a clip about him, how he can play [as a] midfielder.
“So I imagined Reece playing [as a] midfielder a long time ago, he’s playing now but the good thing about him, he played this year already [at] full-back.
“Already [as a] central defender, he played in different positions. But the main target for us is to help him to be fit all season.”
Maresca was referring to James’ loan spell at Wigan Athletic during the 2018/19 season, which was instrumental in his rise at Chelsea.
The then teenager excelled for the Latics as he was their Player of the Year and selected to the Championship Team of the Season.
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Maresca has always been keen on playing James as a midfielderCredit: Getty
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The Chelsea man shone in the role at Wigan, scoring an excellent goalCredit: Wigan Athletic YouTube
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James’ striker left the Bristol City goalkeeper rooted to the spotCredit: Wigan Athletic YouTube
James started off at right-back before moving into midfield, with one outing in particular seeing him win Wigan’s Goal of the Season award.
During a 2-2 draw away at Bristol City, the Chelsea academy product shrugged off an opponent and fired into the top corner from range.
It’s a goal that certainly caught the eye of Maresca and gave him the chance to remind his club captain of his versatility.
“When you watch a player, sometimes you also have to use a little bit of imagination,” he further explained.
“You have to imagine a player doing something and I always imagined him also behaving as a midfielder.
“Then I watched some of his games when he was on loan from Chelsea to the Championship [with Wigan], where I still remember he scored a fantastic goal from 25, 30 metres as a midfielder.
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James’ latest goal has taken Chelsea a step closer to the quarter-finalsCredit: Getty
“I still remember the video that I sent him, and especially the best thing from Reece in this moment that is also helping us in terms of leadership.
“And he’s growing a lot since I measured that we need him, and this is important.”
James had played in midfield for Chelsea before Thursday night’s win in Copenhagen and could earn more appearances there with Maresca.
It was only his 12th appearance of the season, with hamstring issues limiting his minutes for the Blues.
The goal was also his second of the campaign and followed by an Enzo Fernandez finish to give Chelsea the advantage for the second leg next week.
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Rashford had to leave United, of course. They wanted him out for tactical and financial reasons, he sensed that and chased a new challenge.
None of this should be taken as criticism of United’s head coach, Ruben Amorim, who wants to play a way that doesn’t suit Rashford and who needs to generate funds for his 3-4-2-1 rebuild. Fair enough.
Rashford’s departure, initially on loan but with a permanent move to Villa or somewhere else inevitable in the summer, suited all parties.
Rashford says he will never fall out of love with football, but he needed to play with a smile on his face again. Villa’s manager, Unai Emery, has done that.
“Support him,” Emery replied on how he is bringing the best out of the 27-year-old.
“Help him try to get confidence with us.”
A happy Rashford is a formidable footballer. He’s always been that way. He’s always needed to feel the belief and support of his manager.
He’s always needed to be liberated in a system that keeps him high up the field, reducing his defensive responsibilities, unleashing him on opposing right-backs like Gusto.
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Rashford made the left wing his own and terrorised Gusto in the second half
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The winger has helped lift Emery’s side up into seventh spot in the tableCredit: Getty
All defenders hate facing pace, which Rashford has in abundance. He’s made for 4-3-3 or 4-2-3-1 like Emery’s.
It wasn’t actually his pace that skewered Chelsea here. He inflicted some of it on Gusto from the moment he came on at half-time.
Villa were trailing 1-0 at the time and Emery was being outwitted by Enzo Maresca.
Villa struggled to get to grips with Chelsea’s formation and movement in the first half: a 4-2-fluid-4. Reece James partnered Moises Caicedo in deep midfield. Cole Palmer, busy but not at his best, and the underwhelming Christopher Nkunku were wide.
Pedro Neto was a false nine, occasionally moving right with Enzo Fernandez breaking into space as for Chelsea’s goal after nine minutes.
Caicedo was too swift and strong for Youri Tielemans in the middle, and he turned and played a long switch to the right. Neto was ready, taking the ball and running at Ian Maatsen.
