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.”
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.
Nicolas Jackson stunned fans with a shocking miss during Chelsea’s win over Brentford.
The Blues secured a 2-1 victory at Stamford Bridge, with Jackson ending up getting the decisive goal, to move two points behind Premier League leaders Liverpool.
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Jackson somehow missed from here
However, Enzo Maresca’s side could have had a more comfortable evening had Jackson not spurned a golden chance in the second half.
The forward had been picked out in the middle by Jadon Sancho, who cut the ball back after driving to the byline.
With the goal gaping, Jackson’s wayward effort soared over the crossbar to the dismay of Chelsea supporters on social media.
Reacting to the miss, one fan wrote: “Nicolas Jackson with the miss of the season.”
Another added: “Jackson, how did you miss that?”
A third supporter also commented: “Jackson you simply cannot be missing that.”
Meanwhile, one more said: “Bad miss by Jackson. Crazy!”
Fortunately for Jackson, he made up for his miss later in the half by doubling the home side’s lead.
The Senegalese international rounded off a flowing Chelsea break after being set up by Enzo Fernandez.
Jackson now has nine goals in 15 Premier League appearances for the Blues this season.
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Jackson spooned the effort over the bar with the goal at his mercy
Despite a late Bryan Mbuemo strike, the home side held on to claim all three points.
The win also sees his side close the gap to Liverpool following their draw on Saturday.
Chelsea now sit just two points behind the Reds but have played a match more than their title rivals.
As a result, the Blues could find themselves top of the table with a win at Everton next Sunday.
Chelsea star Enzo Fernandez had Nicolas Jackson to thank for avoiding a disciplinary tightrope.
Fernandez scored Chelsea’s third in a thrilling 4-3 victory over Tottenham on Sunday, marking his third goal in his last four league games.
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Fernandez scored Chelsea’s third against Tottenham on SundayCredit: AFP
The Argentinian was on hand to smash home a thumping left-foot strike after Cole Palmer’s initial effort was blocked.
Given his goal put Chelsea ahead 3-2 after they had gone 2-0 down inside 11 minutes, Fernandez was ready to celebrate in a manner that matched the importance of his strike.
As he wheeled away, Fernandez began to pull his shirt over the top of his head.
However, Jackson held on to the bottom of Fernandez’s shirt so he could not take it off.
Had Fernandez removed his shirt, he would have received a yellow card.
A number of Chelsea fans spotted Jackson’s quick thinking and shared their thoughts on social media.
One user wrote on X: “Never thought I’d see the day Nicolas Jackson is the levelheaded one when it comes to receiving needless yellow cards.”
Another said: “Wait Jackson stopped him taking off his shirt and getting booked.”
Thankfully the Chelsea vice-captain had not picked up a booking earlier in the contest, so he would not have been sent off.
Fernandez also wouldn’t have been at risk of picking up a suspension through yellow cards accumulated given he has only been booked once this season.
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Jackson was not going to let his Blues teammate pick up a needless yellow cardCredit: Getty
But the Argentinian now knows Jackson will have his back when it comes to avoiding a needless yellow card, so long as he is in close proximity.
Tottenham had raced out to a two-goal lead thanks to strikes from Dominic Solanke and Dejan Kulusevksi, with Blues defender Marc Cucurella culpable for both.
But Chelsea winger Jadon Sancho kickstarted the comeback in the 17th minute with a driven shot from the edge of the box.
Cole Palmer equalised in the 61st minute from the spot before Fernandez put Chelsea not long after.
Palmer scored the visitors’ fourth with a cheeky Panenka as Heung-Min Son’s stoppage-time effort proved to be nothing more than a consolation.
The win was Chelsea’s fourth-straight in the league and was also the first time since April 2018 they had came from two goals down to take the three points.
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Despite being four points off league leaders Liverpool, Maresca doesn’t think Chelsea are in a title raceCredit: Offside via Getty
It also took Chelsea to 31 points, which puts them just four behind league leaders Liverpool.
Despite reducing the gap to the Reds, Blues boss Enzo Maresca refused to be drawn on declaring his side being in the title race.
“After the game, my message to the players was to be focused day by day, in our session, the next game on Thursday and then Sunday,” Maresca said.
“The main focus has to be to enjoy the day off and when we come back, 100 per cent, train well, go for the game.
“The fans can dream because from the outside, it is quite clear and inside, the reality is we are not ready but the important thing is we improve day-by-day.”
Maresca’s side will look to keep the momentum rolling on Thursday when they travel to Kazakhstan for a Europa Conference League match against Astana.
Arsenal crushed Nottingham Forest to end their winless run as skipper Martin Odegaard made a long-awaited injury return. Meanwhile, Chelsea survived a late Leicester scare to put more pressure on Manchester City.
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ARSENAL REIGNITE TITLE HOPES WITH BIG WIN
Mikel Arteta said his Arsenal team “flows in a different way” when Martin Odegaard is playing after the Gunners crushed Nottingham Forest 3-0 to end their winless run.
Stunning strikes from Bukayo Saka and Thomas Partey and a first Premier League goal for teenager Ethan Nwaneri gave Arsenal a first victory in five league games, reigniting their title challenge.
Arsenal, Premier League runners-up for the past two seasons, started the campaign strongly but their form dipped and they kicked off on Saturday nine points behind leaders Liverpool.
Victory at the Emirates lifts them to 22 points, level with third-placed Chelsea.
Arsenal took the lead in the 15th minute when Saka exchanged passes with Odegaard on the edge of the area before lashing a left-footed shot into the roof of the net.
