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.
Chelsea were on the receiving end of a Valentine’s Day massacre following a 3-0 thrashing at Brighton – their second defeat at the Amex Stadium in six days.
The Blues had revenge on their mind after losing 2-1 to the Seagulls in their FA Cup fourth round clash last weekend.
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Chelsea were smashed on the south coast as Brighton ran out easy 3-0 winnersCredit: Getty
However it got worse for Enzo Maresca‘s side on Friday night with the west London outfit humiliated on the south coast.
The 3-0 loss is their worst defeat in all competitions this season – and heaviest since their 5-0 thumping away at Arsenal in April 2024.
Goals from Kaoru Mitoma and Yankuba Minteh sent the hosts 2-0 up going into the break.
And Minteh sealed the victory with his second of the match in the 63rd minute to send Brighton up to eighth in the table.
But for Chelsea, it was another performance to forget as they failed to muster a single shot on target.
That is the first time that has happened in the Premier League since September 2021 after losing 1-0 to Manchester City at Stamford Bridge.
It’s the fourth time this century that Chelsea have now failed to have a shot on target.
The first came in September 2007 when Avram Grant’s side lost 2-0 to Manchester United in 2017.
And ten years later, it was Antonio Conte’s turn to record the unwanted stat in another 2-0 defeat to the Red Devils.
Incredibly, Chelsea had 70 per cent possession at Brighton, but created next to nothing as the visitors missed the chance to boost their Champions League qualification hopes.
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Maresca’s side have now lost twice in a week at the Amex StadiumCredit: AFP
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Minteh scored twice to send the Seagulls up to eighth in the Premier League tableCredit: Getty
Their only shot on target proved to be Enzo Fernandez’s first half header which nestled into the back of the net – though that was eventually ruled out.
The Argentine midfielder was correctly adjudged to have pushed Joel Veltman in the back just before he got his head on Malo Gusto‘s cross.
And in another blow for Chelsea, they lost winger Noni Madueke in the first half with what appeared to be a hamstring knock.
Speaking to talkSPORT after the match, Maresca stated: “For sure, we are going to lose him for a while.”
Chelsea are already in the midst of a mini-forward injury crisis with Nicolas Jackson and Marc Guiu injured, while Mykhailo Mudryk is currently suspended.
And in an interview with Sky Sports, he failed to hide his disappointment at his squad.
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Fernandez was left in disbelief after his equaliser was ruled out for a foulCredit: Getty
He remarked: “We are in a moment when we feel we can concede easily and struggle to score.
“I think before the goal they didn’t have some chances. There are many things we can do better.”
Before adding: “I feel sorry for the fans. It is not the right performance that we can offer, especially at this moment in the season. We need to stick together.
“I feel pressure always. Tonight, the performance was the worst since I arrived so it is not the right moment.
“But we are still in fourth and in the race to finish in Europe.”
Victory for fourth-placed Chelsea at Brighton would have seen them close the gap on Nottingham Forest in third to one point.
Cole Palmer will play Champions League football next season – whether he’s at Chelsea or not
But they could fall to as a low as sixth come the end of the weekend if results go against them.
Incredibly, Chelsea had the chance to go top on December 22 had they beat Everton at Goodison Park.
However after two wins in their last nine top-flight matches, Chelsea now sit 14 points behind Premier League leaders Liverpool.
And that gap could extend to 17 points should the Reds emerge victories over Wolves at Anfield on Sunday.
Manchester City have already spent north of $150m AUD on talent, and there’s one more player set to arrive to push that figure close to $300m AUD.
Meanwhile, Ange Postecoglou’s Spurs are desperate to add depth to their injury-ravaged squad and Ruben Amorim’s United revolution is just getting started.
Read below for all the latest January transfer news!
TOTTENHAM
Done deals
Antonin Kinsky — Slavia Prague to Spurs ($31m AUD)
Yang Min-hyeok — Gangwon FC to Spurs ($7.9m AUD)
Rumoured deals
Tyler Dibling — Southampton to Spurs (more than $49m AUD)
Liam Delap — Ipswich Town to Spurs ($79m AUD)
Milan Skriniar — PSG to Spurs (N/A)
Thomas Kristensen — Udinese to Spurs (N/A)
Jack Grealish — Manchester City to Spurs (N/A)
Analysis: It’s been a horror campaign thus far for Spurs, and Ange Postecoglou desperately needs to reinforce his squad who currently sit in 15th after 22 games. Big name stars like Christian Romero, Micky van de Ven, Rodrigo Bentancur and Guglielmo Vicario have all been sidelined due to injury, forcing Tottenham to field a weakened side during a tough period for the Australian manager. Throw in a fresh injury to star striker Dominic Solanke, who is set for an extended sideline stint, and Spurs desperately need to recruit in January in both attack and defence. Yang Min-hyeok arrives at the club, but the young South Korean was signed previously, while Antonin Kinsky has hit the ground running since arrived from Slavia Prague, rounding out the club’s two done deals. Ipswich Town revelation Liam Delap is reportedly one target of Postecoglou, with the 21-year-old enjoying an impressive debut Premier League campaign. However, it’s unlikely Ipswich will be willing to part with their talisman in the midst of a relegation battle, but regardless Spurs could table and offer too good to refuse according to TeamTalk, which could be around $79m AUD. Elsewhere, Southampton star Tyler Dibling has also attracted interest from Tottenham, with Sky Sports reporting the 18-year-old is hot property and has many suitors. What complicates matters is the winger is sidelined for six weeks with an ankle injury, meaning a move in January might not make sense for potential clubs. RB Leipzig have reportedly offered $49m AUD to pry him away from the Premier League, but Southampton reportedly want a significantly higher offer before they consider letting him depart. Jack Grealish is another interesting figure who could be on the move, with Tottenham reportedly keeping tabs on the Manchester City attacker who is weighing up his future under Pep Guardiola according to Football London. In defence, two names have come up as potential targets, with Milan Skriniar and Thomas Kristensen on Postecoglou’s radar. According to TBR Football, Skriniar is also being targeted by Galatasaray, having been made available for transfer by the PSG board. Kristensen, meanwhile, has been impressive in the Serie A for Udinese this season, with the Daily Mail reporting Juventus are also in discussions to recruit the Danish defender.