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Neto had Maatsen’s number, but his teammates couldn’t match his endeavourCredit: Getty
Emery had rotated, starting Maatsen ahead of Lucas Digne, who’d had a draining evening with Liverpool’s Mohamed Salah in midweek.
Emery may also have had an eye on Maatsen proving a point against the club that kept sending him out on loan and eventually selling to Villa for £35million last summer. But Digne is a better one-on-one defender and Maatsen’s defensive issues were exposed by Neto.
He accelerated, moved the ball on to his left foot, shaped to go inside Maatsen, who fell for the feint.
Neto sped outside, had a quick look up, checked Fernandez’s run, and picked him out with a driven low ball.
Fernandez, unmarked and close in, had the easiest finish past his compatriot Emi Martinez.
Villa urgently needed more pace to support Ollie Watkins so Emery made his move at the break. Rashford replaced Jacob Ramsey and immediately began running at Gusto.
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The stage was set for a famous half in front of a beseeching, delighting Holte End. Noise and belief rose shortly before the hour.
When Matty Cash crossed – with his left – to the far-post, Rashford was clearly played onside by Fernandez and his cross was turned in by Asensio.
Chelsea did respond briefly, and Palmer had a shot cleared off the line by Ezri Konsa, but the force was with Villa.
Chelsea were fortunate they did not concede a penalty from a Rashford corner when Marc Cucurella clearly pulled over Lamare Bogarde.
The clock showed 88 minutes 52 seconds as Rashford prepared to take another corner on the left in front of a baying Holte End.
He played it short to Tielemans, who touched it back for Rashford to whip it in, slightly angled back towards Asensio.
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Rashford was the provider for both goals in a game-changing 45-minute display
The 29-year-old Spaniard met the ball with his left foot, sending it straight at Filip Jorgensen.
It should have been a routine save, but Jorgensen, preferred again to Robert Sanchez, fumbled horribly and the ball fell over the line.
“The keeper position is a delicate one,” Maresca said of the role’s innate vulnerability, “if the keeper makes a mistake it is clear for everyone.”
What is also clear is that Chelsea have spent more than £1bn and don’t have an elite goalkeeper or elite centre-forward.
At the final whistle, their false nine, Neto, sunk to his knees, punching the turf in frustration.
“For me, personally this is the toughest defeat of the season,” Maresca lamented.
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Emery led his side to their first league win in six matches to move up to seventhCredit: Getty
For Emery, who walked down the touchline after the final whistle punching the air, it was deeply satisfying, barring the sad sight of Tyrone Mings limping off with a knee problem.
This was Villa’s first Premier League win in six, lifted them from tenth to seventh, and confirmed the wisdom of their January transfer work.
The sight of a smiling Rashford applauding the Holte End said it all.
Leicester’s bid to avoid relegation from the Premier League hit a historic low, while Manchester United’s manager has made a sobering concession.
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‘HUGE STEP BACK’ FOR FOXES IN HISTORIC LOW
Leicester’s bid to avoid relegation from the Premier League hit a historic low as Brentford cruised to a 4-0 win at the King Power Stadium on Saturday.
Ruud van Nistelrooy’s side would have moved out of the relegation zone with a victory, but instead they remain two points from safety.
Yoane Wissa, Bryan Mbeumo and Christian Norgaard all scored for Brentford in a wretched first half for second-bottom Leicester.
Fabio Carvalho netted in the closing stages and the Foxes were booed off after a 10th defeat in their last 11 league games that added to the pressure on the under-fire Van Nistelrooy.
Underlining the depth of their struggles, Leicester made unwanted history as the first ever team in the English top-flight to lose six successive home games without scoring in any of them.
“You have to acknowledge it’s a huge step back. There was hope after recent performances, the beginning of the game was hopeful with three chances,” Van Nistelrooy said.
“After the bright start we were never in the game again and at half-time the game was done. Everyone is going home gutted with the loss and disappointed with the levels we showed.” With just 12 games left to avoid relegation, Leicester are in severe danger of an immediate return to the Championship.
