Chelsea

Chelsea defender Antonio Rudiger has said "racism won" after he was booed by Tottenham Hotspur fans during Saturday's 2-1 derby win at Stamford Bridge, adding he feels "totally alone."

Rudiger, 26, scored a late own-goal as Frank Lampard's side notched their second win over Spurs this term. Some among the travelling fans could be heard heckling the Germany international, whose allegations of monkey chants from the crowd in Chelsea's win at Tottenham in December went unproved following an investigation.

He told reporters after the home win over Jose Mourinho's side, per Matt Barlow of the Daily Mail: "If you boo me because of that, then you are poor people. I am sorry, this is a sign that we have a very big problem. It's sad. At the end of the day, I am alone in this case because I am the one who has to swallow this. It makes me feel like it will always be like this. For me, in this case, racism won."

Rudiger addressed the four white journalists involved in the conversation and said he feels isolated because of a lack of support from the authorities: "I'm not trying to offend. But you people will never understand what goes through my mind in this moment. Or other black players' minds. I am alone. I am totally alone. It's nice if people are speaking up for me but, at the end of the day, it just replays. Authority-wise, I am alone."

Olivier Giroud and Marcos Alonso scored in either half before Rudiger diverted an 89th-minute Erik Lamela effort into his own net, completing Chelsea's league double against their nearby rivals:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ksJLSnkHPw4

Players have been encouraged to walk off the pitch if they're subject to racist abuse. Rudiger said he will "always stand up" against the issue: "I'm not hurting anyone. I'm not killing anyone. I will always stand up for other people. I will not leave anyone like this."

The centre-back departed Stamford Bridge on Saturday to be with his newborn son, Djamal:

https://twitter.com/ToniRuediger/status/1231310756039340032

He continued: "If it happens at football, it is also happening outside. Outside, my son is going to be growing up. I will do my best to make sure my son is not stupid like other people. Sorry for this word, I don't have any other words for this."

Willian scored a first-half double at Tottenham Hotspur Stadium on December 22 to give Lampard his first derby win over Spurs, when Heung-Min Son was sent off for raising his studs against Rudiger:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3WFiVBAPJ9g

That match was paused by referee Anthony Taylor after objects were thrown at Chelsea goalkeeper Kepa Arrizabalaga, and Rudiger indicated he was being subject to monkey taunts from the home fans.

Tottenham released a statement on January 6 that said their investigation in partnership with the Metropolitan Police had found "no evidence to support the allegation of racial abuse."

Rudiger added he is "the bogeyman" because no evidence was found to support his accusations. He noted Chelsea supporters were arrested after other Blues fans highlighted their racist abuse of Spurs forward Son but appeared discontented by the lack of action against other alleged culprits:

"I'm very careful with this. I'm not in the investigations. I'm not a police officer. I don't want to say they did their job wrong because I'm not in a position to do that. 

"I hope they tried everything. I hope always people do their job right. Nothing happened and, to be honest, it was not a surprise. Mostly, they get away with it.

"These people need to be punished. They need educating. It's a lack of education. We all failed in this—even you (the media)."

Son played no part in Saturday's game as he continued his recovery from a fractured arm, while Harry Kane also remained sidelined for Spurs following a torn hamstring.

Rudiger said he received support from Tottenham's players after the alleged abuse he received in December, including from England captain Kane, who he said apologised after the game.

The Blues took a vital three points in Week 27 to stay fourth in the Premier League and boost their advantage to four points over Tottenham, who dropped down to sixth.   

Chelsea manager Frank Lampard has said midfielder N'Golo Kante will miss up to three weeks with a muscle injury but striker Tammy Abraham could return against Tottenham Hotspur on Saturday.

Lampard's team have been hit with injuries to key players in recent weeks, and he offered an update on the duo in his pre-match press conference on Friday:

"N'Golo is not fit. He has got a muscle injury, similar to the one he came off recently against Arsenal with. Hopefully, he will be [back] in three weeks, something around that.

"Tammy Abraham has trained the last two days at probably about 70 per cent. He hasn't trained much recently. He is in the squad again but I have to make a decision on whether he is fit."

