Chelsea

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Chelsea boss Enzo Maresca speaking to BBC Sport after beating Wolves 4-3 in the Carabao Cup: "Very happy first half, very upset second half.

"It's always complicated to go away and score three goals. We were playing nice [going] forward, great chances.

"Second half, we were not doing the right things. The first goal we conceded opened a little bit the game - gave them the boost and the energy to come back into the game. And then I think all of [the three goals conceded] we can avoid. Also, we had a very stupid red card that is completely unnecessary."

On whether Liam Delap's red card was deserved: "Absolutely, yes. A stupid foul and we can avoid that.

"I completely understand when there are red cards like Brighton or Manchester United as that is difficult, but the red card against Nottingham Forest and this red card we can avoid. We have to avoid that.

In response to whether Chelsea's disciplinary record is embarrassing: "Yes, it's embarrassing when it's a red card like this because it's two yellow cards in five minutes, 10 minutes, I don't know, seven minutes. We can avoid that. So it's not good.

"After the yellow card, I told him [Delap] four or five times to keep calm. But Liam is a player that when he's inside the pitch, he'll be playing the game for himself and he struggles to realise and to listen around him."

Chelsea are planning to replace manager Enzo Maresca with Bournemouth boss Andoni Iraola. (Caught Offside), external

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Nizaar Kinsella
Football reporter at Molineux

Image source, PA Media

Chelsea manager Enzo Maresca changed his tune after the match. He had defended his players during this recent run of red cards but Liam Delap's sending off at Wolves was the final straw.

Delap pushed Yerson Mosquera and then barged into Emmanuel Agbadou to earn two bookings and was sent off just 26 minutes after coming on.

The Italian described the bookings as "stupid" and "embarrassing". It is the sixth red card in the past nine games for Chelsea, albeit including a dismissal for Maresca himself for celebrating a last-minute winner against Liverpool.

That was a message to the entire squad, not just Delap, with Maresca explaining that he accepts some red cards are not avoidable.

Delap will now miss the upcoming trip to Tottenham on Saturday, amid ongoing fitness concerns for alternative option Joao Pedro, who is being managed.

It is clear that the manager now believes Chelsea have a discipline problem, having also had more yellow cards at this stage than any other team in the Premier League in the past three seasons.

This was amid more widespread anger from the manager at the near-collapse in the second half.

Only eight teams remain in the Carabao Cup and the draw for the quarter-finals has been made.

Holders Newcastle United, who beat Tottenham in their fourth-round tie on Wednesday, have been paired with Fulham in the last eight.

All four ties are scheduled to take place during week commencing 15 December.

• Arsenal v Crystal Palace

• Cardiff City v Chelsea

• Manchester City v Brentford

• Newcastle v Fulham

Whether you were at the game or following from elsewhere, we want to know what you learned.

Have your say on Wolves' performance

What did you make of Chelsea's display?

Come back on Thursday for a selection of your replies

Nizaar Kinsella
Football reporter

Both clubs have rung the changes for the Carabao Cup by making 11 (Wolves) and 10 (Chelsea) changes respectively.

Under pressure Wolves manager Vitor Pereira has used the full reserves of his squad but it has served him well in this competition, with two wins against Premier League opposition to reach this stage.

Chelsea manager Enzo Maresca, meanwhile, has only kept exciting academy defender Josh Acheampong in his starting XI with Liam Delap back from a hamstring injury to make the bench.

There are five Carabao Cup games on Wednesday and BBC Sport will bring you every moment.

Kick-off times 19:45 GMT unless stated

• Arsenal v Brighton - listen on BBC Radio 5 Sports Extra 2

• Liverpool v Crystal Palace - listen on BBC Radio 5 Live

• Swansea v Manchester City - listen on BBC Radio 5 Sports Extra 3

• Wolves v Chelsea

• Newcastle v Tottenham (20:00) - listen on BBC Radio 5 Sports Extra

Follow all of the action and reaction here

You can also listen to today's Radio 5 Live commentaries on most smart speakers. Just say "ask BBC Sounds to play Arsenal v Brighton" or "ask BBC Sounds to play Liverpool v Crystal Palace", for instance.

Find out more about how to listen to football on BBC Sounds

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Chelsea legend Eden Hazard has been inducted into the Premier League Hall of Fame.

He is the 26th player to be added and has been selected alongside Gary Neville as the two former players selected for induction this year by the 24 existing Hall of Fame members.

Hazard was named the Premier League's player of the season in 2014-15 and was also the club's player of the season four times during seven years at Stamford Bridge.

