Eddie Howe Says No Nathan Ake Bids Made Amid Chelsea, Manchester City Rumours
Jan 3, 2020
BOURNEMOUTH, ENGLAND - DECEMBER 07: Nathan Ake of AFC Bournemouth during the Premier League match between AFC Bournemouth and Liverpool FC at Vitality Stadium on December 7, 2019 in Bournemouth, United Kingdom. (Photo by James Williamson - AMA/Getty Images)
Bournemouth have yet to receive any offers for Nathan Ake in the January transfer window, according to Cherries manager Eddie Howe.
Matt Law of the Telegraph reported Arsenal are now in the race to sign the 24-year-old after he was linked to Chelsea, Tottenham Hotspur, Manchester City and Everton.
Chelsea have the option to re-sign their former player for £40 million after selling him to Bournemouth in 2017 for £20 million.
Ake has not played a minute since mid-December because of a thigh injury.
Speaking ahead of Bournemouth's FA Cup third-round clash against Luton Town, Howe was asked if any bids had been lodged for Ake. Per MailOnline's Ben Nagle, he said: "Nothing to report on Nathan. He is recovering well from his injury, we will see when he is back fit."
Ake has established himself as an accomplished centre-back at Dean Court.
In 2017-18 and 2018-19, he played in every single one of Bournemouth's 76 Premier League games, acting as a strong presence in the centre of the defence and also chipping in with six goals and three assists.
Ake has also made 13 senior international appearances for the Netherlands since making his debut in May 2017.
Reliable centre-backs are hard to come by in the transfer market, and Ake also has the added attraction of being able to play as a left-back or in defensive midfield:
Nathan Ake can play left-back as well as centre back. Just saying #cfc
The fact that he is sidelined through injury may explain why no club has yet to come forward with a formal offer for Ake.
Given that the list of clubs reportedly interested in him continues to grow, though, it would be a big surprise if offers are not forthcoming before the transfer window closes.
Christian Pulisic Talks January Transfers, Chelsea Form After Brighton Draw
Jan 2, 2020
Brighton's Brazilian midfielder Bernardo (L) watches Chelsea's US midfielder Christian Pulisic during the English Premier League football match between Brighton and Hove Albion and Chelsea at the American Express Community Stadium in Brighton, southern England on January 1, 2020. (Photo by Glyn KIRK / AFP) / RESTRICTED TO EDITORIAL USE. No use with unauthorized audio, video, data, fixture lists, club/league logos or 'live' services. Online in-match use limited to 120 images. An additional 40 images may be used in extra time. No video emulation. Social media in-match use limited to 120 images. An additional 40 images may be used in extra time. No use in betting publications, games or single club/league/player publications. / (Photo by GLYN KIRK/AFP via Getty Images)
Chelsea's Christian Pulisic has said he would welcome the competition provided by January arrivals at Stamford Bridge.
At the start of the campaign, it was expected that Chelsea would not be able to bring in players mid-season after a breach of FIFA rules. However, a ruling from the Court of Arbitration for Sport means the Blues are able to strengthen their squad should they wish.
Pulisic signed for Chelsea in the previous January window before making a move back to Borussia Dortmund on loan for the rest of the term. Speaking after the team's 1-1 draw with Brighton & Hove Albion on Wednesday, the United States international said he'd welcome new additions, per Nizaar Kinsella of Goal.
"It is normal," he said. "Teams look to improve their team, and if players do come in, there is competition. That is how it goes. So we'll be ready for that, and hopefully we'll have players that come in and want to help us."
The Blues have had a strong campaign overall, although they have suffered some frustrating results lately. At Brighton, they conceded late on after Cesar Azpilicueta had given Frank Lampard's side an early lead:
Pulisic, who missed the win at Arsenal because of injury, started the match at the Amex Stadium and was substituted after 66 minutes.
He spoke of the recent up-and-down results from the team and said he expects to turn in better performances himself, per Kinsella: "I can do better as well. Just being more clinical in the final third, finding the right pass or shot and scoring the goals. After we scored the first goal, it was just about continuing and just not stopping there, making it two or three and putting the game to bed."
As football writer Daniel Storey relayed, despite some poor results, Chelsea have been able to preserve a sizeable gap to the sides seeking to hunt them down in fourth spot:
On November 10, Chelsea were nine points ahead of sixth place. They've since won only three of their nine league games, and are still six points ahead of sixth place.
