Chelsea

Avert your eyes Chelsea fans...

The club's heavy defeat to Wolves was also the second time under Mauricio Pochettino that they have conceded four in back-to-back games, having done so in November against Manchester City - albeit in a 4-4 draw - and Newcastle.

That means they have suffered twice in the space of the last 17 games a fate that had never previously befallen them in the Premier League era, the most recent example coming in the old First Division in December 1989 when they lost 5-2 to Wimbledon, 4-2 to QPR and 5-2 to Liverpool in successive games.

Chelsea have also conceded a record of 43 goals in 31 games, at a ratio of 1.39 per game, compared to exactly a goal a game under former boss Graham Potter.

Matheus Cunha also became only the fourth visiting player to score a Premier League hat-trick at Stamford Bridge, following former Arsenal forwards Nwankwo Kanu in 1999 and Robin van Persie in 2011 and Manchester City's Sergio Aguero in 2016.

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Ryan: It’s a “Catch 22” at Chelsea. All managers need time but where do we go from here? I see no improvement or long-term project whilst the top four are galloping away with ease. Awkward and stressful times.

Phil: I find the situation at Chelsea quite remarkable. How can a team assembled at such cost be as poor as they have been so often this season?

I have occasionally seen improvement in Chelsea this season, but then we see how badly they perform in other games and wonder where it is all heading at Stamford Bridge under Mauricio Pochettino.

Is Pochettino under pressure? Of course he is and I must admit I have been surprised and disappointed at the lack of impact from someone I rate so highly.

On the other hand, can Chelsea really afford to change managers again? Where would they even go next? I actually felt the club needed a period of calm and stability under Pochettino after the chaos but defeats like yesterday hardly generate that.

Pochettino’s big hope must be that Chelsea can somehow beat Liverpool in the EFL Cup Final, win a trophy and secure European football next season. Maybe things will settle down then.

They will have to be a whole lot better than they have been for that to happen. A whole lot better.

Chelsea

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Chelsea's 4-2 defeat at home to Wolves brought further scrutiny on manager Mauricio Pochettino and the Blues' expensively-assembled squad.

It was Pochettino's 31st game in charge, the same number Graham Potter was given before he was sacked last season.

Potter was sacked after just over six months in charge and a record reading won 12, drew eight, lost 11 in all competitions.

Pochettino is two wins better off, showing at least some progress, but with the same number of losses.

The Argentine can also point to an upcoming Carabao Cup final as the club chase a first trophy since 2021.

However, there is a feeling that patience is wearing thin at Stamford Bridge given that since the Todd Boehly-led consortium took control of Chelsea in 2022, the club has spent almost £1bn on players.

Michael: Hi Phil, footballers’ behaviour is currently disgraceful. Surrounding the referee at every decision and trying to con him with play acting .I think this results in aggression in the crowd and sometimes violence. Why isn't it being dealt with?

Phil: Hi Michael. I actually thought there was going to be a clampdown on this at the start of the season but I must admit I’m not seeing much sign of it. I don’t like the sight of players crowding a referee. Why can’t it just be the captain and anyone else who gets involved gets a yellow card right away? That would soon put a stop to it.

Agree on simulation as well. And if it isn’t spotted at the time there should be powers in impose retrospective punishment on divers.

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Today marks the birthday of two of the most significant modern male footballers.

Cristiano Ronaldo turns 39 today, while Neymar is 32.

Many happy returns to both men, who are both celebrating in Saudi Arabia where they currently play their club football.

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Neil Warnock is, to put it lightly, a big personality. One of the most outspoken figures in modern English football, he is taking charge of a Scottish side for the first time in his long career following his interim appointment at Aberdeen.

Do you have a favourite Warnock quote? A moment on the pitch or a mugging to the camera which stands out for you? Let us know.

Across a managerial career that started in 1981, Neil Warnock estimates he has retired "about five times", but enthusiasm for the sport he loves keeps bringing him back.

"There's so many bland managers now," he said. "I think a manager has to bring a bit of brightness.

"I like to make the lads enjoy it, with a bit of humour."

Warnock has masterminded eight promotions during his 1,626 matches as a manager, including taking Sheffield United, Queens Park Rangers and Cardiff City to the Premier League.

There have been a few relegations too across the years.

Warnock likes to make an initial assessment of his new squad in what he calls "a no-holds barred" training match.

"Put your pads on, 25-30 minutes is plenty of time in the kind of game I like," he explained with a chuckle. "I can get a good feeling for the lads who don't want to head it, don't want to tackle."