Ange ‘on thin ice’ after 3-2 loss | 03:26
LIVERPOOL
Done deals
N/A
Rumoured deals
Martin Zubimendi — Real Sociedad to Liverpool (N/A)
Takefusa Kubo — Real Sociedad to Liverpool (N/A)
Analysis: Liverpool are sitting pretty atop the Premier League ladder, and Arne Slot has a big job on his hands to lift the trophy in his debut season. But beyond that, the Dutch manager’s transfer priority could be retaining the club’s big-name stars as the Merseyside outfit remain largely quiet in the January transfer window. Liverpool have been linked with Real Sociedad midfielder Martin Zubimendi, who is currently hot property and is Arsenal’s No.1 transfer target. He looks to be heading to North London, with a deal reportedly in place for the summer. Elsewhere, according to TeamTalk, Liverpool bosses have their own on another Soceidad star, with Takefusa Kubo the club’s top target as a successor to Mo Salah. The club are reportedly willing to allow three players to depart in a swap deal, with Harvey Elliott, Wataru Endo and Federico Chiesa named as those on the chopping block, with Kubo having an $118m AUD release clause in his deal. Salah’s future remains up in the air, with his current contract running out at the season’s end, and Saudi club Al Hilal circling the Egyptian star. Salah has once again been one of the Premier League’s best players, but Slot is facing the real possibility of losing the prodigious winger in June if they club can’t sort out his new deal. Virgil van Dijk and Trent Alexander-Arnold’s contract also expire, with the latter having been linked with a move to Real Madrid to join fellow English gun Jude Bellingham.
ARSENAL
Done deals
N/A
Rumoured deals
Martin Zubimendi — Real Sociedad to Arsenal (N/A)
Matheus Cunha — Wolverhampton to Arsenal (N/A)
Evan Ferguson — Brighton to Arsenal (N/A)
Benjamin Sesko — RB Leipzig to Arsenal ($118m AUD)
Dusan Vlahovic — Juventus to Arsenal (N/A)
Analysis: It’s been widely reported Mikel Arteta has won the race to sign midfielder Martin Zubimendi, but he won’t serve as a quick fix for the Gunners. The Spaniard is set to land in North London in the summer, meaning Arsenal are still on the lookout for recruits. Arsenal are desperate for a striker, with Kai Havertz failing to fire up front this season and a sheer lack of goals being to blame for the club’s lacking form. Matheus Cunha has emerged as a potential target, with the Brazilian having put together a strong season for Wolves, scoring 10 goals and assisting four more so far. According to Sky Sports, Arsenal powerbrokers are reportedly considering a loan with an option to buy, with the club having already used both of their domestic loan slots. However, Wolves won’t let him go without a fight, with the club battling to stay in the Premier League, currently sitting in 17th place. Another striker option looms as Brighton’s Evan Ferguson, who according to The Sun, could be on the move to Arsenal on loan. The 20-year-old has been hit with a string if injuries in recent seasons, but he has a breakthrough year in 2022 with the Seagulls. RB Leipzig target man Benjamin Sesko has also been linked with a move to Arsenal, having already said “yes” to a move to the North London club if a deal can be struck between the two parties, according to The Daily Mirror. The 21-year-old reportedly made a handshake agreement with his club to make a move in the summer for $118m AUD, but Arsenal reportedly want to secure a deal early.
Elsewhere, Juventus striker Dusan Vlahovic has also been linked with a move away from the Serie A, with PSG star Randal Kolo Muano set to join the Italian club on a loan deal. But overall, Arteta hinted the Gunners would be bringing in reinforcements after his side’s draw against Aston Villa, saying: “When you look at the performances, I don’t know how many teams are playing at this level in the league. But when you look at the bench, you would probably say we are very short.”
CHELSEA
Done deals
N/A
Rumoured deals
Alejandro Garnacho — Manchester United to Chelsea ($99m AUD)
Mamadou Sarr — Strasbourg to Chelsea ($23.5m AUD)
Dusan Vlahovic — Juventus to Chelsea ($118m AUD)
Jamie Gittens — Dortmund to Chelsea (N/A)
Liam Delap — Ipswich Town to Chelsea (N/A)
Analysis: Enzo Maresca is hopeful of adding some strike power to his outfit, with Chelsea pushing to compete with Liverpool for the Premier League title this season. In an interesting move, the London club are considering recruiting out-of-favour United winger Alejandro Garnacho, with his agent reportedly spotted at Stamford Bridge in recent days according to The Mirror. Manchester United officials reportedly want $99m AUD to make a deal happen, with the Red Devils hopeful of cashing in on the winger whose transfer fee would be pure profit under PSR rules. The rising star has also fallen out of favour under new boss Ruben Amorim, with Serie A club Napoli also interested in his services. Ipswich Town rising star Liam Delap was reportedly on Chelsea’s transfer shortlist, however no moves have been made to recruit him from the club fighting relegation. Elsewhere, Dusan Vlahovic shapes as Chelsea’s most likely striker recruit, with the club having already held talks with Juventus with Renota Veiga potentially departing the Premier League for the Serie A. Vlahovic has been valued at $118m AUD, with Veiga potentially included in the deal to reduce the fee according to ESPN. The Serbian’s current contract expires at the end of the 2026 season, scoring seven goals and assisting one more in his 17 appearances for Juventus this year. However, he’s also scored four times in five games in the Champions League. Mamadou Sarr will also reportedly join Chelsea for a fee of around $23.5m AUD, with the 19-year-old making his move in the summer according to the BBC. Elsewhere, Dortmund winger Jamie Gittens has also emerged as a potential candidate to make the move to London.