Simon Johnson of The Athletic commented on what was a challenging day for Chelsea players and Lampard:
That's it 1-1. A fair result in the end given Kepa's three saves, but Lampard will surely regard that as two points dropped. Chelsea had a chance to win ugly and lost control of the game. The subs didn't help.
Pulisic's own fortunes have been similar to Chelsea's, as he's turned in both brilliant and frustrating performances. He's scored six goals for the club already, although he's not netted or provided an assist in his last seven appearances.
Even so, there will be encouragement at Stamford Bridge with the ease with which Pulisic has settled into life at the club and in the Premier League as a whole. If the Blues can make a similarly effective January acquisition, they should coast to a fourth-place finish this term.
Frank Lampard Dismisses Olivier Giroud for Wilfried Zaha Transfer Rumours
Jan 1, 2020
LONDON, ENGLAND - MARCH 10: Olivier Giroud of Chelsea controls the ball during the Premier League match between Chelsea and Crystal Palace at Stamford Bridge on March 10, 2018 in London, England. (Photo by Catherine Ivill/Getty Images)
Frank Lampard has said he won't swap striker Olivier Giroud for Wilfried Zaha, despite rumours linking the Crystal Palace winger with a move to Chelsea during the January transfer window.
A report from The Times (h/t Metro)detailed how the Blues have been preparing an offer for Zaha, who is valued at £80 million by Palace. The bid would include France international Giroud.
However, Lampard poured cold water on the idea when speaking after Chelsea drew 1-1 away to Brighton & Hove Albion in the Premier League on Wednesday, per Goal's Nizaar Kinsella:
Lampard on Zaha: "I wouldn’t talk about Zaha and the idea of that [swap with Giroud] deal is something I have never even considered. As I say I won’t talk about Zaha because he is not a player of ours." #CFC
Lampard doesn't like the idea, but Giroud joining the Eagles with Zaha going the other way is something former Palace winger John Salako would endorse.
Earlier this month, Salako told Love Sport Radio (h/t Goal's Chris Burton): "They could do a great little swap, though. Palace have got their eyes on Giroud, and that would be fantastic—Giroud plus money!"
Palace's need for a target man of Giroud's quality is obvious. The 33-year-old would represent a major upgrade over Christian Benteke, thanks to his ability to hold the ball up and bring others into play with deft touches.
Giroud can also be prolific leading the line, something Palace haven't had this season despite the best efforts of Jordan Ayew:
Even though Ayew has five league goals to his credit, Eagles chief Roy Hodgson will know his team needs more firepower through the middle. Yet Hodgson will also know the value of Zaha's pace, trickery and flair from wide areas.
The 72-year-old recently reaffirmed Palace's desire not lose their star man during the winter window, per MailOnlines Alec Fenn: "We aren't trying to sell Wilfried Zaha. We want to keep Wilfried Zaha. What assurances can people give? I know no-one (at the club) is anxious to sell Wilfried Zaha."
However, Hodgson also said the club's board would need to take any bids for a player with three goals and an assist to his credit this season "seriously"
Chelsea's need to make a bid of this type remains open to debate. Lampard has no shortage of talented wide players at his disposal, including Willian, Christian Pulisic and gifted 19-year-old Callum Hudson-Odoi.
Willian created as many chances today as the entire Spurs team (5).
While Lampard doesn't have a pressing need for Zaha, he could still use Giroud's experience and quality through the middle. The former Arsenal man has been relegated to a mere onlooker this season, making just two starts and three substitute appearances in the league.
Meanwhile, Lampard has entrusted Tammy Abraham to be the focal point in attack, a responsibility the 22-year-old has embraced:
Michy Batshuayi has been Abraham's most frequently used deputy, but Giroud can still add a lot to Chelsea's season. He was the top scorer in helping the Blues win last season's UEFA Europa League, while his experience as a four-time FA Cup winner could prove invaluable once Chelsea begin the competition against Nottingham Forest on Sunday.
Jorginho Says 'Youth Is Not an Excuse' for Chelsea Starlets After Arsenal Win
Dec 31, 2019
LONDON, ENGLAND - DECEMBER 29: Jorginho celebrates scoring Chelsea's first goal during to the Premier League match between Arsenal FC and Chelsea FC at Emirates Stadium on December 29, 2019 in London, United Kingdom. (Photo by Visionhaus)
Chelsea midfielder Jorginho has said all the team's players will need to take responsibility if Blues are going to finish in the top four of the Premier League, suggesting "youth is not an excuse" for poor performances.