He won the Premier League twice, scoring 85 times and registering 54 assists in 245 appearances in the division between 2012 and 2019.

"It means a lot to join the Premier League Hall of Fame," Hazard said on his induction. "I'm very proud to join this group of players and I think we could make a good squad!

"I grew up playing football for fun, with my brothers in the back garden, but my dream was always to play at the highest level.

"I just wanted to have fun on the pitch and entertain the fans who bought tickets or watched on TV. Being recognised in this way is special for me and my family. My parents were both footballers and now my children love the game too."

Jose Mourinho, who was Chelsea manager when Hazard won his first title in 2014-15, added: "Everybody knows that you belong there. You are one of the most amazing players that I ever worked with and of course you have to be there.

"You are in the Hall of Fame so now you stay in our memories - and by the way thank you so much for helping to win my last Premier League title!"

Nizaar Kinsella
Chelsea reporter

Image source, Getty Images

Chelsea manager Enzo Maresca tells his players "every day" to improve at facing low defences in back-five formations after being shocked by Premier League managers this season.

The Italian gave a humorous anecdote involving Ange Postecoglou and said Sunderland's switch to a back five surprised Chelsea in their defeat on Saturday.

When asked why opponents keep using a back five against his Blues side, Maresca replied: "When we have difficulties, we like to analyse."

Maresca added Chelsea have beaten back fives against Leicester, Wolves, West Ham and Everton, but recently his side needs to "do better", explaining: "I'm telling the players every day that, now, teams - probably because of what we achieved last season - have changed their approach against us.

"Sunderland played nine league games and they never used a back five from the start. Never. I watched them all, so we prepared for Sunderland with a back four.

"In the dressing room before the match, I told the players: 'Guys, throw all of the Sunderland preparation in the bin.' It's so difficult to change plan in just 10 minutes."

He added that a chance meeting with Postecoglou highlighted the issue: "Before Ange took over at Nottingham Forest, we spoke at the LMA awards in London.

"I said: 'Ange, I've never seen your team use a back five - except for the last 10 minutes of the Europa League final against Manchester United.

"He laughed and said: 'I hate using a back five, but, as it was the last 10 minutes and we needed to win the trophy, we did.' Then we played Forest - it was a back five, and I had prepared for a back four!

"I again told the team that everything goes straight in the bin because it was a back five. This is tough for players."

Chelsea are looking to strengthen at right-back with the addition of Strasbourg's Guela Doue, though Aston Villa and Brighton are also in the race for the 23-year-old Ivory Coast defender. (Football Transfers), external

A January loan move to Stamford Bridge is possible for 33-year-old Barcelona and Germany goalkeeper Marc-Andre ter Stegen. (Teamtalk), external

Chelsea and Tottenham showed serious interest in Morgan Rogers, 23, during the summer, but Aston Villa are currently holding talks with the England attacking midfielder over a new contract. (Fabrizio Romano, external)

Sunderland are plotting another loan move for Marc Guiu in January after Chelsea recalled the striker just two games into a season-long deal they agreed last summer. (Football Transfers), external

Want more transfer stories? Read Wednesday's full gossip column

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Will Faulks
Fan writer

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Another week, another false dawn over Stamford Bridge fades back to gloom.

A late win over Liverpool, goals galore against Nottingham Forest and Ajax, winnable games in the next few weeks. It had all lined up perfectly for Enzo Maresca's men to find a groove and roll on with three points against a newly promoted team.

Instead, this Chelsea side did the same thing they've done countless times in the last few years - stumble just when they look like they've set themselves up for success.

It's one thing to struggle to break down a well organised, well motivated team like Sunderland. But what is really criminal is not being able to take advantage of having a lead in the game. To lose from that position is really unforgivable.

The defence let down the attack by failing to hold firm with the lead. Then the attack let down the defence by toiling for 70 minutes, unable to create clear-cut chances. Joao Pedro has very quickly gone from solution to problem, while Marc Guiu's renaissance lasted precisely one start (one which comprised just 10 touches).

Alejandro Garnacho's early goal was his only real contribution and Pedro Neto was equally anonymous on the other flank. Even substitute Estevao's magic feet weren't able to produce much against the massed ranks of brave Black Cats formed up in their solid back five.

You can blame the individuals, and many of them deserve it for their performances. But when every attacking player on the pitch struggles, the coach has to take some responsibility too. We're approaching the 18 month mark for Enzo Maresca's time at Chelsea, and we really don't see a team that's better coordinated in breaking down defences than the one he inherited.