Blues snap winless run at home | 02:05
MANCHESTER CITY
Done deals
Vitor Reis — Palmeiras to Manchester City ($58m AUD)
Abdukodir Khusanov — Lens to Manchester City ($67m AUD)
Claudio Echeverri — River Plate to Manchester City ($30m AUD)
Rumoured deals
Omar Marmoush — Frankfurt to Manchester City ($125m AUD)
Douglas Luiz — Juventus to Manchester City (N/A)
Andrea Cambiaso — Juventus to Manchester City ($132m AUD)
Analysis: Pep Guardiola has taken action already in the January window, signing three players in Vitor Reis, Abdukodir Khusanov and Claudio Echeverri. Manchester City have endured their toughest period yet under the Spaniard, and in the hopes of surging back to the top of the Premier League, and winning a fifth straight title, Guardiola has hit the market and he’s showing no signs of slowing down with striker Erling Haaland also putting pen to paper on a contract extension. Khusanov and Reis’s arrivals are set to offset the loss of wing back Kyle Walker, whose loan deal to AC Milan is almost complete. According to ESPN, attacker Omar Marmoush is set to join Manchester City for a whopping $125m AUD. The 25-year-old reportedly was undergoing a medical exam on Tuesday ahead of his imminent signing. Marmoush has been impressive in the Bundesliga, with the Egyptian scoring four goals and assisting two more in six Europa League appearances this season. Douglas Luiz is also reportedly being eyed for a potential return to the City club, with a loan deal being considered for the midfielder who was sold to Aston Villa in 2019. According to Sky Sports, a move for Luiz being considered over a push to recruit Newcastle’s Bruno Guimaraes. Luiz is reportedly expected to depart Juventus, but it remains to be seen where he will land. Elsewhere, Andrea Cambiaso has been named as a potential target for City, with the club in the early stages of a move to recruit the 24-year-old full back. The Italian giants reportedly value the defender at around $132m AUD.
MANCHESTER UNITED
Done deals
N/A
Rumoured deals
Patrick Dorgu — Lecce to Manchester United ($66.5m AUD)
Victor Osimhen — Galatasaray to Manchester United ($125m AUD)
Miloš Kerkez — Bournemouth to Manchester United (N/A)
Nuno Mendes — PSG to Manchester United (N/A)
Bryan Mbeumo — Brentford to Manchester United (N/A)
Matheus Cuhna — Wolverhampton to Manchester United (N/A)
Analysis: Ruben Amorim is in his first transfer window as United’s manager, already making his stance on two of the club’s biggest stars clear. Alejandro Garnacho and Marcus Rashford are set to depart Manchester, and the Portuguese boss is on the lookout for replacements. Lecce’s Patrick Dorgu is shaping as a player set to land in Old Trafford, with United bosses reportedly holding talks with Lecce’s director of football according to The Guardian. The Serie A club are reportedly seeking around $66.5m AUD for the wing back/winger who could fit perfectly into Amorim’s unusual three at the back system. Dorgu could fill the hole left by Garnacho, but can only play on both sides of the field in defence if needed. Milos Kerkez and Nuno Mendes are also reportedly on Amorim’s list of flank defenders, with the United boss making that position a focal point in his January transfer window. Elsewhere, United have been linked with a pair of strikers, with Victor Osimhen the biggest name listed in their rumoured targets. The Nigerian marksman is currently on loan at Turkish club Galatasaray, and is parent club Napoli are reportedly willing to offload the striker for a cut price. Garnacho’s move looks to be the linchpin in any deal for Osimhen, with Napoli officials hoping United bosses lower their asking price for the rising winger, while their own valuation for Osimhen sits at $125m AUD according to Naples publication Il Matino. The Nigerian’s arrival could solve what has been a striker crisis in recent seasons at Old Trafford, with Rasmus Højlund and Joshua Kirzkee failing to lock down the position. Brenford’s Bryan Mbuemo has also reportedly been included in United’s striker shortlist alongside Wolves’ Matheus Cuhna.
Ryan move set to force Aussie shuffle | 05:36
THE REST
Done deals
Jaden Philogene — Aston Villa to Ipswich Town ($39m AUD)
Donyell Malen — Dortmund to Aston Villa ($39m AUD)
Emmanuel Agbadou — Stde de Reims to Wolverhampton ($32.7m AUD)
Julio Soler — Lanus to Bournemouth ($13m AUD)
Diego Gomez — Inter Miami to Brighton ($21.6m AUD)
Andres Garcia — Levante to Aston Villa ($11.8m AUD
Matai Akinmboni — DC United to Bournemouth ($2.9m AUD)
Romain Esse — Milwall to Crystal Palace (undisclosed)
Woyo Coulibaly — Parma to Leicester City ($3.7m AUD)
Welington — Sao Paulo to Southampton (undisclosed)
Joachim Kayi Sanda — Valenciennes to Southampton (undisclosed)
Biggest rumoured deals
Matheus Cuhna — Wolverhampton to Nottingham Forest
Jhon Duran — Aston Villa to West Ham
Analysis: Arguably the biggest move outside the big six has come from West Ham, who have reportedly bid a whopping $112m AUD to sign Villa striker Jhon Duran according to The Athletic. However, that bid is reportedly set to be rejected, having recently extended the contract of the Colombian international until 2030. It’s the second time West Ham have bidded for Duran’s services. Meanwhile, Nottingham Forest are flying high in third place on the ladder and are hoping to continue their run by making Wolves striker Matheus Cuhna their top target according to Daily Mail. Forest are reportedly preparing to make a competitive bid for the Brazilian, who has scored 10 goals so far this campaign. The City Ground club have also previously had a $43m AUD bid for Brentford’s Yoane Wissa turned down, before turning their attention elsewhere.
Guehi could make a return to where it all beganCredit: Getty
Levi Colwill and 18-year-old Josh Acheampong started in the heart of defence for Chelsea in their 1-1 draw with Crystal Palace on Saturday, while Tosin Adorabioyo and Axel Disasi were unused substitutes.
The unlikely centre-back pairing follows injuries to defensive duo Wesley Fofana and Benoit Badiashile in recent weeks as they remain sidelined with hamstring and thigh issues respectively.
Fofana was taken off in the second half of Chelsea’s 3-0 win over Aston Villa on December 1 and has not been sighted since.
The Frenchman’s prolonged absence sparked a worrying claim from Maresca regarding when Fofana may return to action.
“Unfortunately he could be out for the season,” Maresca said.
“We don’t know exactly for the entire season but for sure he could be out for part of it.”
With Fofana and Badiashile out, Maresca is in need of defensive reinforcements.
Guehi is one option, although he will not come cheap.
talkSPORT understands that a move for the 22-cap England international will set Chelsea back at least £50million.
Guehi moved to Selhurst Park from Chelsea in July 2021 for an estimated £18m and has made over 130 appearances for the Ealges since.