Captain Odegaard was making his first appearance at the Emirates since late August and showed what a huge miss he was for Arsenal during his two-month injury absence.
Time and again the Norwegian found space in the penalty area with his quick feet and he teed up Gabriel Jesus, who curled narrowly wide, before linking up with Saka again.
Partey doubled Arsenal’s lead early in the second half after collecting Saka’s pass 20 yards out and taking a touch, before curling his shot away from the dive of Matz Sels and inside the far post.
Seventeen-year-old Nwaneri tucked away Raheem Sterling’s cutback to wrap up an emphatic win in the 86th minute.
“I think we started really well,” Arteta told the BBC. “The sense I was getting in the last 48 hours after the international break, the boys coming together and were all at it.”
Speaking about Odegaard, who returned to action at Inter Milan earlier this month, he said: “It’s not a coincidence. The team flows in a different way when he is playing.” And he also had warm words for Nwaneri.
“He is the second-youngest (Premier League goalscorer) in our history,” Arteta said. “That’s a story in itself.
“He’s brave. You see the reaction of fans and they were singing ‘He’s one of our own’. I think we have to put brick by brick and make sure the cement doesn’t get dry. Hopefully we can build a beautiful thing with him.”
CHELSEA SNEAK PAST LEICESTER
Chelsea survived a late scare to beat Leicester 2-1 on Enzo Maresca’s return to the King Power Stadium, climbing just a point behind second-placed Manchester City in the Premier League.
The visitors looked comfortable after goals from Nicolas Jackson and Enzo Fernandez, but they faced a nervy final few minutes after Jordan Ayew pulled a goal back from the penalty spot deep into stoppage time.
Chelsea’s win, which came after two draws, lifts them to 22 points — one behind City and three clear of fourth-placed Arsenal ahead of the later kick-offs on Saturday.
Maresca said he was proud of his team after so little preparation time following the international break.
“The only thing I asked the players before the game, I said, ‘Guys, we have the chance today to make a statement in terms of (who) we are’,” he told TNT Sports.
“Because when you play this kind of game, all the clubs that they are behind, like in this moment, I don’t know, Arsenal or Villa or Brighton or (Manchester) United, Tottenham, they are watching.
“They are waiting for us to drop points. And we show that we are there. And we’re going to compete until the end and then we’ll see where we arrive.”
It was Maresca’s first game at the King Power since he took Leicester back to the Premier League last season in his only campaign at the club.
Chelsea took control from the kick-off and Joao Felix, making his first Premier League start of the season, had two early efforts.
But the visitors got the goal they deserved when Jackson won his tussle with Leicester defender Wout Faes.
The ball fell to Fernandez, who found Jackson and the Senegal forward poked home with the outside of his right foot for his seventh league goal of the season.
Leicester goalkeeper Mads Hermansen kept out Noni Madueke’s sharp effort and Madueke had a goal disallowed for a tight offside against Marc Cucurella just after the half-hour.
But as the first period wore on there was a momentum shift and Leicester suddenly started looking more dangerous.
Steve Cooper’s men broke at pace and Oliver Skipp found Kasey McAteer on the right. McAteer, making his full Premier League debut, cut inside but steered his shot just beyond the far post.
Wilfred Ndidi then screwed wide as half-time approached.
Chelsea looked certain to double their lead 10 minutes after the restart but somehow contrived to squander the chance, when Madueke got in the way of a Cole Palmer shot on the goalline in a comical episode.
England international Madueke did his best to try and jump out of the way of Palmer’s effort but it hit him and rolled out for a goalkick, with Palmer seeing the funny side.
But Chelsea did find the net in the 75th minute when Fernandez headed home after Hermansen kept out Jackson’s header.
Leicester substitute Stephy Mavididi appeared to have a strong case for a penalty after he tumbled in the box about 10 minutes later but no foul was given.
Fellow substitute Ayew did pull a goal back from the penalty spot in the 95th minute after Bobby De Cordova-Reid was brought down but it was too little, too late.
Leicester, the 2016 Premier League champions, remain just three points above the relegation zone.
OTHER RESULTS
Aston Villa are now winless in six games in all competition and had to twice come from behind to salvage a 2-2 draw at home to Crystal Palace.
Brighton’s incredible start under 31-year-old boss Fabian Hurzeler continued with a 2-1 win at Bournemouth to climb to fifth.
Wolves are out of the bottom three thanks to a stunning 4-1 win at Fulham, with Matheus Cunha scoring twice.
Everton failed to take advantage of an early red card for Brentford’s Christian Norgaard in a 0-0 draw at Goodison Park.
Meanwhile, Ruben Amorim takes charge of Manchester United for the first time in the pick of Monday’s action when the Red Devils visit Ipswich.
The Premier League is just over a quarter of the way through the 2024/25 season, and it’s been a mixed bag so far.
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Arne Slot has his Liverpool outfit firing, and they’re fixed atop the ladder after 11 games, while their rivals Manchester United are rebuilding with a new manager, again.
Elsewhere, Ange Postecoglou’s up and down campaign is continuing, while Manchester City slumpt to a career first under Pep Guardiola.
Read below for the biggest Premier League Talking Points!
ANGE’S SPURS ROLLERCOASTER CONTINUES
It’s been and up and down season for Spurs, seesawing between brilliant victories and horror defeats, with the latest coming against Ipswich Town.
Ange Postecoglou’s men conceded two first half goals and failed to chase down their opponents, despite Rodrigo Bentancur netting in the 69th minute.
The defeat resulted in ugly scenes post-match, with Postecoglou stopping in the tunnel after a fan was said to have yelled at him, however it’s unclear what was said.