Even Cole Palmer would have struggled to make anything happen in a team programmed to move the ball slowly and sideways.

Find more from Will Faulks at Chelsea News, external

Nizaar Kinsella
Chelsea reporter

Image source, Getty Images

Chelsea manager Enzo Maresca gave straightforward, honest appraisals in his pre-match press conference looking ahead to Wednesday's Carabao Cup fourth-round tie at Wolves.

When asked by BBC Sport, he said he does not think star forward Joao Pedro - without a goal in seven games - is a 20-goal-a-season striker.

He said all his attackers must share the load - aiming for about seven to 10 goals each - to meet the team's targets this season.

This comes amid the return of striker Liam Delap from a 10-week-long injury layoff after a serious hamstring problem.

The Italian was in good spirits, despite going into detail on the challenges facing his team this season.

He shared anecdotes and funny stories during the press conference. It is clear he faces the challenges with a smile.

But pressure will mount if Chelsea lose to the Premier League's bottom club Wolves and miss the chance to win the Carabao Cup, with Tottenham up next on Saturday and enjoying improved form under new manager Thomas Frank.

Chelsea boss Enzo Maresca has been speaking to the media before Wednesday's Carabao Cup fourth-round tie against Wolves at Molineux (19:45 GMT).

Here are the key lines from his news conference:

• Maresca confirmed Liam Delap will be available to return from his hamstring injury on Wednesday: "He took part of a complete session [on Monday] and he is available. For 90 minutes - no, he's been out two months so he needs to be gradually back to 100%."

• Maresca added that he "needs to rotate" his starting XI: "We need to protect the players because if we go with the same 11, we are going to struggle during the season. Probably we will make some changes."

• More on his team selection: "There are players that they need to be protected for many reasons, so we'll see. Enzo [Fernandez], Moises [Caicedo], Joao [Pedro] - they are all players, for different reasons, we need to protect them."

• On the importance of progression in the Carabao Cup: "It is three games from the final, so we need to have the desire to play for that. We need to go game by game. Hopefully winning the game, we can think about the next one. All the competitions are important for Chelsea."

• Asked about Joao Pedro not scoring in his past seven games after his fine start at the club, Maresca said: "For sure, the physical part is important. When you are not 100%, it is difficult to compete. Joao is not a problem. He is going to score goals and give us assists. He is not going to score 20 goals a year. He's a different profile."

• On Pedro Neto's form before returning to his former side Wolves: "He's top, very humble and working hard. He's a very important player for us. We are very happy."

Follow Tuesday's Carabao Cup news conferences

Nizaar Kinsella
Chelsea reporter at Cobham Training Centre

Image source, Getty Images

At the moment, Chelsea cannot take two steps forward without taking at least one back.

That inconsistency highlights that despite winning the Club World Cup and Conference League over the summer, they are not ready to win the Premier League title.

A shock defeat at home to surprise package Sunderland has led to supporters playing the blame game again.

Chelsea manager Enzo Maresca must navigate a big week that could either see negativity grow or fend it off until the next potential setback.

A match at Wolves in the EFL Cup is nearly as important as the trip to face fierce rivals Tottenham, given his squad only looks capable of success in the domestic cups.

Some are blaming the misfiring attack while others point to the central defenders for Chelsea's inconsistency this season.

The return of Liam Delap after around 10 weeks out is expected at Molineux, which could provide a much-needed boost - amid injury absentees and a lack of fitness from some of those currently playing, including forward Joao Pedro.

Nizaar Kinsella
Football reporter

We have had a lot of questions on whether there is any more news about a new stadium or redevelopment plans for Stamford Bridge sent into our 'Ask about Chelsea' form.

There is no major update on the stadium and I will explain why. It seems, for all intents and purposes, like Chelsea have been waiting to see if an opportunity emerges to take a 44-acre site just north of Stamford Bridge.

This plot of land is being billed as the last major development opportunity in central London and whatever happens next will certainly focus minds at Chelsea. Currently, another company is building an Earl's Court Development Project, which does not feature a stadium.

They are in the final throes of securing planning permission from the two relevant London councils. If planning permission is granted, Chelsea will have their minds focused on the last and probably only option - knock down their current stadium and rebuild a bigger 60,000-seater stadium.

If it is not granted, could Chelsea hijack the site through their political connections on the board? That would open a new can of worms as the club would then need permission from the fans to move the stadium given an organisation called Chelsea Pitch Owners (CPO) owns the turf at Stamford Bridge, effectively giving them veto power over any proposed move.