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Maresca may turn to the market after losing two of his key centre-backsCredit: Getty
The 24-year-old was the subject of intense speculation during the summer as Newcastle United made him a priority.
Newcastle tested the Eagles’ resolve with four attempts in the summer window and culminated in a club-record bid of £65m.
However, Palace held their ground and held on to their skipper, who’s Selhurst Park contract expires in June 2026.
Ending Chalobah’s loan early would present a significantly cheaper option for Chelsea.
Chelsea’s dealings in the summer left Chalobah facing limited game time at Stamford Bridge and he joined the Eagles in August.
After missing the first five games of the season with a muscle injury, the 25-year-old has since made 14 appearances for the club at centre-back.
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Chalobah has slotted in well at Palace but his stint could be curtailedCredit: Getty
Despite the speculation, Eagles boss Oliver Glasner remains confident Chalobah will remain at Selhurst Park at the end of the window and pointed out Chelsea still had two other centre-backs on their bench in Saturday’s draw.
“I could see that there was (Axel) Disasi and Tosin (Adarabioyo) on the bench,” Glasner said.
“I don’t know if you need (more) if you play with two. I was just reading that Anselmino comes back so they have five (centre-backs).
“I don’t know if they need eight, I don’t know what they are planning. Trevoh is doing very well for us and we are planning with him.”
Chelsea will always be busy in a transfer window – it’s a tale as old as time.
This time, though, it might be that there are more outs than ins as the Blues look to get their house in order and trim their numbers down
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Maresca will have to deal with more transfer business in JanuaryCredit: Getty
The Blues have made 36 signings since Todd Boehly took over control of the club in 2022.
And while those purchases final bear fruit as they mount an outsider’s run at the Premier League title, sometimes something has to give.
Carney Chukwuemeka and Ben Chilwell are already set to leave Stamford Bridge as they fell down the pecking order in west London.
And Maresca believes all those players who want to leave should do so if they are unhappy at the club – although he maintains it’s not at the forefront of his mind.
He said: “In this moment, the focus is on the Fulham game. We aren’t thinking about players who want to leave. In case this happens, we are going to see.
“But in this moment we are not thinking this player has to leave or that player. We are just thinking how to win games.
“Then, if they knock on the door and they want to leave, I’m not going to say: ‘No, no you have to stay here, 100 per cent’. If they want to leave, the best thing for everyone is that the players who aren’t happy are going to leave.”
Christopher Nkunku has also been linked with a move away having only started two Premier League games.
That’s despite 12 goals in all competitions as he impressed in the cups, including the Europa Conference League.
But Maresca isn’t ready to allow the France international to leave just yet.
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Nkunku has been performing when playing but hasn’t made a Premier League breakthrough yetCredit: Getty
“We like Christo and we want him here,” He said.
“There will always be players that are not happy and some that will ask to leave in January. I am not sure if they will be Christo’s or another player’s case. We want to keep them here because we are happy with them here.”
Meanwhile, despite the Blues being second in the Premier League table at Christmas – and just two games away from the mid-point of the campaign – Maresca remains coy on a title charge.
“I think for sure reality says we’re second and you’re not second after four five games when table is not quite the real one.
“The table reflects the teams where they are. But Liverpool are doing fantastic since the first day, probably the squad they have already lived that kind of moment, winning trophies.
“I said last year when Liverpool faced Chelsea in the Carabao Cup final, I saw the amount of finals Liverpool players played and the Chelsea ones and there was a huge difference. This shows the experience you need to be in that race.”
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Maresca is a fan of Nkunku but concedes if he wants to leave he can’t stand in his wayCredit: Getty
And Maresca is also tipping Man City to be challengers, despite their horrendous run of form of late.
He added: “I think Man City at the end will be there. They are in a moment that never happened before. They don’t have enough players in this moment, it’s a very bad situation for them.”
Tosin Adarabioyo has revealed Chelsea players were unaware of the recent events surrounding Mykhailo Mudryk before it was made public.
The Ukrainian winger has been suspended from football after testing positive for banned substance Meldonium during a routine drugs test, and now faces a potential ban up to four years.
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Mykhailo Mudryk faces a fight to prove his innocenceCredit: Getty
Mudryk has since released a statement in which he maintained his innocence, and claimed he had ‘not done anything wrong’.
His club teammate Tosin Adarabioyo has now revealed the Blues squad had found out about the 23-year-old’s news at the same time as the rest of the footballing world.
Speaking to the press ahead of Chelsea’s Europa Conference League match against Shamrock Rovers on Thursday, the defender was asked about the players’ response to Mudryk’s situation.
To this he replied: “It’s new news to all of us.
“We all found out at the same time as you guys, but we still support Misha, and hopefully things can get resolved.”
Adarabioyo went on to reiterate that the Chelsea team will support Mudryk as they would a family member.
He continued: “there’s not much we can do in this situation, obviously it’s out of our hands, but Misha’s part of our family so we’re here to support him.”
The Ukraine star tested positive for the same substance which saw tennis legend Maria Sharapova receive an initial two-year sporting ban, after she was found to have taken it at the 2016 Australian Open.
Adarabioyo also admitted that the news surrounding Mudryk had prompted he and his teammates to take extra precautions.
On his teammate’s suspension serving as a warning, he said: “It’s something that can happen, but again, you have to take precautions.
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Adarabioyo joined Chelsea in the summer following his departure from west London neighbours FulhamCredit: Getty
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Mudryk has scored three goals for Chelsea this season, with all of them coming in EuropeCredit: Getty
“So all of us [Chelsea players] are now being very careful of what we’re taking, and the club’s supporting us with that.”
Chelsea head coach Enzo Maresca has also come out in support of his player, as he revealed that the club ‘trust’ Mudryk’s insistence that he is innocent.
Speaking in the same press conference, he said: “Now the situation is a bit more clear. We have a statement from the club, who have already said what we need to say.
“So there is not anything to add. The club, the coaching staff and all the players inside the training ground support and trust Misha.
When asked if he believed that Mudryk is innocent, Maresca replied: “Exactly, it’s like this. What Misha said.”
He later added: “We all believe that [Mudryk is innocent] then [after] we will see.”
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Enzo Maresca’s side head into their Europa Conference League clash having already qualified for the competition’s round of 16Credit: Getty
The Italian coach also expressed his confidence that the forward’s playing career will not be over even if he is hit with a lengthy ban should he be found guilty.