Kante's injury will be a blow to Lampard ahead of some crucial fixtures both in the Premier League and the UEFA Champions League:

The games N'Golo Kante could miss for Chelsea:
❌ Feb 22 - Tottenham
❌ Feb 25 - Bayern Munich
❌ Feb 29 - Bournemouth
❌ Mar 3 - Liverpool
❌ Mar 8 - Everton
❌ Mar 14 - Aston Villa pic.twitter.com/ICsUra3oVU

— GOAL (@goal) February 21, 2020

It means Lampard is likely to partner Jorginho with Mateo Kovacic in central midfield, as the duo have impressed together for the Blues in 2019-20.

Kante has been a vital player for Chelsea since joining from Leicester City July 2016 but has struggled with injury this season, and the Blues have coped well in his absence. They have won 87.5 per cent of their Premier League games without him in the team, according to Goal's Nizaar Kinsella.

Lampard will be hoping to have top-scorer Abraham available for the visit of Tottenham. The 22-year-old has 15 goals in all competitions but has been out of action since the 2-2 draw with Leicester City.

Squawka Football highlighted his importance to the team:

Tammy Abraham has scored 30% of Chelsea's Premier League goals this season.

A big miss for Frank Lampard's side tonight. pic.twitter.com/UYsO5mUy1u

— Squawka (@Squawka) February 17, 2020

Lampard will look to either Michy Batshuayi or Olivier Giroud if Abraham is not deemed fit, and the Blues boss said the Frenchman is ready to make just his third Premier League start:

Lampard on Giroud starting vs Tottenham: "He said he needed a few weeks to get properly properly fit. He wasn't ready for Manchester United but he is after this week." #CFC #CHETOT

— Nizaar Kinsella (@NizaarKinsella) February 21, 2020

Saturday's match could prove crucial in the race to finish in the top four of the Premier League. Chelsea are a point ahead of Tottenham but defeat will see Jose Mourinho's men leapfrog the Blues into fourth.

Chelsea midfielder Mateo Kovacic has urged the Blues to "wake up" following the 2-0 defeat to Manchester United on Monday. 

The loss took Chelsea's winless streak in the Premier League to four matches, leaving them just one point ahead of Tottenham Hotspur in the standings. A clash with Spurs is next on the schedule.

Kovacic urged the team to get back to the form they showed earlier this season:

"We are still fourth, so we are still in a good position, but we need to wake up because they are coming from behind.

"We need to play these next games like we were playing in the beginning of the season and change some things as well, obviously.

"We need to improve a lot because we have tough games ahead of us and we have to be focused."

Anthony Martial and Harry Maguire got the goals for United, who benefited from several controversial VAR decisions to bag a crucial win in the race for the top four:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=yM72wkQXLEM

The Blues remain in fourth place, but things are tight behind them, with Spurs, Sheffield United and Manchester United all within three points.

A top-five finish may be enough for a spot in next year's UEFA Champions League, depending on the outcome of Manchester City's appeal against a two-year UEFA ban for financial fair play violations, per BBC Sport's Dan Roan.

The Blues' upcoming schedule is tricky, with Champions League outings against Bayern Munich and league clashes against the likes of Spurs, Everton and Manchester City before the end of March.

That leaves them in real danger of sliding out of the top five if they can't turn their form around. Spurs, their next opponents, have won three in a row and shown remarkable resilience under manager Jose Mourinho. If they win at Stamford Bridge, they'll pass the Blues in the standings.

Kovacic has enjoyed a solid season and was a standout against the Red Devils, per Chelsea blogger Simon Phillips:

Kovacic is boss, criminally under rated by some.

— Simon Phillips (@siphillipssport) February 17, 2020

The Croat lost midfield partner N'Golo Kante to an injury early, and Chelsea boss Frank Lampard told reporters after the match it didn't "look great" for the former Leicester City man.

If Kante is sidelined for a long spell, it will put even more pressure on Kovacic to keep performing well and help the Blues halt this slide.

Chelsea manager Frank Lampard was pessimistic about the adductor injury N'Golo Kante suffered during the 2-0 loss against Manchester United on Monday. 