Regardless, it’s a sign of a fan base that’s beginning to become frustrated, and in true Ange fashion he put the onus on himself.
“It’s just down to me. I’m not getting consistent performances from the players,” he said to BBC post-match.
“It’s something I need to address. I’m the person in charge so that’s usually the way it goes. I take responsibility when their performances don’t meet the levels that they should.”
He also labelled his team “passive”, an interesting word considering the high line press that’s instilled by the manager, which sees his players constantly on the move.
“There are different reasons (to why we lost). Today was a bit different to other times. We were way too passive.
“If you give the opposition that much of a head start it takes a lot to claw it back.”
What made Spurs’ loss even worse was it marked Ipswich’s first win upon return to the Premier League, their first victory in the top flight in 22 years.
Tottenham have now lost five of their first 11 Premier League games, and went down to Galatasaray in their most recent Europa League tie.
It’s fair to say Tottenham are out of the running for the title, sitting 12 points behind Liverpool despite Postecoglou’s success in second seasons at his past clubs.
Spurs are yet to win two games in-a-row in the Premier League, and their season has been a true rollercoaster.
For former midfielder Jamie O’Hara, there’s potential for the fans to begin to feel sour around Postecoglou’s position at the club, despite the red-hot start they enjoyed last season.
“Spurs are all over the place at the back… defenders crossing over, not tracking runners,” he said on Sky Sports.
“You watch it and go, so easy, so easy. That can’t carry on. Eventually the fans will turn. OK, we like exciting football, but we don’t want to come back from 2-0 down every week.”
Tottenham fans will be desperate to finish in the Champions League placings, but their next run of five games will be a big test.
Postecoglou’s men face Man City, Fulham, Bournemouth and Chelsea in the league before facing off against Roma in Europe.
To stop his runaway train, Postecoglou will be desperate to some strong wins, and City could spark what could be a monumental comeback for his out of sorts outfit.
EPL Wrap: Ipswich sink Ange’s Spurs | 02:55
ARE ARSENAL OUT OF THE TITLE RACE?
Over the past two seasons, it’s largely been a two-horse title race, with Manchester City the frontrunners and Mikel Arteta’s Arsenal trailing closely behind.
However, with the emergence of Arne Slot’s Liverpool, and a horror run of results, the Gunners are quickly slipping out of contention.
Arsenal are without a win in their last four Premier League games, dating back to a disappointing 2-0 defeat to Bournemouth.
They’ve also drawn with Liverpool, which could be considered a decent result, while going down to Newcastle and also sharing the spoils with Chelsea in their most recent fixture.
Arsenal sit in fourth on the ladder, on 19 points equal with Chelsea, Nottingham Forest and Brighton — tallying five wins and four draws.
At the same time last season, having played 11 games, Arteta’s side had won seven and drawn three, with only a single loss and five more competition points.
They trailed eventual premiers City by only three points. This season they’re behind current leaders Liverpool by nine, a margin that could be considered a mountain too high.
So where’s it gone wrong for a team that showed so much promise in their development towards a title? They have struggled to score goals without Martin Odegaard, who is clearly their most creative player in midfield.
Injuries, namely to Declan Rice, Bukayo Saka and Jurrien Timber, have also played a part alongside disciplinary issues including red cards to Rice, William Saliba and Leandro Trossard.
Odegaard’s been sidelined since September, and only returned against Chelsea over the weekend, having scored only five goals across their last five Premier League games, whilst also conceding six.
For former Bright boss Graham Potter, Odegaard’s presence is a huge bonus for Arteta’s side.
“Especially with Odegaard missing, problems with centre-backs, build-up not as clean, Odegaard is huge miss from creative aspect,’ he said.
“It’s not as simple as him being fit and playing 90 minutes but he gives confidence to everyone else.”
Arsenal have also had the most red cards by a considerable margin since Boxing Day 2019, with 18 players being sent off.
The next most being Wolves and Everton who have received 13 red cards each.
But outside of those issues, after a horror run of results, former Premier League striker turned pundit Troy Deeney believes one more loss and the Gunners can kiss the title goodbye.
“Lose one more time and I think Arsenal are out of it. They are going to have to beat Liverpool home and away and beat City as well,” he said.
Arsenal’s Belgian midfielder #19 Leandro Trossard reacts after missing a late chance during the English Premier League football match between Chelsea and Arsenal at Stamford Bridge in London on November 10, 2024. The game finished 1-1. (Photo by Glyn KIRK / AFP).Source: AFP
HOW ARNE’S ‘SLOT’TED RIGHT IN
It’s a tale as old as time itself. A new manager joins a Premier League club, struggle in their first season before the game plan embeds itself into the squad and they see the fruits of their labour.
But not for Arne Slot, who has begun life at Liverpool with a bang and the Dutch manager is priming his side for a title charge in his first season in Merseyside.
Liverpool are sitting five points clear of title favourites Manchester City after 11 games, winning nine and only losing once so far.
In fact you have to go back to September 15th to find their last loss, going down to Nottingham Forest, who are having quite the season themselves.
That result is the only time they’ve tasted defeat since the Premier League began, also enjoying a faultless Champions League campaign, having only conceded a single goals in ties with Bayer Leverkusen, RB Leipzeg, Bologna and AC Milan.
So what’s the secret? Because Manchester United will be desperate for their new manager to have even half the success Slot’s had at Anfield so early in his tenure.
For Slot, he believes his tactical approach wasn’t too far removed from Jurgen Klopp, the man who led Liverpool for a decade.