Chelsea were 2-1 winners at Arsenal on Sunday, ensuring they remained fourth in the table. However, they were fortunate to come away from the Emirates Stadium with all three points having struggled to click into gear for long spells of the game.
Jorginho was introduced into the game in the first period as Blues manager Frank Lampard sought to give Chelsea a hold on the game. Looking ahead to the rest of the season, Jorginho said the players will need to show more to preserve their position, per Nizaar Kinsella of Goal:
"I think when you play for Chelsea, we talk a lot about 'young, young, young, young' but we are in the middle of the season and every player has to take responsibility.
"Not just the older players. Of course, the younger players need more help but youth is not an excuse, you just have to be ready, prepared for the game, prepared to fight, because you are playing for Chelsea in the Premier League and that's it.
"[Beating Arsenal] was very important for us. It's quite hard to win away, especially when it's a derby, and the feeling is crazy. But now we need to change our mindset and win at home as well because we are losing too many points."
Chelsea fell behind in the game after Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang opened the scoring. However, late goals from Jorginho and Tammy Abraham saw the Blues snatch a dramatic win at the Gunners:
Football writer David Amoyal commented on the influence of Jorginho after he entered the game, as he helped Chelsea stem the flow of relentless Arsenal attacks:
They need to come up with stats that pay tribute to how good Jorginho is
Lampard is blessed with a number of high-quality options in central midfield and has opted to start Mateo Kovacic alongside N'Golo Kante frequently this term. Jorginho's efforts on Sunday were a reminder of his qualities.
In frantic games, the Italy international is capable of slowing down the tempo of play with his composure on the ball and varied passing range.
Per the Orbinho Twitter account, when Jorginho was introduced into the match, Chelsea were able to dominate the ball:
Possession
0-15 mins 53% Arsenal 16-30 mins 62% Arsenal 31-45 mins 66% Chelsea 46-60 mins 65% Chelsea 61-75 mins 68% Chelsea 76-90 mins 62% Chelsea
Following the winning goal, Abraham also talked up the talents of the 28-year-old:
Tammy Abraham: "I give credit to the boys, I give credit to #Jorginho. The first 30mins they dominated the ball, were popping us in midfield, then this man comes on and it was a whole different ball game. Him coming on lifted the whole team." #CFC#ARSCHE Credit to Lampard too
Lampard's side has been rife with young players this season, and it's no surprise performance levels have been up and down as such.
Jorginho's desire to see Chelsea compete in the short term is understandable, though, as he is in the peak years of his career. Players with his experience and quality will be crucial for the Blues if they are to enjoy a prosperous 2020.
Timo Werner Transfer Rumours: Chelsea Eyeing Potential Release Clause
Dec 31, 2019
DORTMUND, GERMANY - DECEMBER 17: (BILD ZEITUNG OUT) Timo Werner of Leipzig gestures during the Bundesliga match between Borussia Dortmund and RB Leipzig at Signal Iduna Park on December 17, 2019 in Dortmund, Germany. (Photo by TF-Images/Getty Images)
Chelsea are reportedly keeping tabs on RB Leipzig forward Timo Werner and are understood to have contacted the German outfit to ascertain his release clause ahead of the January transfer window.
Werner, 23, signed a new contract until 2023 at the Red Bull Arena in August, but reported figures of his release clause have ranged from as low as £25.6 million up to £51.2 million, per the Telegraph's Matt Law.
The Blues are said to have enquired about Werner as they prepare to re-enter the market, with the club free to sign players again after having their transfer suspension reduced in early December. Chelsea were banned from registering new players this past summer for breaching rules on signing under-age players.
The chances of a winter transfer rely on the value of his release clause, though some doubt whether anything will materialise next month:
Surprised to see Timo Werner linked with #cfc. Close to zero chance that anything will happen in January. He’s a key player in Leipzig’s title push, and they are still in the #UCL. He’s in the best form of his career, and if he stays he’ll boost his chances of leading GER attack.
Per Law, Leipzig have made it clear they have no intention of selling their star attacker. The club is two points clear at the top of the Bundesliga, and Leipzig will face another London side, Tottenham Hotspur, in the last 16 of the UEFA Champions League.