Kante lasted fewer than 15 minutes in the loss, and Lampard provided an update after the contest: "It's an adductor injury. We'll have to assess it, but it doesn't look great."

He added the Frenchman will have a scan to determine the severity of the injury.

N’Golo Kante was forced to leave Chelsea vs. Manchester United after just 13 minutes due to injury 🤕 pic.twitter.com/RDowf74g0E

— B/R Football (@brfootball) February 17, 2020

The Blues lost 2-0 without their star enforcer after goals from Anthony Martial and Harry Maguire:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=dNG-OeQIiFE

The VAR was unkind to the Blues, taking away two goals and not handing Maguire a red card, despite him seemingly kicking out at Michy Batshuayi.

While the loss was a major blow to Chelsea―they're winless in their last four Premier League outings and sit just one point ahead of Tottenham Hotspur―Kante's injury could be even more detrimental in the long run.

The 28-year-old has been a constant presence in Chelsea's midfield for the past few years, appearing in 34 or more Premier League matches in each of the last three seasons.

He's in the midst of his most prolific campaign yet, scoring three goals already despite spending two spells on the sidelines with injuries. His personal best over a full Premier League season is four. 

Chelsea have a crucial stretch of their campaign coming up, with matches against the likes of Spurs, Bayern Munich, Everton and Manchester City before the end of March. They'll also face Liverpool in the FA Cup.

Mason Mount replaced Kante on Monday, and while the 21-year-old is a special talent with tremendous upside, he lacks the experience and consistency to be a worthy replacement on a weekly basis. The Englishman started the season well but has struggled of late, although he did provide two assists in the draw against Leicester City earlier this month.

Kante's injury could also be a major blow to the French national team just a few months ahead of the UEFA Euro 2020 tournament. Les Bleus will enter as world champions and among the favourites, but like Chelsea, they're highly reliant on the tackling machine.

Corentin Tolisso, Matteo Guendouzi, Blaise Matuidi or Steven Nzonzi could slide into the team if Kante ends up missing the tournament, but none of those players can fully replicate the energy the former Leicester man brings to the side.

Chelsea manager Frank Lampard has questioned the choices made by the video assistant referee in Monday's 2-0 home defeat to Manchester United, including the decision to not send off Harry Maguire. 

United captain Maguire, 26, looked fortunate to remain on the field after an incident with Michy Batshuayi in the 20th minute. Kurt Zouma and Olivier Giroud later had goals ruled out for a foul in the build-up and a tight offside call, respectively.

Lampard objected to how VAR was utilised and questioned why officials don't make more use of the pitchside monitor in his post-match comments, per the Daily Mail's Sami Mokbel: "Harry Maguire should have been sent off, that's clear, and that obviously changes the game. Azpilicueta gets shoved so the goal should stand. I don't get why they aren't looking at the [pitchside] monitor. It should be used."

Anthony Martial headed United in front shortly before the break, and Maguire later nodded home a Bruno Fernandes corner to double their advantage:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=yM72wkQXLEM

The former Leicester City star scored his first Premier League goal for United in his 26th top-flight appearance for the club, but the game could have panned out very differently had he been dismissed on 20 minutes.

Maguire told Sky Sports after the game that he felt referee Anthony Taylor had "seen sense" by not sending him off after he appeared to kick out at Batshuayi in a touchline incident:

"I thought he was going to fall on me. It was a natural reaction"

Harry Maguire explains his clash with Michy Batshuayi which VAR decided was not a red card

More: https://t.co/XI0hSMyYna pic.twitter.com/i9ypuxfex8

— Sky Sports Premier League (@SkySportsPL) February 17, 2020

The Blues dugout looked incensed after Maguire seemed to have made unnecessary contact with the Chelsea's striker's groin, but Maguire defended his reaction as natural:

"I knew I caught him, but I felt like he was gonna fall on me. My natural reaction was to straighten my leg and, if he was to fall on me, try and hold him up. Obviously I've got studs on my boots and it probably looks worse than it was on TV, but it was my natural reaction. It wasn't a kick out, no intent.

"I did catch him, but I think it's the right decision in the end.