“My expectations were not about the amount of wins or those kinds of things. When you come into a new club you want the team to play, as soon as they can, to the standards you want them to play, getting across your ideas as soon as possible,” Slot said on TNT Sports.
“I inherited a team that did really well last season and for so many seasons before, so there was not a reason to change lots of things, just keep the things they do really well.
“In general, I think the things Jurgen likes his team to do, and I like my team to do, is press really high. Sometimes in different formations, but the idea is the same – and we both like to score goals.”
Liverpool were clearly a tasty outfit to take over, and the former Feyenoord boss has a staggering amount of talent at his disposal.
Mo Salah and Virgil van Dijk are world class, while the likes of Trent Alexander-Arnold, Ibrahim Konate, Luis Diaz, Alexis MacAllister, Ryan Gravenberch, Dominik Szoboszlai and Diogo Jota are top tier Premier League players.
However, each and every one of those were players signed by Klopp, and it’s often the case a manager wants to stamp his mark on his new club with signings.
But instead, Slot’s used what he had at his disposal and Erik Ten Hag could potentially take some notes.
No manager has won more points than Slot after their first 11 games, and Liverpool have only equalled their current total once. That year, the 2019/20 season, they won the title.
Is that a sign of things to come? It sure looks that way.
Liverpool’s Dutch manager Arne Slot (L) congratulates Liverpool’s French defender #05 Ibrahima Konate (C) after the English Premier League football match between Liverpool and Aston Villa at Anfield in Liverpool, north west England on November 9, 2024. Liverpool won the game 2-0. (Photo by Paul ELLIS / AFP).Source: AFP
CITY’S WOES CONTINUE… BUT CAN THEY BOUNCE BACK?
Manchester City are one of the most dangerous teams in world football, and in recent years have been the most dominant force in England.
But now Pep Guardiola’s men have lost fair games in-a-row. It’s the first time this has happened since 2006.
That was two years before the club’s financial takeover and 10 years before Guardiola stepped foot in England as manager of the blue portion of Manchester.
But what’s more is it’s the first time in the history of Guardiola’s career he’s lost four games on the trot. That’s quite staggering.
Their most recent loss came against Brighton, while the remaining three saw the City powerhouse go down to Sporting Lisbon, Spurs and Bournemouth.
All four teams are solid in their own right, but should have been light work for a team of City’s quality.
Following the loss to Sporting, Bernardo Silva said his side were in a “dark place” and now
Guardiola has been asked if the dynasty has came to an end.
“It’s what the people want, right?” he said. “That’s normal — we won a lot. I would just like to have all the squad (available).”
But City’s problems could simply come down to injuries, and the sheer amount of football they’ve played so far this year.
Ballon d’Or winner Rodri is sidelined with an ACL injury, and he’s pivotal in the defensive midfield role.
Ruben Dias, John Stones, Manuel Akanji and Nathan Ake were all also unavailable against Brighton, while Jeremy Doku, Kyle Walker, Jack Grealish, Oscar Bobb and Kevin De Bruyne have also spent time sidelined.
With that amount of key players injured, any team in almost any sport would hit a rough patch.
“We cannot do it every three days, three days, four days, three days with the (injury) situation we have,” Guardiola said, before adding: “I would love to have the players (back).”
Dias, Stones, Walker, Doku and Grealish are all due to return in the coming weeks, while De Bruyne’s fitness will only build after the Brighton tie.
So with a host of big names nearing a return, City should be able to turn their current mess around. However, they’ve now got a five-point buffer to claw back on current ladder leaders Liverpool.
Brighton comeback sinks Man City | 00:50
HAVE CHELSEA FOUND THEIR SWEET SPOT?
Chelsea have been a peculiar outfit for a number of years now, purchasing a host of players for big money whilst not being able to deliver.
But now, under new manager Enzo Maresca, the Blues finally looked to have found a clear path and direction.
Chelsea have lost only one of their last 10 games and sit in third on 19 points, and Maresca has done what his predecessors have been unable to do.
He’s locked down a group of players he believes are his best, using them strictly in the Premier League and important games while youngsters and fringe players have been injected into their remaining Caraboa Cup and Conference League games.
Instead of chopping and changing, and attempting to keep everyone happy, he’s stuck to his guns and players like Moises Caicedo, Levi Colwill, Nicolas Jackson and Wesley Fofana.
Throw in the mix Cole Palmer, who is arguably the most in-form player in all of world football, and there’s finally some stability at Stamford Bridge after a long period of uncertainty.
“When you look at that squad, you’re thinking how are they going to get any continuity?” Former Liverpool gun Michael Owen said on Optus Sport.
“But he really has stuck to his guns, stuck to a group of players and he’s been pretty consistent with who’s been playing.
“That’s exactly what the doctor ordered for Chelsea at this moment of time so it’s been impressive so far, the stability he’s brought, it’s exactly what Chelsea needed.”
Meanwhile, club legend and former legend Frank Lampard also weighed in on Maresca’s tough stance, sticking with his group of preferred players.
“I worked with that squad for a short time when I went back and they had 30 players which you would call frontline players, internationals, and it’s harder when you try and juggle it,” Lampard said.
“You’re trying to keep everyone happy. Sometimes you do have to be a bit brutal and I think they got to a tipping point in the summer of, ‘this is the direction’.
“Now the players that are the strong core of this team, I think now are going to develop without that problem.”