Werner ended 2019 with 12 goals in his last 10 Bundesliga appearances of the calendar year, attracting plaudits from Statman Dave as he spearheaded Leipzig's drive up the German top flight:
Timo Werner has been directly involved in a goal in each of his last 8 appearances for RB Leipzig.
The Germany international has scored 23 goals and recorded 10 assists in 25 appearances across all competitions this term. He's netted 18 times in the league and is only one behind current top scorer Robert Lewandowski, the Bayern Munich frontman hunting his third straight Bundesliga Golden Boot.
Chelsea could be in the market for striker and wing reinforcements, with fringe frontmen Michy Batshuayi and Olivier Giroud said to be available as possible makeweights to aid their winter transfer drive.
Leipzig chief executive officer Oliver Mintzlaff recently told Kicker (h/t Get German Football News) Werner knows he can "join a big club sometime" but appeared confident he'd stay until the end of the season.
German journalist Manuel Veth highlighted the effect manager Julian Nagelsmann may have, with Leipzig strong contenders to win their first Bundesliga title in his maiden campaign at the helm:
I have heard Bayern are not the only club that have that clause. That said Mintzlaff seemed very confident to keep Werner in that recent kicker interview. Having Nagelsmann helps a lot.
Chelsea have relied on Tammy Abraham to steer them through a difficult period under Frank Lampard, but Werner comes with an added versatility that's seen him succeed on the wing as well as through the middle.
He's on track to challenge Karl-Heinz Korbel (602 games) as the Bundesliga's all-time appearance record-holder, having set a new best for youngest player to reach 200 appearances. That's one of numerous records he's already broken early in his career:
Bundesliga wingers Jadon Sancho and Leon Bailey—at Borussia Dortmund and Bayer Leverkusen, respectively—have also been strongly linked with a January move to Chelsea, per Law.
Werner will be wary of unsettling his place in the Germany squad ahead of UEFA Euro 2020 and seems likely to remain in Germany until then, though that may not stop Chelsea pushing their interest this winter.
Frank Lampard Says Chelsea Were 'So Awful' Against Arsenal Before Late Comeback
Dec 29, 2019
LONDON, ENGLAND - DECEMBER 22: Chelsea Manager Frank Lampard during the Premier League match between Tottenham Hotspur and Chelsea FC at Tottenham Hotspur Stadium on December 22, 2019 in London, United Kingdom. (Photo by Visionhaus)
Chelsea manager Frank Lampard said his team were "so awful for 30 minutes" against Arsenal before mounting a late comeback to win 2-1 on Sunday in the Premier League.
Lampard told reporters he had to deliver a firm half-time team talk to rouse his players after they went in at the break trailing 1-0 to Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang's early headed goal.
"We were so awful for 30 minutes, slow lethargic, nervous. The second half was nothing to do with tactics it was all to do with spirit and desire. From my point of view you can accept a missed pass but you can't accept lethargy in a London derby. The players were told that and they delivered.
"I said my piece and it was pretty firm. You can't come here and have nothing about you. We are Chelsea, we can't just roll up. The lads started talking and it was a bit aggressive, which was a good thing. We made the change and it got better. We controlled everything in the second half, the fight and desire was here."
Arsenal were so dominant in the early exchanges that Lampard opted to make an early tactical change. He replaced Emerson with Jorginho on the half-hour mark and reverted to a back four:
Chelsea have another booking: Rudiger now. Emerson off for Jorginho. Tomori goes to right back, Azpi left in a back four. #CFC#ARSCHE
The change helped Chelsea gain a foothold in the match, although they needed some good fortune to equalise on 83 minutes. Goalkeeper Bernd Leno misjudged Mason Mount's free-kick, allowing an unmarked Jorginho to tap into an empty net.
Jorginho had an eventful match after coming on as a substitute. Lampard said he was fortunate to escape picking up a second booking for a cynical foul on Lucas Torreira shortly before his equaliser:
Lampard admits Jorginho could have been given a second yellow card. He says the midfielder was a big catalyst for our change in fortunes today, not simply because he was the early sub but the way he won so many second balls, hitherto an issue for us. #ARSCHE
Tammy Abraham netted the winner for Chelsea with just three minutes of normal time remaining to deny Mikel Arteta his first win as Arsenal manager and make it four straight home defeats for the Gunners.