"I didn't have any intent to hurt him or kick him. I’'ve got studs on the end of my boots, so it makes it a little bit worse, but I apologised to him, and it's nice that the referee has seen sense."

Maguire revelled in his first top-flight goal for the club and a decisive one at that, which helped United move up to seventh in the table and within three points of fourth-place Chelsea:

Goal ✅
Clean Sheet ✅
3 points ✅ #MUFC 🔴❤️ pic.twitter.com/6hAIt1vbs4

— Harry Maguire (@HarryMaguire93) February 17, 2020

Lampard's side have now won once in their last five games across all competitions, failing to beat United and Arsenal (2-2) in their last two home outings.

Samuel Luckhurst of the Manchester Evening News commented on Ole Gunnar Solskjaer's swift improvement upon United's performances at Stamford Bridge:

#mufc had won three times at Chelsea this century until Solskjaer showed up. Now won their last three at Stamford Bridge in three different competitions. Lampard is Solskjaer's patsy.

— Samuel Luckhurst (@samuelluckhurst) February 17, 2020

The Red Devils have failed to concede in their past four matches and will look to go five unbeaten when they travel to Club Brugge on Thursday for the first leg of their UEFA Europa League round-of-32 clash.

Chelsea return on Saturday when they host rivals Tottenham Hotspur in a derby showdown that could see them fall out of the top four should they lose a second straight match at home.

Chelsea midfielder N'Golo Kante had to be substituted just 10 minutes into Chelsea's Premier League clash with Manchester United on Monday. 

After taking a knock, he was unable to continue and had to be replaced by Mason Mount:

The Blues are forced into an early change as Kante looks to have taken a knock. Mount is called into action from the bench.

🔵0-0 🔴[12'] #CHEMUN pic.twitter.com/ehxb8dRAsA

— Chelsea FC (@ChelseaFC) February 17, 2020

The Frenchman has been a key fixture in the Chelsea side since he joined the club in 2016, through the managerial reigns of Antonio Conte, Maurizio Sarri and now Frank Lampard, and it will be a big concern if he has to face time on the sidelines. 

Injuries have troubled Kante on several occasions already this season, with an ankle problem causing him to miss four games across August and September.

Kante is the beating heart of Chelsea's engine room thanks to his tireless running and peerless work rate.

Combined with his ability to win possession through tackles or interceptions, he's incredibly effective at breaking up play.

His speed across the park also makes him well-suited to launching quick counter-attacks, so while he may not contribute much in terms of goals or assists, he can have a big impact on the team's attacking play.

No one else at Chelsea can offer what he does, so any prolonged absence would be a significant blow to the Blues.

Chelsea are focused on beating Manchester United on Monday to maintain their advantage in the race for the top four, not to exact revenge for the reverse fixture at the beginning of the season, according to N'Golo Kante. 

On the opening day of the 2019-20 Premier League campaign, Frank Lampard's Chelsea went to Old Trafford and were thrashed 4-0:

Manchester United 4-0 Chelsea

▪️ Two goals from Rashford
▪️ Two assists from Pogba
▪️ Debut goal from 21-year-old Daniel James

What a start to the season 💥 @brfootball pic.twitter.com/IfqPI4WzFB

— Bleacher Report (@BleacherReport) August 11, 2019

United also beat the Blues 2-1 at Stamford Bridge in the Carabao Cup in October.

However, Chelsea go into Monday's home fixture against the Red Devils sitting fourth in the Premier League table, six points clear of United:

Back 🔜 pic.twitter.com/kWwCYtQ9wn

— Premier League (@premierleague) February 12, 2020

Kante is fully aware that a United win in west London would allow them to tighten the race for the top four, and he said Chelsea are eager to stretch the gap they currently have over the other UEFA Champions League hopefuls in the English top flight, per Reuters (h/t ESPN FC):

"Man United were a bit behind but now they have closed the gap so it's a big opportunity either for us to keep them behind or for them to close the gap more. It's an important game for both teams. We all know that Man United at home is a very difficult game, especially after what happened in the first game but we don't look at this.

"We just look forward because we want to keep the gap and so that's why we need to win, not to get revenge."