Chelsea’s Portuguese midfielder #07 Pedro Neto (R) shoots to score their first goal during the English Premier League football match between Chelsea and Arsenal at Stamford Bridge in London on November 10, 2024. (Photo by Glyn KIRK / AFP) /Source: AFP
UNITED’S SHOPPING LIST IN AMORIM REVOLUTION
Ruben Amorim is the man tasked with turning around Manchester United’s fortunes, and he is set to arrive at Old Trafford this week amid problems with his working visa.
During his tenure at Sporting Lisbon, the Portuguese manager has implemented a 3-4-3 formation, but players are given a chance to roam.
While his striker is the main man, the wingers outside of him are given a pass to slot in behind and fill gaps, becoming makeshift attacking midfielders.
For goalkeeper Andre Onana, he believes his squad have what it takes to adapt to Amorim’s high intensity style of play.
“It’s a different system but my teammates are all pragmatic. I think everyone here is capable of playing in each system so I don’t think this will be an issue for us,” he said to the BBC.
“We have big players, they will step up.”
Amorim himself also said: I know how I am going to play in the beginning, because you have to start with a structure that you know.
“Then you will adapt with the players that you have, some injuries, or no injuries, what kind of players have the abilities to defend, attack, I will discover that in the next few weeks.
“We don’t have a lot of time to train, so I have to show something that I know very well. You can take whatever you want from that.”
So it’s fair to say Amorim will be implementing his tried and tested game plan, with Bruno Fernandes a perfect man to find gaps as his key No.10.
Another position that Amorim will desperately need to strengthen is the right wing slot, considering how important his wingers are in his formation.
Erik Ten Hang signed Brazilian Antony to fill that slot, however he’s endured a tough time at Old Trafford.
According to Teamtalk, United are keen on the services of Lisbon’s rising star Geovany Quenda who has been a revelation under Amorim.
Multiple clubs are also keen on his services, however the link to his former coach could be a crucial factor in any potential move for the 17-year-old.
However, the incoming coach has poured cold water on any moves in January for Sporting players, despite also hinting Pedro Goncalves could be another target.
The midfield gun has been a crucial figure under Amorim, and played a major role in the club’s pair of titles in recent years.
United have also been linked with Swedish marksman Viktor Gyokeres, however he’s also a target of a whole host of worldwide big hitters.
On the defensive end, reports emerging from Italy have claimed Amorim wants to recruit current Juventus captain Danilo, whose contract expires at the season’s end.
He’s on the lookout for a new club, and the Italian giants could be enticed to sell him to get a return before his time ends.
However, with Lenny Yoro and Matthijs de Ligt being big money defensive signings this season, it remains to be seen whether more centre backs will be recruited.
Sporting Lisbon’s Portuguese coach Ruben Amorim gestures during the Portuguese League football match between SC Braga and Sporting CP at the Municipal stadium of Braga on November 10, 2024. (Photo by Miguel RIOPA / AFP)Source: AFP
On the weekend Arsenal’s title challenge slipped up, the Premier League’s leading two sides consolidated their place atop the table.
Liverpool’s win over Chelsea continued Arne Slot’s fine start to life in England, while City were on the receiving end of a controversial refereeing decision that kept them within a point of the Merseysiders.
Read about all that and more in our wrap of the overnight Premier League action!
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‘HARSH’ STONES WINNER DRAWS ‘SUBCONSCIOUS’ BIAS QUESTIONS
“Harsh.”
That’s how Wolves coach Gary O’Neil described the decision to award John Stones’ 95th minute winner against his side.
The Manchester City defender’s header was initially ruled out after the fourth official deemed Bernardo Silva to be in an offside position, disallowing the goal.
However, a VAR review found Silva wasn’t in Wolves keeper Jose Sa’s line of vision and had no impact on him, despite footage showing the Portuguese midfielder backing into Sa as Phil Foden’s corner made its way toward the box.
At the last moment, Silva moved away from Sa, creating enough separation for VAR to judge he’d not fouled his countryman in the build-up to the winner.
While Silva was technically in an offside position, according to the FA’s rules website players cannot be offside from a corner, much in the same way they cannot be offside from a throw-in.
As outlined in The Athletic, this means that ‘as long as the referee decides (Silva’s) not in Sa’s line of sight nor fouls the keeper at any point, the goal should be given according to the laws.’
O’Neill drew comparisons between Stones’ winner and a goal disallowed against former Wolves defender Max Kilman last year, where Wolves player Tawanda Chirewa was deemed to be in an offside position and blocking West Ham keeper Lukasz Fabianski’s line of vision.
Wolves’ manager made his feelings known about the decision in his post-game press conference, stating:
“Is there something in the subconscious around decision making, or without even knowing it, are you more likely to give it to Manchester City than Wolves?”
“My senses are heightened when we’re facing Man City and it’s Pep and Haaland. Are the officials the same when it’s Haaland and Manchester City?” he added.
“Is there something in there that they, not on purpose, influences decision making?”
O’Neill’s post-game protest matters ultimately can’t change the result – a much-needed victory for Manchester City in the context of the Premier League weekend.
Fellow title challenges Arsenal slipped at Bournemouth, while Liverpool beat Chelsea, meaning anything other than a City win would’ve opened the title race up completely.
The result also marks the still-winless Wolves’ seventh loss of the season, leaving them anchored to the bottom of the Premier League table with just a single point.
On another day the hosts may have left this game with a point, or perhaps all three, after they opened the scoring in the seventh minute through Jorgen Strand Larsen.
The Norwegian striker’s goal marked the fourth time in their last seven league games that City have conceded first, with Rodri’s lack of controlling presence in central midfield seen as a major contributing factor to this.