Enzo Maresca quit to take charge of Chelsea after masterminding Leicester’s promotion last season and the club’s Thai owners have failed to find an adequate replacement for the Italian.
Steve Cooper was sacked after just five months in charge and former Manchester United striker Van Nistelrooy has fared no better.
Leicester have won just four of their 26 league games this season, with Van Nistelrooy contributing only two of those victories in 15 matches.
LEICESTER, ENGLAND – FEBRUARY 21: Victor Kristiansen of Leicester City reacts after Bryan Mbeumo of Brentford (not pictured) during the Premier League match between Leicester City FC and Brentford FC at The King Power Stadium on February 21, 2025 in Leicester, England. (Photo by Clive Mason/Getty Images)Source: Getty Images
MOYES ‘DOING A BETTER JOB’ THAN UNITED BOSS
Ruben Amorim admits David Moyes is doing a better job reviving Everton than the under-fire Manchester United boss has been able to achieve in his short spell at Old Trafford.
Amorim will go head-to-head with Everton boss Moyes on Sunday as he looks to drag United out of their shocking decline.
The former Sporting Lisbon boss has overseen just four wins and eight defeats in the Premier League since replacing Erik ten Hag in November.
Moyes, who was sacked by United in 2014 after less than a season in charge, has already matched Amorim’s win total in just six league games since returning to Everton in January.
Everton, in 14th place, are above 15th-placed United in the table ahead of the clubs’ final ever meeting at Goodison Park before the Toffees move to a new stadium next season.
Asked why Everton improved their fortunes with a new boss unlike United, Amorim said: “Simple thing. David Moyes is doing a better job than me. It’s quite simple.
“And then small things like winning one game, winning two games, that belief. The pressure is also not the same.
“I don’t know but I think we have to give merit to the players of Everton and especially to the coach of Everton and that’s all. We need to do the same.” It was a candid admission from Amorim, who has previously acknowledged that Ten Hag and United interim boss Ruud van Nistelrooy, now in charge at Leicester, did better than him at Old Trafford this season.
Moyes was sacked by United after just 10 months in charge following a 2-0 loss at Everton and a defeat this weekend would increase the pressure on Amorim, whose approach has reportedly left some players unconvinced.
“I don’t feel it in training,” Amorim said. “If you watch our games sometimes you can have that sensation, but I’m not worried about that.
“If they are not convinced, I don’t feel that. It’s my job to change their minds and I’m quite good on that.” Amorim insists he has no regrets taking a job he had initially preferred to wait for until the summer, allowing him to finish the campaign with Sporting and start afresh.
“I think that is clear, it’s common sense, when you start a season it’s completely different,” he said.
“You have time to think things, to feel the players, to have pre-season, to change things that you feel are necessary in a team, in a squad. That is clear.
“That was the choice, so I don’t want to talk like that. I had my reasons to ask for that and I have the most important reasons to accept the job.
“I knew it will be tough and the risk. I know that but it’s Manchester United and you cannot say no.” Asked if he ever questioned whether it was the right decision to join United, he said: “No. We make a decision and then we go all the way. Of course, sometimes it’s really frustrating.”
John Obi Mikel unleashed a huge verbal tirade against Enzo Maresca due to comments made before Chelsea’s humbling last weekend.
The Blues’ crushing 3-0 defeat at Brighton last Friday has all-but extinguished any lingering hopes for the Premier League title.
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John Obi Mikel did not hold back in his critique of Maresca
Meanwhile, recent bad form has seen the Blues drop out of the Premier League’s top four.
In their last nine Premier League matches, the West Londoners have managed to secure only two victories, suffering four defeats along the way.
Despite this, the Italian tactician suggested before the loss to the Seagulls — who had already knocked his team out of the FA Cup with a 2-1 victory the previous week — that his squad is actually ahead of schedule in their development.
This comes with the ex-Leicester boss being tasked with delivering Champions League football within two years of taking the helm last summer. Currently, his team stands sixth in the table, just a point shy of fourth place.