Chelsea have won just one of their last five fixtures in the Premier League and have picked up only two points in their last three games against Newcastle United, Arsenal and Leicester City.

In United, though, they meet a similarly out-of-form side who have not even scored a goal in their last three league matches since Marcus Rashford was sidelined through injury.

The Red Devils have not won a league game at Stamford Bridge since they triumphed 3-2 there in October 2012.

If that run continues on Monday, it could spell the end of United's top-four hopes, although after Manchester City's European ban, a fifth-placed finish could yet secure a Champions League spot. As would winning the UEFA Europa League.

United return to European action after their visit to Chelsea when they take on Club Brugge in the first leg of their Europa League last-32 tie on Thursday.

By then, winning Europe's second-tier competition could conceivably be United's best route back to the Champions League. 

Chelsea manager Frank Lampard has said he wants to see a reaction from goalkeeper Kepa Arrizabalaga after he was left out of the side for the 2-2 draw at Leicester City.

The Spain international has struggled for form, and Lampard took the 25-year-old out of the firing line in Chelsea's previous Premier League outing, starting with veteran Willy Caballero between the sticks instead.

The decision has led to questions over Kepa's long-term future at Stamford Bridge, although Lampard has said he thinks taking him out of the team may act as a catalyst for progression, per Paul MacInnes of the Guardian:

"It was just a selection on that day, but I want everyone's reaction to be spot on and he came out of the team. I know how that feels and what it would have meant to him. Every player [gets dropped], except maybe [Lionel] Messi or [Cristiano] Ronaldo.

"I don't expect smiley faces when people get dropped, I just expect reactions. With the competition in squads now … you have to always be aware that if your standards drop or if the manager chooses for whatever reason, [to leave you out] you need to handle it in the right way."

Lampard added that Kepa's reaction to being dropped has been "good." "I haven't had lots of conversations with him this week, but it's a decision for me to make and I have made my decision," continued the Chelsea manager.

The Blues boss is undoubtedly facing a big call for Monday's showdown with Manchester United. Caballero made some smart saves in the Leicester clash, although he was caught out positionally for the Foxes' second strike of the day, per Daniel Storey of Football365:

Willy Caballero goes walkabout, and Frank Lampard's decision to drop Kepa draws a little more attention. Dreadful goalkeeping.

— Daniel Storey (@danielstorey85) February 1, 2020

Caballero said the former Athletic Bilbao stopper offered him his full support before the match, despite being dropped:

"Kepa was fantastic today supporting me."

Willy Caballero speaks to @DesKellyBTS after an eventful few days... pic.twitter.com/L6hE1w2Ahy

— Football on TNT Sports (@footballontnt) February 27, 2019

Kepa finds himself in a difficult position, especially given he was expected to go from strength to strength when Chelsea paid a world-record fee for a goalkeeper to land him in the summer of 2018.

While there's no doubt he has a number of traits needed to be an elite stopper, he's lacked consistency this season. Kepa has struggled to command his penalty area and has failed to keep efforts out he would expect to save.

Per WhoScored.com, the Spaniard's shot-stopping percentage is not impressive:

Kepa save success rate in the Premier League this season -- 56.2% 😱

Chelsea boss Frank Lampard is adamant that he isn't looking to sign a new goalkeeper right now, but @BenMcAleer1 wonders whether he should maintain that stance in the summer...https://t.co/IO59vS9Kfs

— WhoScored (@WhoScored) January 31, 2020

According to Sami Mokbel of the Daily Mail, Chelsea are concerned about the Spain international's value dropping ahead of the summer should he remain on the bench. The Blues paid a whopping £71 million to sign him before the 2018-19 season.

Monday's selection will reveal plenty, especially given it's a crucial match for both teams. Chelsea occupy fourth spot in the Premier League and will be desperate to put some daylight between them and United, who are six points further back.

Frank Lampard has said Christian Pulisic will miss Chelsea's Premier League clash with Manchester United on Monday, but he revealed the forward is stepping up his recovery.

The United States international has been rehabilitating after missing six games with a muscle injury and has not featured since the 1-1 draw at Brighton & Hove Albion on January 1.