Josko Gvardiol’s equaliser came after the half hour mark, when the Croatian central defender curled his shot beyond Sa from the edge of the area.
Until Stones’ winner, Wolves largely kept City at bay. Guardiola’s side failed to create a big chance throughout the game, despite taking 22 shots.
Post-game, Guardiola praised his side for being “patient and making runs and crosses,” in their bid to break Wolves down.
“We have a lot of chances, but we don’t have the tallest team to attack crosses.
“That’s why I have the opinion that it’s an excellent performance.”
Bernardo Silva separated himself from Jose Sa at the perfect time, allowing VAR to award John Stones’ winner against Wolves.Source: FOX SPORTS
STELLAR SALAH KEEPS SLOT’S DREAM START ROLLING
Arne Slot said Liverpool passed the hardest test of his time in charge as a 2-1 win over Chelsea at Anfield moved the Reds back top of the Premier League on Sunday.
Mohamed Salah’s penalty and Curtis Jones’ winner made it 10 wins in 11 games since Slot succeeded Jurgen Klopp.
Nicolas Jackson briefly levelled for Chelsea, who enjoyed nearly 60 percent possession, but they slipped to a first league defeat since losing to Manchester City on the opening weekend of the season.
Victory takes Liverpool one point ahead of City and four clear of Arsenal, who they face at the Emirates next weekend.
“Many other games were hard but this might have been the hardest because of the amount of quality players they have and the structure they have,” said Slot. “We had to fight really hard to get this one over the line.”
Chelsea are now seven points off the top down in sixth, but there was plenty cause for optimism for the Blues from a performance that stretched Liverpool to their limits.
“We lost, we are not happy, but the performance with and without the ball was very good,” said Chelsea boss Enzo Maresca.
“I’ve been in this stadium many times and to see Liverpool in their (half) for a long time is not easy.” Liverpool’s only defeat under Slot came to Nottingham Forest following September’s international break.
– Jones makes his mark –
The Dutchman responded by this time leaving all of his South American internationals — Alexis Mac Allister, Luis Diaz and Darwin Nunez — on the bench after their exertions in recent days across the Atlantic.
The decision to hand Jones just his second league start of the season proved an inspired one as the England international won Liverpool’s penalty and scored the decisive goal.
Chelsea settled nicely into their rhythm and pushed the home side back by dominating the ball in the opening half hour.
However, Liverpool’s pace on the break was a constant threat and Chelsea were caught out when Salah fed Jones, who was chopped down by Levi Colwill.
Salah slammed home his 10th goal against his former club from the resulting penalty.
The Egyptian now has 162 Premier League goals, equal with former Spurs and England striker Jermain Defoe, to sit within the top 10 all-time scorers in the competition’s history.
Speaking on Sky Sports’ post-game coverage, Liverpool legend Jamie Carragher believes the 32-year-old will “have an eye on Thierry Henry (175 PL goals) and Frank Lampard (177 goals) by the end of this season.”
Despite rumours Salah’s time at Anfield could draw to a close at season’s end, Carragher is of the opinion “stats like this are one of the biggest reasons why Mo Salah will sign a new contract at Liverpool.”
“I think these are things that really get the juices flowing for Mo Salah.”
Moments later, Cody Gakpo slotted in at the end of a lightning Liverpool counter-attack, but Salah had strayed offside before delivering the assist.
At the other end, Jackson smashed off the angle of post and bar in the first sign that Chelsea had some punch to their possession football.
Chelsea, though, had another escape just before half-time when referee John Brooks initially pointed to the spot once more when Jones went down under a challenge from Robert Sanchez.
VAR intervened, however, as the Spanish goalkeeper got a touch on the ball before making contact with Jones.
Within three minutes of the restart for the second half, the Blues were back level as VAR played another helping hand for the visitors.
Jackson latched onto Moises Caicedo’s through ball and coolly slotted past Caoimhin Kelleher for his fifth goal in eight Premier League games.
The Senegalese striker was ruled offside on the field, but was shown to be played on by Ibrahima Konate on replay.
Liverpool took just three minutes to restore their lead as Jones timed his run perfectly to control and flick in Salah’s cross.
Chelsea forced Slot’s men to defend their lead for the final 40 minutes but struggled to create clear-cut chances for the equaliser until seven minutes of stoppage time.
Renato Vega headed over Cole Palmer’s free-kick before Christopher Nkunku failed to get a telling touch to Pedro Neto’s teasing cross
Stunning goals, an unwanted record, late drama and just a second goalless Premier League draw this season.
Saturday’s top-flight action yet again failed to disappointment with 22 goals scored across eight matches.
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Liverpool are the new Premier League leaders following their win over BournemouthCredit: AFP
In the early kick-off, Chelsea breezed past West Ham at the London Stadium – winning 3-0 with Nicolas Jackson grabbing a first-half double.
The defeat for the Hammers saw them create unwanted history by losing their first three home league games of a season for the first time ever.
Elsewhere, Brennan Johnson helped Tottenham earn a 3-1 comeback victory over Brentford in a London derby that saw Dominic Solanke open his Spurs account.
Meanwhile Darwin Nunez scored his first Liverpool goal of the campaign in epic fashion in the 3-0 victory against Bournemouth which has seen the Reds move to the top of the table.
It was another late win for Aston Villa as they came from behind to beat Wolves 3-1, with Fulham also beating Newcastle by the same scoreline.
Unfortunately for Everton, they yet again let slip a lead to draw 1-1 at Leicester to earn their point this season, while Ipswich scored an injury time equaliser away at Southampton.