“The club asked to play Champions League in two years,” Maresca told Sky Sports. “If we are able to bring this club after one year, it will be fantastic.
“It’s very important for sure [Champions League qualification],” he added. “First of all for the club, for the fans, because this club belongs to the Champions League. Then for a while, we didn’t play Champions League, we didn’t compete for important titles.
“The only thing I can say is that now we are in the right process, we are in the right direction. Chelsea has never been top four in the table in the last two years.
“This season, we spent almost all our season top four at least. So that shows that we are in the right direction. For sure it’s not enough because we want to bring this club where this club belongs.
“As I said, that is Champions League. We’re going to try to do our best and if we are able to do that, we’re going to be very happy. Otherwise, we’re going to try next year.”
However, Mikel did not hold back in his passionate critique of Maresca’s remarks during his latest Obi One podcast, dropping an astonishing 18 F-bombs in the whole show.
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Chelsea currently sit just a point shy of fourth placeCredit: Getty
Mikel said: “‘Who the f*** has told them that? Are you f****** kidding me? This is Chelsea Football Club.
“You can’t be ahead of the f****** schedule, this is the f****** Chelsea Football Club, no disrespect to Leicester where he’s coming from, this is f****** Chelsea Football Club. We are a Champions League football club, that’s what we are.
“He can’t come out and say if the club employs you, if they’ve told you that. No, mate. This is a Champions League football club. We’ve always been in the Champions League.
“I can swear to you right now I’ve never watched a f****** game in the Conference League. I’ve never watched it, I don’t care about it, that’s not who we are.
“We are a Champions League football club. So for me, for him to come out and say we’re ahead of schedule, no you are not. We should be there.
“I think that comment that the manager made about us not being contenders to win the Premier League has got into the players’ heads, and the whole thing since then has been a f****** disaster. We have no clue what we’re doing.”
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Chelsea suffered a defeat double whammy at Brighton – the first in the FA Cup and the second in the leagueCredit: Getty
Mikel also aimed his frustrations at Manchester United loanee Jadon Sancho, who has struggled to find form since his summer move to Stamford Bridge, which includes an obligation to purchase for a reported fee of £23million.
Sancho enjoyed a fruitful loan spell at Borussia Dortmund during the latter half of last season, yet he has only managed two goals and six assists in 22 appearances with the Blues.
Mikel added: “I watched the games, the game against West Ham was even worse than the game against Brighton. Against Brighton, there was no character, there was no intensity, there were no leaders on the pitch.
“There was no one telling Jadon Sancho, ‘Sancho, the first goal you should have tackled for that.’ There was no one telling Sancho, ‘What the f*** are you doing?’
“He’s [Sancho] deceived us with a good couple of games; we thought, ‘Oh f****** hell, now we’re getting this Jadon Sancho from Dortmund.’ But he’s gone again.
“He’s disappeared off the grid. He takes the ball, he doesn’t go past people anymore, he doesn’t create chances anymore; you know he doesn’t help the team as much as he should be.
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Mikel was a Chelsea player for 11 years, winning two Premier League titles, four FA Cups and the Champions League
“Paul Winstanley [sporting director], I know you’re watching, you’re listening please, and Todd Boehly [co-controlling owner and chairman], please we need a striker.
“Nicolas Jackson is a fantastic guy, a fantastic striker, but he needs help. It’s not just his form, not just his goalscoring; what happens when he gets injured?
“We’ve seen it here now, and we’ve come into the crucial part of the season where we need to win games and we need to win games.
“They’re not bad players, but they need to do more; they need leaders, they need somebody who’s going to hold them by the f****** neck and say, ‘Listen, wake the f*** up, mate.’ You need a f****** leader who is going to say, ‘Wake up, wake the f*** up.’
“They are too soft. That’s what I mean. I know I keep going back to when we were at the club, but that’s something that helped us.
