Analysis, features, news plus more – on European football and sports galore!
The sight of two former Chelsea men winding up Inter supporters in celebration during Milan’s 2-1 Derby della Madonnina win this past weekend spoke for itself, especially since neither was Fikayo Tomori nor Ruben Loftus-Cheek. Roma loanee Tammy Abraham and Christian Pulisic, both with a point to prove for different reasons, hope more awaits them after some rough early season form. Continue reading “Roma’s Abraham enthused by positive start to Milan loan after narrow derby win”
Joelinton’s rasping drive had Newcastle sitting second in their Champions League group at one stage during an eventful evening, before their hearts were broken twice in a manic second-half after goals from Christian Pulisic and substitute winger Samuel Chukwueze sent them out of European competition altogether on Tyneside tonight while Milan are Europa League-bound in 2024. Continue reading “Newcastle 1-2 Milan: Chukwueze curler sends Toon tumbling out of Europe late”
Gareth Southgate insisted afterwards that he’s not unhappy and expected a tight game given the strength of their American opponents. His players were frustrated post-match, but can only blame themselves for a ponderous and unsettling display as they – like the Netherlands three hours earlier – failed to secure the World Cup’s first last-16 berth with a group game to spare.
Continue reading “World Cup 2022 – England 0-0 USA: Berhalter’s boys expose Three Lions in anti-climactic stalemate”
Although he’s struggled for regular minutes and consistency at club level with Chelsea, Christian Pulisic still represents the US’ big hope – alongside Gio Reyna and Brenden Aaronson – to surprise their critics and exceed expectations in Qatar, having failed to qualify altogether four years ago. Will they progress from a tough Group B which features England and Wales? Continue reading “World Cup 2022: Pulisic excited, determined to change the way the world sees US soccer”
Romelu Lukaku came off the bench to score his first Premier League goal for 107 days, as the Belgium international defiantly dismantled Aston Villa’s backline once again during an eventful second-half ensuring they didn’t lose further ground in their title charge after defending champions Manchester City won a nine-goal thriller against Leicester elsewhere on Boxing Day.
Continue reading “Aston Villa 1-3 Chelsea: Lukaku the matchwinner as Blues complete comfy comeback”
A lot has changed for both sides in the four months since their last meeting, a 2-0 Leicester win propelling them top of the Premier League while confining the Blues to their fifth league defeat in a month under Frank Lampard. Under new management and with a Champions League Final to come on May 29, will Thomas Tuchel’s men prove a step too far for the bullish Foxes here?
Continue reading “FA Cup Final Preview: Chelsea vs Leicester – Time to step up”
Every cloud has a silver lining, or so the saying goes. Frank Lampard’s 18-month stint as Chelsea manager was ruthlessly ended by lunchtime on Monday, but with the new man replacing him at the helm in west London, winger Callum Hudson-Odoi has an opportunity to replicate Christian Pulisic’s success under the German succeeding their club legend. Continue reading “Thomas Tuchel’s Chelsea appointment a silver lining for Callum Hudson-Odoi”
Read on for two Champions League MD6 match previews ahead of a pivotal Group G clash between Spanish giants Barcelona and Serie A champions Juventus with top spot not yet confirmed, while Frank Lampard’s unbeaten Chelsea side expect to finish with a flourish when entertaining Russian side Krasnodar elsewhere tonight in Group E. Are we in for some surprises? Continue reading “UCL MD6 Previews: Barcelona and Juventus clash, while unbeaten Chelsea host Krasnodar”
Neither side was particularly convincing during their season-opening Premier League fixtures, but Chelsea and defending champions Liverpool clash at Stamford Bridge this Sunday. The Blues have a golden opportunity to lay down an early marker in the 2020-21 campaign against the Reds, who conceded three against newcomers Leeds last weekend. Will either side prevail? Continue reading “Chelsea vs Liverpool Preview: An early litmus test for Lampard’s Blues”
Chelsea’s Premier League campaign gets underway with a tricky away trip to the south Coast, as Brighton await on Monday evening. Two weeks after a 1-1 draw at the Amex, the Blues return in a competitive capacity and target a statement win away to last season’s strugglers. Can Graham Potter’s men surprise the side who narrowly secured a top-four finish last term? Continue reading “Brighton vs Chelsea Preview: Lampard’s men target winning start in tough test”
A repeat showing of Bayern-Chelsea feels like an unnecessary formality. Alongside their three-goal cushion from the first leg victory, the Bundesliga champions host a depleted Blues side this weekend. Will they finish what they started with ruthless aplomb, or can Frank Lampard’s men complete mission impossible in Munich?
Continue reading “Champions League last-16 preview: Bayern vs Chelsea – Blues playing for pride”
Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang netted a matchwinning brace for the second successive FA Cup tie, as Arsenal edged out a nervy 2-1 win over London rivals Chelsea – earning a record 14th title in competition history while subsequently qualifying for UEFA Europa League football next season with Mikel Arteta’s first piece of silverware in management. Continue reading “Arsenal 2-1 Chelsea: Aubameyang’s brace seals FA Cup trophy and European football”
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