And in the final encounter of the day, Crystal Palace and Manchester United played out an enthralling 0-0 draw in a game that somehow remained goalless at Selhurst Park.
Here talkSPORT duo Jamie O’Hara and Jason Cundy reveal their winners and losers from Saturday’s action on the Game-Day Phone-In…
Winners
Brennan Johnson
Having been criticised by Spurs fans following the defeat to Arsenal last week, Johnson has scored in back-to-back games.
A winner in the Carabao Cup third round away at Coventry was followed up by a smart strike against Brentford – and he proceeded to pull out the ‘shush’ celebration to silence his critics.
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Spurs forward Johnson has found the back of the net in his last two competitive outingsCredit: AFP
Speaking of his upturn in form, ex-Chelsea defender Cundy said: “He’s had a tough last week, he took a little bit of stick after the north London derby.
“He got the winning goal midweek, today he gets another goal, he’s had a tough and bumpy ride at Spurs.”
Former Tottenham midfielder O’Hara added: “Fair play to Brennan Johnson, he took some stick and it’s affected him, he deleted his Instagram.
“But you know what? Concentrate on your football and that’s the best way to answer your critics, score goals and do the business, so fair to him.”
Jason Cundy and Jamie O’Hara react to Lisandro Martinez horror challenge against Crystal Palace
Luis Diaz
The Liverpool winger has now scored five goals in as many Premier League matches following his quickfire double against the Cherries.
Only Manchester City marksman Erling Haaland boasts more goals in the top-flight than Diaz this term.
Diaz has starred this season, with the Colombian also firing in a double in the 3-0 victory at Old Trafford prior to the international break.
Waxing lyrical over the 27-year-old, Cundy remarked: “He’s a special player this boy, he’s got a goal in him, he’s so sharp.”
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Diaz dazzled as Arne Slot’s side breezed past the Cherries at Anfield
Nicolas Jackson
The Chelsea centre-forward continues to repay boss Enzo Maresca’s faith having scored four goals from his five league starts this term.
As well as scoring twice at the London Stadium, Jackson also laid on the assist for Cole Palmer’s strike at the start of the second half.
Praising the 23-year-old, Cundy said: “His goalscoring record at Chelsea is unbelievable.”
He added: “He’s one of those players that still needs to be polished, he’s not the finished article, but another two goals for him.”
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Jackson scored twice against West Ham to lift Chelsea into fourth spotCredit: Getty
Losers
Julen Lopetegui
West Ham fans rejoiced when Lopetegui replaced David Moyes in the dugout, but things haven’t went to plan as of yet, with the East Londoners picking up just four points from a possible 15.
Their defeat to Chelsea was their third consecutive loss in front of their own fans, who booed the Hammers following the full-time whistle.
Cundy said of Lopetegui: “Number one on the list, the West Ham manager, [they were] shocking today, absolutely abysmal and if he doesn’t sort it out quickly, there will be calls for his head.
“West Ham fans wanted David Moyes out, they wanted free-flowing attacking football, but I tell you what they did want as well, they wanted results, and right now, they ain’t getting them.”
Cundy added: “They’re getting none of that, they’re getting no free-flowing attacking football, they’re getting no clean sheets or very few of them, no results.
“Today in the first half, for the first 25-30 minutes, they were a disgrace, not laying a glove on Chelsea.”
Before stating: “They were on the end of a humbling defeat at home to Chelsea, he [Lopetegui] needs to sort that out quickly, because things aren’t going well for West Ham right now.”
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Lopetegui has overseen West Ham’s worst league start to a season on home soilCredit: Getty
Eddie Howe
Howe‘s Newcastle fell to their first defeat of the season at Craven Cottage, where they were outplayed by Fulham to see them drop to sixth in the table.
Keen to point out Newcastle‘s results this term have flattered them somewhat, O’Hara said: “They haven’t been playing well, but they’ve picked up results, and that today was a humbling defeat.”
Cundy then stated: “They’ve not been great, you could almost predict a defeat was on it’s way for Newcastle, because the games they’ve played, even though they beat your mob [Tottenham], you lot should have got the next goal at 1-1.
“They were 1-0 down against Wolves, managed to come back, they were slightly fortuitous with the goal [Fabian Schar equaliser], it took a deflection and that made it 1-1 and they went on and got the three points.
“But it does feel like it was coming for Newcastle, they’ve picked up the points, they’re sixth, it’s been a really good start, but that’s not a great result – 3-1 away at Fulham.”
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Newcastle’s unbeaten start to the Premier League season came to an end in west LondonCredit: Getty
Gary O’Neil
The third manager in Cundy and O’Hara biggest Premier League losers list, Wolves boss O’Neil may be feeling the heat at Molineux.
Wolves fell to a late defeat at Villa Park despite leading at half-time to leave the Midlands outfit bottom of the table without a win and four losses from five fixtures.
Cundy said of Wolves’ awful start: “I still think that Gary O’Neil is going to be a brilliant manager, he’s going to find a way to get Wolves out of this, but right now, they need something.
“They need a little bit of the rub of the green, they need something to get out of it, because it’s not like they’re not competing in games, because they have done.
“They’re a side at the moment that are just desperate for a little bit of good fortune, so even though I’m putting Gary in there, I’m backing him to turn it around.
“But they need something and they need something quickly.”
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Wolves have mustered just one point from their first five matchesCredit: Getty
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This is how the Premier League table looks heading into Sunday’s fixtures
Manager Julen Lopetegui has now made a historically poor start at West Ham as they fell to a 3-0 home defeat against Chelsea.