I suspect things will remain quiet for the remainder of 2025 but there is potential for some major updates early in 2026.

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We asked for your thoughts after Saturday's Premier League game between Chelsea and Sunderland.

Here are some of your comments:

Chelsea fans

Ari: One step forward and two steps back. We just simply don't have the talent to break down teams who put everyone behind the ball. We are so inconsistent as well. This takes me back to the late 90s when we would show up against the big boys but struggle against the lesser teams. We also lack leaders. Where are the Terrys, the Lampards and the Drogbas?

Michael: A poor performance. There's no point having all that possession if you cannot create chances. Sunderland packed their defence but we had no creative spark. It was all too slow and predictable and we got rightly punished for it at the end but it was a game we should have won comfortably.

Alan: We have a good squad of talented players. Our problem is that this manager doesn't know how to get the best out of them. His style of football is not working and he has no plan B.

Rod: Great display against Liverpool, now back to the old ways of playing along with the manager making as usual his boring excuses. So many talented players yet still not putting it together, could this be managerial issues? Maresca look at yourself for a change.

Sunderland fans

David: A statement win which has finally earned us some proper recognition. Am so proud of the team, club, fans and city. Astute management is making the most of clever recruitment and, whisper it, we may finally have got a top half Premier league team.

Craig: The fans are delighted that we are being taken seriously, and most importantly that the players and the manager are taking being in the Premier League seriously. This wasn't a fluke win; they were genuinely better than Chelsea, on their own ground. Absolute dreamland.

Ray: Before today's game, all the pundits were saying that we were in a false position as we hadn't played anyone yet. I agree. We've only played teams below us in the league! Well done Sunderland AFC, WOW!

Dan: I thought our bubble might burst today with having such a good start so was hoping for a point but expecting a defeat. Great win, the players look like they're enjoying themselves and playing for the club and the fans. Great team spirit in the camp. Surprising everyone including us. Loving it!

Juventus are monitoring Chelsea's Malo Gusto, 22, as they consider making a move for the France right-back in January. (Calciomercarto - in Italian), external

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Pundits Michael Carrick and Ashley Williams join host Gabby Logan to bring you the action and talking points from Friday and Saturday's Premier League fixtures.

Watch on BBC iPlayer here

And listen back to full match commentaries on BBC Sounds:

• Chelsea 1-2 Sunderland

• Newcastle 2-1 Fulham

• Man Utd 4-2 Brighton

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Chelsea missed the opportunity to move into second place in the Premier League after winger Chemsdine Talbi scored a 94th-minute for Sunderland at Stamford Bridge.

Regis le Bris' side were on the brink of earning a valuable point in west London, but snatched all three when Talbi converted from the edge of the box after a quick counter-attack to make it 2-1.

The victory - Sunderland's second on the road this season - was all the more remarkable given Chelsea had taken an early lead when Alejandro Garnacho scored his first goal for the club with a fine solo effort.

Sunderland levelled through Wilson Isidor, who netted from close range for his fourth goal of the season following Chelsea's failure to clear their lines from a long throw.

The Black Cats were less adventurous in the second half, seemingly content to settle for a point against the Club World Cup champions.

But the home side struggled to create clear-cut chances and over-committed numbers in the search of a winner.

Sunderland expertly exploited the space left in Chelsea's half as substitute Brian Brobbery latched on to a long ball, held up possession and laid off for Talbi to score a famous winner.

The win means the Black Cats move into second place, two points behind leaders Arsenal having played a game more than the Gunners.

Chelsea, who would have gone second with a victory of their own, slip to seventh behind London rivals Tottenham.

Chelsea boss Enzo Maresca spoke to BBC Match of The Day after his side's defeat to Sunderland at Stamford Bridge: "We started well with the ball but we were losing the second balls and against these sort of teams you have to know how to deal with that and overall we were not good enough.

"It was not one of our best performances. You can drop points against any team if you do not perform at 100%

"I think when you lose a game like today it is not just about one player, we were not good enough in general and it is something we need to learn soon as the Premier League is full of these games."

On Sunderland's equaliser: "It was the first time they shot on goal. When they bring seven to eight players inside the box it is very difficult but it is something we need to do better."

On conceding a late winner: "We said many times that if you can't win you shouldn't lose. So we should have managed that better, but it is something to learn."

Did you know?

• Chelsea have dropped six points from winning positions in Premier League home games this season, the most of any side.

• Alejandro Garnacho scored his first Premier League goal for Chelsea. The Blues have now had 10 different goalscorers in the competition this term (excluding own goals), with no side having more.