The win also saw the Blues come from behind to win for the first time this season:
FT: Arsenal 1-2 Chelsea
A first comeback of the Premier League season for Lampard's #CFC against rivals Arsenal. No new manager bounce for Mikel Arteta. It was cruel but glorious from the Blues. Arsenal will rightly complain that Leno mistakes and Jorginho didn't get sent off
Lampard's substitutions helped swing the game in Chelsea's favour, but Leno's error and the referee's decision not to send off Jorginho were also crucial to the Blues' victory.
Tammy Abraham Scores Winner in Chelsea's Comeback vs. Arsenal
Dec 29, 2019
Arsenal's Brazilian defender David Luiz (R) stretches to block Chelsea's English striker Tammy Abraham (C) as Arsenal's German goalkeeper Bernd Leno (L) keeps goal during the English Premier League football match between Arsenal and Chelsea at the Emirates Stadium in London on December 29, 2019. (Photo by Ian KINGTON / IKIMAGES / AFP) / RESTRICTED TO EDITORIAL USE. No use with unauthorized audio, video, data, fixture lists, club/league logos or 'live' services. Online in-match use limited to 45 images, no video emulation. No use in betting, games or single club/league/player publications. (Photo by IAN KINGTON/IKIMAGES/AFP via Getty Images)
Chelsea returned to winning ways on Sunday, beating London rivals Arsenal 2-1 at the Emirates Stadium in the Premier League. Tammy Abraham completed the comeback by netting a late winner.
Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang opened the scoring after 13 minutes after the Gunners made a fast start. Chelsea improved after the break, however, and scored twice in the final minutes, with Jorginho and Abraham finding the target.
The Blues came into the match having lost three of their past four in the Premier League. New Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta has yet to win a match in charge of the Gunners.
Arsenal came out firing, creating two early chances for centre-back David Luiz, who missed the target with both.
The Gunners feasted on Chelsea's high press, finding acres of space to work with and putting a lot of pressure on the Blues. It led to an early booking for Matteo Guendouzi and a lead after just 13 minutes.
Mesut Ozil's corner was flicked on by Calum Chambers, and Aubameyang reacted fastest, scoring from close range. As Bleacher Report's Sam Tighe highlighted, it was the latest example of Chelsea's set-piece struggles:
The Gunners wanted a penalty minutes later after contact between Kurt Zouma and Alexandre Lacazette, but the official and VAR let play go on.
Arsenal were forced into a substitution midway through the half, losing Chambers to an apparent ankle injury. Shkodran Mustafi was his replacement. Chelsea also made an early change, but not because of injury:
Emerson's misery comes to an end - Jorginho replaces him. Azpilicueta moved to left back. Tomori to right back.
Zouma had a chance to equalise after a corner was worked into his path, but he lost his footing just as he was about to pull the trigger, and the chance went begging. Aubameyang found the side-netting from a tight angle, and Fikayo Tomori hit the last chance of the half right at Bernd Leno.
N'Golo Kante found some space after a poor clearance early in the second half, but he had little time to get his shot away and fired wide. Aubameyang nearly got away from the defence soon after, with a perfect Zouma tackle denying him a one-on-one with Kepa Arrizabalaga.
The Blues needed a spark, and manager Frank Lampard took a big risk on the hour mark, introducing teenager Tariq Lamptey:
Lamptey coming on to make his Chelsea debut. No pressure. #CFC#ARSCHE
The 19-year-old made the right impact, nearly picking out Abraham with a good pass that almost beat Luiz. Willian had better luck, but Cesar Azpilicueta couldn't find the target with his header.
Chelsea increased the pressure as the half wore on and came close to tying things through Abraham after 75 minutes. The striker found the space he needed to get his header off but aimed his effort directly at Leno.
The Gunners did a fine job of shutting down the Chelsea attack, but a single error turned the match on its head. Leno missed a Mason Mount free-kick, and the ball fell to Jorginho, who easily tapped home into the empty net.
Momentum shifted to the Blues, who completed the comeback with a sharp counter-attack just minutes later. Sports writer Mina Rzouki felt for the hosts:
What has been a fantastic performance by Arsenal will result in no points. So disappointing for Arteta. They worked so hard and were so well organised
It was Chelsea's turn to kill the clock, and they only gave away a single chance, with Lucas Torreira blasting a first-time volley wide of the goal.
What's Next?
Both teams will be in action on New Year's Day, with Arsenal hosting Manchester United and Chelsea visiting Brighton & Hove Albion.