Lampard said in his pre-match press conference that the American is working back to full health along with Ruben Loftus-Cheek, but the Blues' next game has come too soon for the pair:

"Christian trained with the under-23s today and will be there for a short period, so he won't be fit. Ruben won't be fit for this game but is getting closer and training a lot. He needs more match fitness, but it's great to have him nearly back."

Loftus-Cheek has been recovering from a ruptured Achilles suffered last May in a friendly against New England Revolution.

Lampard also said he will have to wait to see if Tammy Abraham can start against the Red Devils after nursing an ankle injury.

The striker, who has developed into one of Chelsea's most important players this season, needed an injection to feature in the 2-2 draw at Leicester City on February 1, with Abraham substituted after 83 minutes.

"Tammy is still feeling the effects," Lampard said. "We had to take him out of training a couple of times this week, but he trained today. I'm hoping he'll be fit."

The Chelsea boss also commented on goalkeeper Kepa Arrizabalaga after the No. 1 was dropped by Lampard against Leicester in favour of Willy Caballero.

Lampard said there have been no issues with the stopper since he was relegated to the bench, and he's yet to decide if he will start against United:

"The reaction has been good as I would expect. I haven't had lots of conversations with him. It's a decision I will have to make.

"It doesn't matter when you came to the club, I don't take into account the fee. It's the training that counts. I have decided, and you'll find out.

"It wasn't about giving him a jolt. It was just a selection on that day. I want everyone's reaction spot on. I know how it will feel for him. I had it in my career, it is part and parcel. I am pleased with the reaction.

"I deal with the players as it feels right. I am open and straight with them."

Chelsea's form has been precarious during their attempts to stay in the top-four, but their rivals have also struggled with consistency throughout the campaign.

Lampard's men have won just four of their last 13 league games, including defeats to West Ham United, Bournemouth and Southampton during a miserable run. The Blues have earned only two points from a possible nine, and United will be desperate to close the gap after the winter break.

The Red Devils are six points behind Chelsea, and they ideally need a win at Stamford Bridge to close the gap on the UEFA Champions League spots.  

Kurt Zouma has said Jose Mourinho told him he was "rubbish" when he was at Chelsea and it motivated him to "show him that I could react."

Mourinho signed centre-back Zouma in 2014 during his second spell in charge at Stamford Bridge.

The Frenchman had been in the Saint-Etienne senior side for three years after graduating from their youth system, but he was still only 19 when he moved to west London.

Despite his youth, Zouma has now explained Mourinho did not hold back in his criticism after a poor performance, per RMC Sport (h/t Goal's Peter Lynch):

"I cannot remember which match we were playing, we were losing 3-1, away from home.

"The following day, he [Mourinho] catches up with me, he takes me to his office, and he asks me if I am ok. I said yes, he asked me if I was sure.

"I said yes again, he replied ‘Because you were rubbish this weekend.’ Like that, direct. It shocked me, but it made me want to immediately respond on the pitch.

"I remember that it hurt me, that it affected me. But I really wanted to show him that I could react."

Zouma played 15 Premier League games in his debut season at Chelsea when the Blues won the Premier League.

He then made 23 appearances in 2015-16 in the English top flight when Mourinho was sacked after a dismal start to the season.

The 25-year-old has since spent two spells on loan at Stoke City and Everton.

But under Frank Lampard in 2019-20, he has reestablished his spot in the Chelsea first team, playing in 20 of their 25 games this term.

The Blues have been on their Premier League winter break since February 1, but they are back in action on Monday when they face Manchester United at home.

It could be a crucial match in the battle for the top four:

Back 🔜 pic.twitter.com/kWwCYtQ9wn

— Premier League (@premierleague) February 12, 2020

Chelsea have won just one of their last five league games and have been dragged into a battle for the final UEFA Champions League spot as a result.

If they lose to the Red Devils, they could drop out of the top four altogether, and it will be a battle to get back in.

If they beat United, though, the Blues will not only hold onto fourth place, they will deal a big blow to one of the other competitors and give themselves a big psychological boost after a poor run.