Nicolas Jackson scored two goals in the opening 18 minutes for the Blues before assisting Cole Palmer early on in the second-half.
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Jackson netted two goals to fire Chelsea into a comfortable leadCredit: Getty
Lopetegui once again struggled to get a tune out of his side and will be left wondering how he can finally make them click.
West Ham were lacklustre in their defending for all of the goals and have now made unwanted history from their latest result.
The Hammers, who were denied a penalty and saw a goal ruled out for offside, have lost their opening three home games of a league season for the first time ever.
MORE ON THE PREMIER LEAGUE
Aston Villa beat them 2-1 on the opening weekend of the campaign and then Manchester City won 3-1 at the London Stadium two weeks later.
Now Chelsea have been able to travel to east London and pick up all three points, with West Ham now winless in three league games.
Their only Premier League victory so far this season came towards the end of August when they won 2-0 away at Crystal Palace.
Just four points in five league games have come after a summer transfer window in which they spent around £121million.
Fans may begin to ask questions over Lopetegui, who looked despondent when Palmer scored Chelsea’s third, just 68 seconds after the restart.
There were also boos from the home crowd when he substituted Crysencio Summerville on 54 minutes.
When asked about pressure piling on the new West Ham manager, ex-Hammers striker Dean Ashton told talkSPORT: “There is a change of style Lopetegui is trying to implement and you can just see that they’re not ready for it, or they haven’t done enough work on it.
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Palmers’ goal early in the second-half sealed all three points for ChelseaCredit: PA
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Jackson would have certainly enjoyed his afternoon at the London Stadium
“West Ham supporters want to see a difference and it looks like Lopetegui is trying to implement a new system, but the players just haven’t got it yet.
“They’re trying to keep the ball a bit more but they look way more open than a David Moyes side.
“So actually you haven’t yet got the scintillating football and you’ve lost the defensive solidity David Moyes could bring because of the way they would sit in and hit on the counter-attack.
Carl Jenkinson Claims Forgotten West Ham Player Was A Better Free-Kick Taker Than Dimitri Payet
“Ultimately for West Ham, in my opinion, it was a strange appointment – it was.
“When you’re looking at a reason to get rid of David Moyes it would be the style and looking to move away from that and be more attacking – but then Lopetegui was not that person.
“If you look at the way he played at his previous clubs, that was never going to be a massive change – it wasn’t! He was always a defence-first coach.
“There was a lot of promise around the club after the change of manager and the summer they had, with the signings they made, but they haven’t delivered so far.
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Lopetegui watched his side struggle across all areas of the pitchCredit: Getty
“They were second best against Fulham who probably deserved to win that game, Crystal Palace were better for most of the game where West Ham won with two breakaway goals and they were second best in the EFL Cup against Bournemouth and yet managed to win 1-0.
“There’s a lot of improvement to be made purely on performance levels, even before you talk about results.”
West Ham now host Carabao Cup holders Liverpool in the third round on Wednesday.
Chelsea, on the other hand, have followed up their late win against Bournemouth last weekend with a third league win from five.
Jackson has reached four goals and two assists in all competitions so far this season and Palmer now has two goals and four assists.
Enzo Maresca’s side sit second in the Premier League table with ten points, sitting just two behind leaders City.
Enzo Maresca has announced where each of his attacking players will play this season as he discussed the incredible options at his disposal.
No other Premier League side boast an arsenal of attacking talent like the Blues, whose squad is stacked with quality.
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Chelsea boss Maresca is blessed with a squad stacked full of attacking talentCredit: Getty
In last week’s 1-0 win away at Bournemouth, the west Londoners started Pedro Neto, Cole Palmer, Noni Madueke and Nicolas Jackson.
And in the second half, Maresca brought on Joao Felix as well as Jadon Sancho and Christopher Nkunku, with the duo combining for the club’s late winner.
Meanwhile, Ukrainian winger Mykhailo Mudryk and 18-year-old striker Marc Guiu were unused substitutes.
Chelsea’s stacked options up top have led to fans questioning where they will all fit into Maresca’s system, which comprises of two wingers, a No.10 and a lone centre-forward.
Speaking ahead of Chelsea’s London derby away at rivals West Ham on Saturday – live on talkSPORT – Maresca addressed those concerns, as he outlined where he sees every player featuring.
He said in his press conference: “As left wingers, we have Jadon and Misha [Mykhailo Mudryk].
“As right wingers, we have Noni and Pedro. As attacking midfielders, we have Joao and Cole.
“As a No.9, we have Nicolas, Christo [Nkunku] and Marc. We do not have so many players, we have two players for each position.”
He continued: “Christo can play as a No.9 or as an attacking midfielder and a winger.
“Kiernan [Dewsbury-Hall] can play in the pocket and wide.
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Nkunku and Sancho are just two high-quality forwards at Maresca’s disposalCredit: Getty
“Pedro was playing as a left-winger because Jadon wasn’t here and fit and, between Misha, Pedro and Jadon, I preferred Pedro for that one game… but that doesn’t mean always I will prefer Pedro.
“So the squad is quite clear in terms of positions. All of them have their position and we have two players in each position.
“But because they are versatile, good and can play in different positions, for sure we can move them.
Noni Madueke insists Chelsea is a great place to be despite ‘exaggerated’ noise around ‘great guy’ Enzo Maresca’s side
“For example, Christo played the first game against Manchester City as a winger.”
It remains to be seen what frontline Maresca will go with against the Hammers at the London Stadium.
Although Jackson seems destined to lead the line once again having started each of their opening four Premier League matches and scored two goals, plus provided one assist.