Frank Lampard Says He Has No Issue with David Luiz Ahead of Arsenal vs. Chelsea
Dec 29, 2019
PRAGUE, CZECH REPUBLIC - AUGUST 30: Frank Lampard of Chelsea and David Luiz of Chelsea prepare to take a free kick during the UEFA Super Cup between Bayern Muenchen and Chelsea at Stadion Eden on August 30, 2013 in Prague, Czech Republic. (Photo by Shaun Botterill/Getty Images)
Chelsea manager Frank Lampard has said he has no issue with Arsenal defender David Luiz ahead of the Premier League clash between the teams on Sunday.
The Brazil international was sold by Chelsea in the summer, with the Gunners taking him across London. After saying he was keen to leave the Blues, Luiz was made to train away from the first team before the transfer went through.
Naturally, Lampard was asked about the 32-year-old before the clash at the Emirates Stadium, and the Chelsea boss said there's no animosity between him and his former Chelsea team-mate, per Sky Sports:
"Maybe I was a bit harsh not to answer [original question] directly. What I don't want to do is make it a personal question going into a game against a player who I respect and played with.
"If you look at our defenders and the emergence of [Fikayo] Tomori, it has been a big plus for us. It was just a decision that was made and while I'm here there will be countless more of those.
"Again, I certainly wish Luiz well. He was part of a Champions League-winning team with me, he played with half a hamstring in the final—I know that. He got himself fit when he was under pressure with the injury. I will always respect that."
Since arriving at Arsenal, Luiz has struggled for form as part of a defence that's leaked goals regularly. The team's troubles led to the sacking of the man who brought the defender to the club, Unai Emery. Mikel Arteta was recently drafted in as his replacement.
Sky Sports Statto noted earlier in the campaign that Luiz has done little to help shore up the Arsenal back line:
Shots faced per PL game in Arsenal career (excluding tonight):
Chelsea have not been defensively sound under Lampard, although the decision to sell Luiz made a degree of sense. In Antonio Rudiger, Kurt Zouma, Andreas Christensen and Fikayo Tomori, they possess a number of talented defenders in the formative years of their careers. But as of yet, Lampard has been unable to find a consistent structure at the base of the team.
Per Jack Rathborn of The Independent, Tomori has benefitted from the extra game time he's been afforded:
Tomori has been excellent, quick decision making and quality whenever on the ball, seems to enjoy the added freedom in a back three too #TOTCHE
It will be intriguing to see how the defenders on show fare at the Emirates Stadium on Sunday, with the battle between the veteran Luiz and Chelsea forward Tammy Abraham one to look forward to.
Chelsea sit in fourth place in the Premier League, just a point ahead of Manchester United in fifth. Arsenal are in 12th but can move to within five points of the Blues with a win over their London rivals.
Cesar Azpilicueta: Chelsea Must Focus on 'Recovering the Respect at Home'
Dec 28, 2019
Chelsea captain Cesar Azpilicueta has said the team must rediscover their fear factor on home soil following a disappointing run of results.
The Blues were beaten 2-0 by Southampton in their previous outing at Stamford Bridge. The loss was their fifth in seven Premier League games and their third in four without scoring a goal on home soil, with West Ham United and Bournemouth also earning wins in west London recently.
Finding a formula to win in front of their own supporters will be crucial for manager Frank Lampard if the team is to preserve their spot in the top four this season. Azpilicueta said playing at the Bridge is something the team should relish and opponents should fear, per David Hytner of the Guardian:
"It's true that when teams see we have not won games, they come here with more confidence because they see they can do it. So forget tactics. Everything is about recovering the respect at home, being solid at home, because it is not normal to lose so many games in your stadium.
"I don't think the pressure of playing at home should be negative. It should be the opposite. We have the players, we have the quality and we have to turn it around straight away. The lesson has been very harsh—losing three [recent] games and scoring zero goals."
Here are the highlights from Chelsea's shock Boxing Day loss, with goals from Michael Obafemi and Nathan Redmond the difference between the sides:
As Sky Sports Statto relayed, it's been a long time since the Blues suffered consecutive losses at Stamford Bridge:
Frank Lampard had what many called a “tactical masterclass” on Sunday, in a huge game vs José.
Today, he should have switched things up. He made a mistake.
But it doesn’t take away from Sunday.
If you’re saying he needs to go, you need to get off Twitter & go outside.