He said: “I think he is going to come back, The only thing is that we don’t know when.”
Mudryk cannot play football until his situation is resolved, and is currently following an individual training programme a home, as he is unable to train at Chelsea’s Cobham facility.
Reports of a potential ban for the Blues winger first surfaced in his native Ukraine, when it was reported that an ‘A’ urine sample taken in October was found to be positive for doping.
Mudryk is currently awaiting the result of a ‘B’ sample and whether or not it confirms the findings of his ‘A’ sample.
He has insisted that his positive sample was contaminated, with the former Shakhtar Donetsk star passing a drug test back in August and not changing any aspects of his diet since then.
Chelsea have also launched their own investigation into the matter.
Marc Cucurella will do anything to win the ball, anything to win the game even, and he did it through fair means and foul here at Stamford Bridge against Brentford.
He was man of the match and sent off. He was goalscorer and goal preventer. When you have players as committed to defeating the opposition as Cucurella then Chelsea must be considered in the Premier League title race, especially as their A-team benefits from being rested in Europe.
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Cucurella scored against Brentford and his workrate epitomised Chelsea’s credentials as title contendersCredit: Getty
“We’ve got our Chelsea back,” Chelsea fans chanted as Liverpool and Arsenal supporters watched from afar. It’s still early days but they certainly have some of that old winning mentality back.
Only the rash would compare them to fine Chelsea sides of old but there was a togetherness that echoed some of the more successful sides at the Bridge.
There was a will to win that defined those sides, and was embodied by Cucurella, Enzo Fernandez, Moises Caicedo and Levi Colwill. Supporters here have been singing about getting their Chelsea back for a couple of weeks but their chorus carried more intensity and belief.
Cucurella could win awards for most effective, most determined, most athletic and most annoying player of the weekend. His heat map resembled a line of fire along the left.
The 26-year-old was everywhere up and down that flank, racing back and forth, even scoring Chelsea’s first. Three minutes from time, Cucurella even threw himself through the air to beat Bryan Mbeumo to the ball in central midfield. He also did everything to run down the clock during the seven added minutes.
He fouled Fabio Carvalho to prevent an attack and eat up a few seconds. He made two vital clearances and then very deliberately and cynically stayed down after an innocuous challenge by Sepp van den Berg. As 3,000 Brentford fans booed, the moody Blue climbed to his feet, bravely recovered, and saw out the final few seconds. His celebrations were understandably pretty wild at the final whistle, but then childish as he argued with Schade, and received a second yellow. He’s now suspended for Everton away.
They will miss him. His mentality, however graceless at times, is why Chelsea have to be considered contenders for the title, even if everyone here says publicly they are still evolving, and to give them another season before being deemed genuine candidates. Nonsense. If Arsenal are rightly considered still in the frame, then so must Chelsea be, and Chelsea have a centre-forward.
Nicolas Jackson and company are four points clear of Arsenal and only two points behind leaders Liverpool, who have a game in hand. Chelsea have quality in reserve, and are able to bring on the prolific Christopher Nkunku for Jackson. Pedro Neto was suspended but Noni Madueke stepped up and, following a slow start, was an influence.
There is a returning buzz about the Bridge. Chelsea fans are loving the maturity and menace of their football.
Chelsea were patient in breaking down Brentford, who were 5-4-1 out of possession, occasionally a back-six with Christian Norgaard dropping into the back-line. Chelsea stayed calm, and looked to stretch the visitors.
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Cucurella was everywhere for Chelsea – scoring a goal, preventing on and being a general menace
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Sancho is another thriving under Maresca’s style of playCredit: Getty
Enzo Maresca’s wingers, Jadon Sancho and slowly Madueke, provided some of the width but it was really his full-backs who caused Brentford most problems.
Maresca’s tactics place huge demands on his full-backs, defending and attacking. Immediately, they pushed up, the right-sided Malo Gusto delivering a cross that Jackson headed wide with Cucurella closeby hunting scraps.
All the talk was of the two leading scorers in the Premier League perhaps sharing a goalfest but the defences impressed. Ethan Pinnock again excelled for Brentford, who held out well for 42 minutes. But here was another reason why there should be confidence at the Bridge for sustained involvement in the title race.
Colwill continued to confirm what an important and improving centre-back he is for Chelsea. He read danger, calmly stepping in front of Mbuemo to intercept, and throwing himself into a block to deny Mikkel Damsgaard. Tosin Adarabioyo saw off a ground attack from Yoane Wissa, then leapt to deal with a Pinnock long throw special.
Chelsea deserved the lead, created by Madueke’s cross from the right and finished by Cucurella, who simply wanted to reach the ball more than Mads Roerslev. And then it was back to Chelsea’s defence catching the eye.
Robert Sanchez has been seen as a weak link but he commanded his area well here, catching Mbuemo’s free-kick. He varied his distribution well, confusing Brentford. He drilled a long ball down the middle to Jackson, then played the next one short to Cucurella, earning a thumbs up from Maresca. Sanchez tipped over Damsgaard’s volley and was then relieved when Carvalho’s effort hit the bar.
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Chelsea’s win kept them on course in their quest to win another league titleCredit: Getty
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Maresca’s Blues must be considered as title contenders now
Chelsea played rope-a-dope, absorbing Brentford’s combinations, then hitting on the counter. Jackson raced 60 yards down the inside-right channel, ignoring the option of Cole Palmer on the left, before sliding the ball between Mark Flekken and his upright.
There were a few nerves when Schade sent Mbeumo through and he neatly placed his finish low past Sanchez. But Cucurella simply closed the game down.
Arne Slot insisted Darwin Nunez is still an important part of Liverpool’s plans despite the struggling striker falling below the “standard” in the Champions League win against Girona.
Mired in a lengthy slump, Nunez has scored only one goal in his last 10 appearances and three in total all season.
In Liverpool’s victory in Girona on Tuesday, the Uruguay international cut an increasingly frustrated figure after missing several chances.
Slot admitted he kept Nunez on for an extended period, before eventually replacing him in the 71st minute, in the hope he would score a confidence-boosting goal.
After receiving criticism in midweek, Nunez posted on Instagram: “They are not all, they are some. Thank you Reds for your support, we are all still together.”