“When you’re not doing things right, JT [John Terry] calls you in, goes to maybe meet you in the gym, maybe meets you by the pool area, and says, ‘Listen, what’s happening? You need to do more. The club needs you to do more because we win games here.’
Deceived! Chelsea legend John Obi Mikel lays into Jadon Sancho in scathing rant
That led to another intense evaluation of current Chelsea captain Reece James, who has faced a string of injuries over the past four years and has struggled to reclaim his former brilliance on the pitch.
Mikel added: “Ah, f*** that, no, you think Reece James is going to speak to Enzo Fernandez? No, I don’t see that happening.
“Reece James needs to do more as a captain; you can only do more through your performances, by being on the pitch, showing leadership. He’s been injured for half of his career at Chelsea.
“You can’t go and say to a player, ‘You know, you need to do more.’ No, you need to be on the f****** pitch. That’s a disaster if we fail to qualify for the Champions League. I will view this season as a massive, massive disaster.
“December is not a f****** time to drink red wine and have turkey. You can enjoy your Christmas, but we knew back then that this is the test when you need to win the Premier League.
“It’s not a holiday period. It’s never a holiday period. So to win two out of ten [eight Premier League matches after Christmas] since then is a huge, huge disappointment. I just hope we find our way back.
“Cole Palmer, his form has dipped a little bit, but the guy can’t do everything alone. The pressure should always be on the owners.
“They bought this football club with the sole purpose of winning not making a profit. If you buy Chelsea Football Club and think you are here to make a profit, no mate, you can f*** off, you can f*** off.
“You need to win trophies. You can make your profit, but you need to win trophies.”
Chelsea’s next match is on Saturday as they travel to Aston Villa, who are currently five points behind the Blues.
Sancho has come under fire for his recent performances
The winger also provided assists for both of Chelsea‘s goals in their 2-0 win over Heidenheim in the Europa Conference League last November.
But since his goal in the Blues’ 4-3 win over Tottenham on December 8, Sancho’s goal returns have disappeared.
From that match onwards, Sancho has just one assist from his last 12 appearances across all competitions.
With Nicolas Jackson and Noni Madueke sidelined with injury and Joao Felix on loan at AC Milan, Sancho must shoulder more of a goalscoring and creative burden that ever before.
Speaking on The Obi One Podcast, Mikel questioned where the Sancho from the opening nine games had scampered off to and called on him to deliver more.
“Jadon Sancho, he’s come on and he’s deceived us with a few couple of games,” Mikel said.
“We thought, ‘F****** hell, now we’re getting this Jadon Sancho from Dortmund.’
“He’s gone. He’s gone again. I don’t know what’s happened to Jadon. He’s disappeared, off the grid.
“He takes the ball, he doesn’t go past people anymore, he doesn’t create chances anymore.
“He doesn’t help the team as much as he should be.”
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Mikel was at a loss to explain why Sancho had become reluctant to take defenders onCredit: The Obi One Podcast
Sancho’s barren run when it comes to goals and assists has coincided with Chelsea enduring a worrying run of form.
In their last 14 games across all competitions the Blues have picked up just six wins.
However, three of those came against Kazakh side FC Astana, Irish outfit Shamrock Rovers and League Two battlers Morecambe.
The alarming run of results has also seen Chelsea drop from second all the way down to sixth in the Premier League as the pressure cranks up on Maresca.
With the Blues’ season at risk of fizzling out, Mikel demanded more from Sancho and felt he still hasn’t proved himself despite his successes with Dortmund in Germany.
“Jadon Sancho needs to step up,” Mikel said.
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Sancho’s form from the start of the season has deserted him
“I don’t know what’s happened to him. But Jadon Sancho needs to wake the f*** up.
“He’s gone to so many places. Yes, at Dortmund, we know he’s done it. But that’s the German league.
“No disrespect to the German league, you only have Bayern Munich and Bayer Leverkusen, let’s put it that way.
“The Premier League is the toughest league in the world.”
Sancho will look to break his goalscoring drought when Chelsea travel to Aston Villa, who are winless in their last four league fixtures, on Saturday.