Having beaten Tottenham Hotspur in their previous Premier League outing, Chelsea appeared primed to kick on over the festive period. However, some familiar issues reared their head for Lampard and his players, as they struggled to cut through an organised opponent.
Attacking stars like Willian, Callum Hudson-Odoi and Tammy Abraham failed to put their stamp on the game, while at the back Chelsea didn't show the defensive resoluteness required to keep out an in-form Southampton team.
Even though they're in a rut on home soil, broadcaster Alex Goldberg stressed the need for patience at Chelsea:
Frank Lampard had what many called a “tactical masterclass” on Sunday, in a huge game vs José.
Today, he should have switched things up. He made a mistake.
But it doesn’t take away from Sunday.
If you’re saying he needs to go, you need to get off Twitter & go outside.
Per Nizaar Kinsella of Goal, when the Blues have gone behind this season, they have struggled to find a way back:
Chelsea aren't threatening enough in possession. Kovacic's ability to dribble through the middle is one thing missed, particularly in this formation. Chelsea have not got a single point from a losing position all season in the Premier League. #CFC#CHESOU
Given their recent troubles at home, Chelsea will be pleased their next match is away from the Bridge. They visit a struggling Arsenal team at the Emirates Stadium on Sunday.
In a campaign wherein Lampard has sought to integrate a number of young players, it's not a shock to see the team stumble on occasion. If Chelsea are to preserve their place in the top four, then they need to get back on track in front of their own fans.
Pedro Says He'd 'Leave It All' to Rejoin Barcelona Amid Chelsea Exit Rumours
Dec 27, 2019
LONDON, ENGLAND - SEPTEMBER 22: Pedro of Chelsea FC arrives at the ground ahead of the Premier League match between Chelsea FC and Liverpool FC at Stamford Bridge on September 22, 2019 in London, United Kingdom. (Photo by Chloe Knott - Danehouse/Getty Images)
Chelsea winger Pedro has said he's prepared to "leave it all" and rejoin Barcelona if his former club comes calling when his contract at Stamford Bridge expires next summer.
The 32-year-old left the Camp Nou in August 2015 and joined the Blues for £19 million, but speculation regarding his future is again on the rise as he approaches the end of his deal.
Pedro spoke to L'Esportiu (h/t Marca) and was open to the thought of rejoining the Blaugrana five years after his departure:
"If they call me, I'd leave it all.
"There was a moment this pre-season, when we played against Barcelona, that, after speaking to [Ernesto Valverde], I saw a chance [of returning].
"But the door closed quickly. At this moment, I don't know what is going to happen to me, only that I finish my contract at Chelsea at the end of the season."
The Canary Islands native joined Barcelona's academy in 2004 and made his senior debut four years later. He went on to win La Liga five times and the UEFA Champions League on three occasions across a seven-year career at the Camp Nou.
Pedro spoke to Radio Club Tenerife in early December and appeared to suggest he will see out his contract with Chelsea and leave Stamford Bridge at the end of his campaign (via The Athletic's Simon Johnson):
Pedro on his #cfc future to Radio Club Tenerife: "There are offers,there are always clubs that are interested & that is a joy. I still have years to play but you're thinking about what things are going on.I'm running out of contract at Chelsea, I'm free & we'll see what happens."
Blues manager Frank Lampard has preferred Brazil international Willian on the right wing this season, restricting the 2010 FIFA World Cup winner Pedro to just four Premier League starts.
The Spaniard returned to the bench for the 2-0 Boxing Day defeat at home to Southampton, having sat out the previous four top-flight games, playing a six-minute cameo off the bench.
Sky Sports cited recent rumours that Chelsea are interested in a £120 million deal for Borussia Dortmund winger Jadon Sancho.
Liam Twomey of The Athletic pondered the future of Christian Pulisic as a potential heir to Pedro on the right wing:
My current Sancho PL suitor rankings (where does he make most sense?):
1) City - could slot straight in at RW 2) Chelsea - mates with Tammy/CHO but what about Pulisic? 3) United - need a superstar but have good wingers 4) Liverpool - already have world’s best front three
Ernesto Valverde could warm to the thought of welcoming back a club hero to Catalonia, and the low-cost nature of a possible deal might appeal.
However, Barcelona have budding wide options in Ansu Fati, 17, and Carles Perez, 21, meaning a move for Pedro looks unlikely even if he is available on a free transfer.