Slot believes the 25-year-old needs the support of fans and his team-mates to help him rediscover the form that made him such a sensation at Benfica prior to his move to Anfield in 2022.
“All our players feel the support of our fans but he is definitely one of them. Mo (Salah) is scoring so many goals he likes the support of the fans but doesn’t really need it at the moment,” Slot told reporters on Friday.
“We all saw they did something with him when he missed a few chances on Tuesday and everyone needs an arm around you, either from a team-mate, the fans or your manager.
“But I also made it clear to him that he is not only judged on the goals he scores, he is also judged on the team performance and he adds something to the team performance as well with his work-rate and how much he does winning the ball back high up the pitch.”
Liverpool striker Darwin Nunez shoots during the UEFA Champions League match against Girona.Source: Getty Images
Slot’s only issue with Nunez was a dip in his work-rate against Girona that drew a rebuke from the Reds boss.
“Ideally he would have scored a few goals more. But what should always be there is work-rate and I think that is what he has, apart from two games,” Slot said.
“I said that to him yesterday and the last half-hour against Girona wasn’t of the standard he should have.
“That had a lot to do with him being disappointed at missing a few chances.”
Nunez’s position will come under increasing pressure with Diogo Jota and long-term absentee Federico Chiesa set to return to the squad for the visit of Fulham on Saturday.
Chiesa has played for just 18 minutes in the Premier League since joining Liverpool from Juventus in the close-season.
The Italy forward has only three appearances in all competitions for the Reds, who sit four points clear at the top of the Premier League as they chase a first title since 2020.
“Federico missed quite a lot for a long time, was ill last week, so we have to wait and see how he is exactly doing,” Slot said.
“But maybe Diogo is in the squad and maybe Federico as well, but that depends a bit on the numbers we have and also how he recovered from his illness.”
Liverpool manager Arne Slot.Source: AFP
MANCHESTER UNITED
Manchester United manager Ruben Amorim insists he did not speak to Manchester City about replacing Pep Guardiola at the Etihad Stadium before making his move to Old Trafford.
As Amorim prepares for his first Manchester derby on Sunday, the 39-year-old’s link to City prior to his arrival at United has become a hot topic.
United hired the highly-regarded Amorim from Sporting Lisbon in November after sacking Erik ten Hag.
Amorim had been mentioned as a contender to take over from Guardiola after City announced Sporting’s director of football Hugo Viana would replace Txiki Begiristain at the end of this season.
Guardiola eventually ended speculation over his future by signing a new two-year contract shortly after Amorim’s arrival in Manchester.
Asked if he ever had a conversation about the prospect of joining City, Amorim told reporters: “Never. Never had and this was my only option.
“When Manchester United talked to me, I had no doubts because I had already something in my mind that it could be a possibility.
“With Manchester City or Hugo Viana? Nothing about that.”
Amorim’s side ended a run of two successive defeats with a 2-1 victory at Viktoria Plzen in the Europa League on Thursday.
But United have won just three of Amorim’s six games in charge and are languishing in 13th place after recent losses to Arsenal and Nottingham Forest underlined the extent of the rebuilding job he faces.
Yet, for the first time in years, City go into the derby mired in more turmoil than United after a dismal run of one win in 10 games in all competitions.
Rival EPL boss defends “under-fire” Ange | 02:30
Wednesday’s 2-0 Champions League defeat at Juventus was City’s seventh loss in their last 10 matches, an astonishing decline for a club that has won the last four Premier League titles.
One of those losses was masterminded by Amorim, whose Sporting side enjoyed a 4-1 Champions League triumph over City.
“I never think about these things,” Amorim said of City’s woes. “We will face a great opponent and I’m more focused on our problems, so we have a lot of issues here.
“I’m more focused on what we should do on Sunday to win the game, so I’m really focused on my team.”
Asked if United are facing a different, weaker City, he said: “No, no, no, no. “The great teams can respond in any moment, and I think they are in a better place than us in the type of understanding the game, the way they play, the confidence they have. Even in these kind of moments.”
City may be struggling but they still enter the weekend fourth in the Premier League, eight points better off than their neighbours.
“I just want to improve the team, so I cannot live it like a normal derby like it should be, like two great teams fighting for the title. It is not that in this moment,” Amorim said.
“Both teams are struggling in the moment, so I hope in future I can feel that real feeling of a derby, but I know it’s really important for our fans.
“But my goal now is to improve the team, win games and I will try to win this game.”
Manchester United manager Ruben Amorim.Source: Getty Images
MANCHESTER CITY
Pep Guardiola admits troubled Manchester City will not recapture their peak form until his injury-plagued side are finally whole again.
Guardiola’s fourth-placed side head into Sunday’s derby against Manchester United reeling after a dismal run of one win in 10 games in all competitions.
A 2-0 defeat at Juventus in the Champions League on Wednesday left City in danger of failing to make the last 16, while they are languishing eight points behind Premier League leaders Liverpool, who have a game in hand.
After winning an unprecedented four successive Premier League titles and six in the last seven seasons, City have looked more vulnerable than ever before in the Guardiola era.
The City boss attributes their stunning decline on injuries to key players, mostly notably Spain midfielder Rodri, who won the prestigious Ballon d’Or award earlier this year.
Rodri, who helped Spain win Euro 2024, is not expected back from a ruptured anterior cruciate ligament in his right knee for several months, although he has hinted he could feature at some point this season.
“What I want is my players back. The complete squad we had at the beginning of the season. My regret is that we don’t have these and not needing new ones,” Guardiola told reporters on Friday.
“We have known it from the beginning but Rodri is a Ballon d’Or player. We are playing without the best player in England last season. That is the problem.
“Not one other team plays with a central midfielder who has a Ballon d’Or. It is difficult. The moment he comes back, we will be strong again. We will be a good team.
“Of course, we still have to try and play the same way and to win. Sooner or later we are going to be back.”
With City mired in such a woeful period, the champions have been linked with new signings in the January transfer window.
On the day City announced record Premier League revenues of £715 million. Guardiola didn’t rule out the possibility when it was put to him that reinforcements were needed to save their season.
“If we need players then we go to the transfer market but I don’t know who is around,” he said.
“Massive congratulations on the accounts because the club must be sustainable. That doesn’t mean we have big resources to buy whatever we want, especially with how expensive the transfer market is.”
Beating United at the Etihad Stadium this weekend would be a significant boost to Guardiola’s hopes of ending City’s spiral.
The Spaniard, who recently signed a new two-year contract, vowed to solve City’s crisis eventually and claimed he was not feeling under pressure.
“In our jobs we will always do our best and when the best doesn’t happen you are more uncomfortable than when the situation is going well. As a manager you are in scrutiny for every step of the team,” he said.
“But I am fine. I have more thoughts at this moment but what I feel right now is the same as what I’ve said for the last few weeks or month.
“We have to shoot more and cut out the mistakes. But we have been in the games.
“We have not been consistent for the 90 minutes but I know the reason why. We just have to keep working and moving forward.”
Adding to Guardiola’s mounting problems, Swiss defender Manuel Akanji has been ruled out of the Manchester derby with a pelvic injury.
Manchester City manager Pep Guardiola.Source: Getty Images
ARSENAL
Mikel Arteta is adamant Arsenal’s search for a new sporting director to replace Edu will not affect their ability to sign players in the January transfer window.
Edu’s sudden resignation last month has left Arteta without one of his trusted inner circle at a key point in the season.
The Gunners are third in the Premier League and sit six points behind leaders Liverpool after an inconsistent first half of the campaign.
Arteta could look to the transfer market to bolster his squad in the new year, but Edu’s exit has raised questions about Arsenal’s ability to land the Spaniard’s top targets.
Jason Ayto, who has been at Arsenal for a decade as a scout and then Edu’s assistant, has assumed the post on an interim basis.
But Dan Ashworth’s shock exit from Manchester United has seen him linked with a move to north London ahead of the transfer window opening on January 1.
Ahead of Saturday’s home game with Everton, Arteta was asked if not having a permanent sporting director in place could pose an issue.
“We have one. Jason Ayto is our interim sporting director. He has got the full capacity and support of the football club right now,” Arteta told reporters on Friday.
“He is doing really well with his team. The process is open, as you know. And the club, with the support of all of us, will decide who is the best person to move us forward.
“I never expect January to be super busy, but we have to wait and see where we are. There might be some opportunities, too.
“Hopefully the availability of the squad will be better in a few weeks. We have to wait and see.”
While Arteta is calm about the situation, he would like it to be resolved before the end of the season.
“Yes, but when we are convinced that we have the right person who can work the right team who are doing a great job at the moment,” he said.
“Someone who is going to take us to the next level. We might have him internally. Timing wise it’s hard to understand. I’m not running the process so it’s more for the club to respond.”
Arteta could be forced into the transfer market, with defenders Riccardo Calafiori, Ben White, Oleksandr Zinchenko and Takehiro Tomiyasu all sidelined by injuries.
Jurrien Timber was only fit enough for the bench in Arsenal’s 3-0 win against Monaco in the Champions League in midweek.
Gabriel Magalhaes has also been absent for the past three matches, but he has returned to training and is expected to be available against Everton.
Myles Lewis-Skelly, 18, was handed a full Champions League debut against Monaco and is in line to secure his first Premier League start this weekend.
“He certainly deserves to be in contention to be selected because he performed and competed really well,” Arteta said.
“At his age to show that maturity and personality is strange.”
Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta.Source: Getty Images
CHELSEA
Chelsea manager Enzo Maresca said Friday he felt privileged to work with Cole Palmer after labelling him as “different” to the Premier League’s other star forwards.
Palmer has been Chelsea’s outstanding player in their unexpected rise to second place in the Premier League.
With 11 goals in 15 games, the England international is Chelsea’s top scorer and has also provided six assists.
Palmer’s confidence and quality were on display once again with the cheeky chipped penalty in last weekend’s win at Tottenham.
It was the kind of eye-catching moment that Maresca claimed as evidence that the 22-year-old is a truly unique talent.
“I feel very proud and privileged to work with Cole. Cole is a different one to the rest,” the Italian said.
Chelsea host west London neighbours Brentford on Sunday looking to keep up the pressure on Liverpool in the title race.
The Blues are four points behind Liverpool, who have a game in hand, and are also looking to qualify for the Champions League.
Palmer will be key to Chelsea’s hopes of keeping pace with Liverpool and returning to Europe’s elite club competition.
Maresca, who worked with Palmer during his time in charge of Manchester City’s Elite Development Squad, praised his forward’s ability to handle the pressure and expectations of being Chelsea’s main man, “Many top players have that way,” he said. “They look like they almost don’t care but it’s just their way and being in that way gives them more freedom.
“They can relax and you can see Cole is the same way. Cole was this way five years ago and he’s still the same.”
Asked whether he believed Palmer is the best player currently playing in England, Maresca said: “At this moment, he could be, but England are lucky because there are so many good players and Cole is one of them. There are so many good players in the Premier League.
“Absolutely he can be world class but as you said, he is only 22 and there are many things he can improve, including that at the moment, everyone is marking him man-to-man, but there are many things he can still improve.”
Chelsea manager Enzo Maresca.Source: Getty Images
NEWCASTLE
Newcastle manager Eddie Howe admits he is battling to lift the mood at his struggling club as they come to terms with reduced expectations.
The Magpies are languishing in 12th place in the Premier League ahead of Saturday’s clash with Leicester.
That is a far cry from the top four place they had targeted after competing in the Champions League last season.
When the Saudi takeover at St James’ Park was completed to much fanfare in 2021, Newcastle had hoped to establish themselves as one of the world’s top clubs.
But Premier League profit and sustainability rules have hampered the Saudis’ efforts to build on the fourth-place finish Newcastle achieved two season ago.
And with little sign of significant spending on new signings in January, Howe knows it could be harder to keep his players happy and attract fresh talent.
“Players are very astute human beings. I always say players feel everything at a football club,” he told reporters on Friday.
“They are the most perceptive people because they are on the front line. They are the ones delivering for us, so whatever is going on at a football match, they’re the ones absorbing it.
“Naturally, PSR has had an effect on the club and we haven’t been able to strive and reach as quickly as we wanted to initially. That has been halted somewhat in various ways.
“Of course they have felt that and been aware of that. The challenge for me is for that not to affect performances and mood and belonging to the club.”
Newcastle spent £400 million on new signings during the first four transfer windows under their new owners but have not made a major signing since.
Howe, who replaced Steve Bruce at Newcastle in 2021, finds himself under pressure after last weekend’s 4-2 defeat at Brentford, with his side having won just two of their last 11 league games.
“The best players we have, they’re like gold dust, and I’ve said that many times. They’re difficult to find, you’re not going to pick them up off the street,” Howe said.
“When you have them, you’ve got to cherish them and really care for them, and try to make the environment as strong as you can so they want to stay as part of that.”
Newcastle manager Eddie Howe.Source: Getty Images
WEST HAM
West Ham manager Julen Lopetegui and his players will visit Michail Antonio in hospital as the Jamaica forward recovers after his “miracle” escape from a car crash.
West Ham star Antonio was rushed to hospital after being cut out of his Ferrari following the accident in Epping last weekend.
The 34-year-old needed surgery on a lower limb fracture and is reported to be facing weeks in hospital recovering from multiple injuries.
Antonio was able to speak to his team-mates via a video call from his hospital bed before they beat relegation rivals Wolves 2-1 on Monday.
West Ham players wore ‘Antonio 9’ shirts while warming up at the London Stadium, with Jarrod Bowen holding up his team-mate’s shirt after scoring the crucial winner.
“We are going to visit him today or tomorrow,” Lopetegui told reporters on Friday ahead of Monday’s Premier League trip to Bournemouth.
“But the main thing is we are very happy because he is recovering very well. We are very close to him and his family and we wish him the best for the next days.
“The best news about Michail Antonio was that he was able to talk with us before the Wolves match, because looking at the car crash, it was one miracle he was ok, so we are happy for him.
“Now for sure he is strong, he is recovering himself in the next months to be a man first and then a player.”
Enzo Maresca has called for Noni Madueke to be ‘much, much, much better’ despite his starring role in Chelsea’s latest win.
The winger scored and provided an assisted in a 5-1 victory away to Southampton on Wednesday night.
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Many will consider a goal and an assist a good night’s work by MaduekeCredit: Getty
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Maresca feels his player needs to do a lot more, howeverCredit: Getty
However, his work-ethic was questioned by the Blues boss after the match.
Madueke teed up Christopher Nkunku to re-establish the visitors’ lead after Joe Aribo cancelled out Axel Disasi’s opener.
The England international then added a goal of his own to double their lead before half time.
He was hauled off in the 72nd minute, though, before Cole Palmer and his replacement Jadon Sancho added further gloss to the scoreline.
Maresca was not entirely satisfied with the 22-year-old’s performance.
Speaking after the win, the Italian explained: “Noni can do much more. When he scores and assists and is happy, he starts to drop a little bit.
“The reason he was not playing is because of the way he was training.
“When he scores one, he needs to keep trying to score and assist. Noni needs to understand he has to work more and he can be much, much, much better.”
Madueke’s exploits at St. Mary’s have taken his tally for the season to five goals and two assists in 13 Premier League appearances.
It comes after he also turned provider in the win over Aston Villa on Sunday.
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Madueke played a part in two of Chelsea’s five goals at SouthamptonCredit: Getty
Following a second victory in four days, Madueke told talkSPORT’s Ian Abrahams: “I could have scored a hat-trick today, quite easily.
“But a goal and an assist is okay, I’ll take that. I’ll go into the next game and try and help my team.”
As for playing under Maresca, he added: “He’s been great for me.
“Not just in terms of the things I like to do, in quotation marks, score goals and beat players, but even in the less pretty parts of football, the defensive part, being reliable.
“He’s helped me a lot with that, so yes, credit to him.”
Wednesday’s win saw Maresca’s side cut the gap to leaders Liverpool down to seven points after the Reds were held to a 3-3 draw at Newcastle.
Jody Morris and Jason Cundy on Noni Madueke ‘disrespecting’ Chelsea fans against Arsenal
Meanwhile, they could reduce the deficit even further on Sunday afternoon.
The Blues visit Tottenham in a London derby before travelling to Kazakhstan to take on Astana in the Europa Conference League in midweek.
Chelsea boss Enzo Maresca has insisted Jadon Sancho will ‘help us a lot’ this season – but has told the forward he must stay fit.
The on-loan winger set up both goals in his side’s 2-0 win away to Heidenheim in the Europa Conference League on Thursday.
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Sancho picked up another two assists for Chelsea on Thursday nightCredit: Getty
Sancho started the match and played the full 90 minutes as he stepped up his return to action.
The 24-year-old had not been named in a starting line-up since the loss to Liverpool on October 20.
Meanwhile, his five-minute cameo against Leicester on Saturday was his first appearance for six matches.
Maresca has now explained what Sancho must do to become a regular starter for the Blues.
The Italian remarked: “I said since we started, Jadon is very important for us.
“He has to be fit, mentally and physically and he is going to help us a lot.
“Unfortunately we did not use him in the last few games.
“But he is showing tonight how important he is.
“We need that quality in the last third against a low block. He is going to help us a lot.”
Sancho provided assists for both Christopher Nkunku and Mykhaylo Mudryk as Chelsea maintained their perfect start in Europe’s third-tier competition.
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Sancho supplied the assists for Nkunku and Mudryk’s second half goalsCredit: Getty
The Blues have won each of their first four matches to assure at least a play-off place with two fixtures remaining.
As for Sancho, he now has five assists in just seven appearances for Chelsea since signing on loan from Manchester United on deadline day.
He will hope to keep his place in the side for the visit of Aston Villa on Sunday afternoon.
And his display against Heidenheim caught the eye of ex-Tottenham centre-forward Peter Crouch, who believes he is showing his quality with every game he plays.
The former England striker told TNT Sports: “He was involved in a lot. He’s got such quick feet, creativity.
“When he’s confident, he’s as good as anyone and seems to always pick the right pass.
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Maresca insists Sancho has to stay fit both ‘mentally’ and ‘physically’Credit: Getty
“He’s getting up to speed, but when he’s fit and playing well, this is what he can do.”
As for Chelsea icon Joe Cole, he added: “Sancho was fantastic again.”
Chelsea’s potential new signing Mathis Eboue son of Arsenal cult hero Emmanuel Eboue scores amazing goal for Watford