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Nick, Kent: Hi Phil. The feeling of apathy and discontent at Selhurst Park is building sincere momentum, the likes of which I’ve not seen at Palace for some time. Our performances and results have been abysmal. Is Roy Hodgson’s position now untenable? His one too many digs at our players and fans has turned things extremely toxic.

Phil: Hi Nick, While I’m not sure Roy’s position is “untenable” there is an unmistakeable feeling that this is all coming to an end. Whether that comes when the season is over or much sooner is the question, but I completely agree there is real discontent among what is traditionally one of the most supportive fanbases around. It is a sorry situation.

The performances at Arsenal and Brighton were absolutely awful so the decision for Steve Parish is whether he acts now or waits – thus risking the situation deteriorating further.

I also agree some of Roy’s statements have been unwise but, in his defence, I think he did publicly acknowledge that about the young players.

One thing is certain. Change is coming at Crystal Palace and it has to come. The question is when it comes.

BBC Sport Scotland

One person unconvinced by Aberdeen's move to appoint Neil Warnock is former Scotland striker Kenny Miller.

Miller was part of Mark Fotheringham’s backroom team that was replaced by Warnock at Huddersfield in 2023, and has experience playing against the Englishman's sides.

Miller said: "He’s had a wonderful managerial career. I just ask myself what the thought process behind it is, from an Aberdeen point of view.

"I’m seeing it’s to the end of the season. Normally, when these interim appointments are made, there’s maybe a threat of relegation there, there’s maybe real trouble. I know Aberdeen have not been in good form across this season as a whole but they’re a game in hand away from being in the top six. They’re not going to get relegated.

"I’m just thinking, what’s the thought behind giving Neil Warnock – has he ever watched Scottish football never mind worked in Scottish football – one of our best jobs for this short period? They don’t need to rush into any appointment. Take time to make sure they get the right guy in. They’ve not got the right guy in over the last three appointments or so.

"I find it strange. It’s short sighted. They could give the job to anybody and Aberdeen will make it into the top six."

More managerial roles than clubs in a golf bag.

This is Neil Warnock's 20th managerial appointment, with Aberdeen becoming the 17th team he has taken charge of.

Warnock has had two spells at Huddersfield Town, Crystal Palace and QPR, plus stints with... deep breath...

Gainsborough Trinity, Burton Albion, Scarborough, Notts County, Torquay United, Plymouth Argyle, Oldham Athletic, Bury, Sheffield United, Leeds United, Rotherham United, Cardiff City and Middlesbrough.

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"I applied for the Aberdeen job once and didn't even get a reply, which I thought was really bad manners," Neil Warnock told the BBC podcast Sacked in the Morning in November.

Well, that discourtesy seems to have been forgotten, with the 75-year-old stepping in as interim manager at Pittodrie for the rest of the season.

There may be a few surprises in store from the man who introduced drinking raw egg and sherry before games at Scarborough and once walked over Notts County players' backs with his boots on for a rudimentary lesson in the need to suffer on the path to success.

After joining Huddersfield Town at this time last year, Warnock kept them in the Championship despite dropping seven points adrift of safety during his first few weeks, so he has recent 'bounce' credentials.

Before that, he lifted Middlesbrough to safety in the same division, taking them from 21st to 17th over eight games.

"The last few years, I've gone in as a Red Adair, putting fires out," Warnock said in that BBC interview.

"I've always enjoyed the challenge of going into a club where confidence is low and building things back up."

Read more, external

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Neil Warnock joins Aberdeen along with his assistant Ronnie Jepson. His first match in charge will be a nice quiet one, a trip to face Rangers at Ibrox on Tuesday.

“I’m really looking forward to the challenge here at Aberdeen," Warnock told the club's website.

“I’ve made no secret of the fact I’ve always wanted to manage in Scotland so when I spoke to Dave [Cormack] and Alan [Burrows] and they asked me to help out it just felt like the right opportunity.

“By all accounts there is a good group of lads here and it’s my job now to get the best out of them.

“Aberdeen is a big club with clear ambition and I’m hoping that during my time here the supporters will get behind the team and I can put a smile on their faces.”

Aberdeen chairman Dave Cormack on the appointment of Neil Warnock: “From the moment we first spoke with Neil his enthusiasm for managing Aberdeen was infectious.

“He has had an incredible career in management, not only in terms of volume of games and winning promotions, but also of coming into clubs at short notice and making an immediate impact.

“We look forward to Neil, Ronnie and the team pushing hard in the remaining four months of the campaign as we still have a huge amount to play for both in the SPFL Premiership and the Scottish Cup.”

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Scottish Premiership side Aberdeen have announced Neil Warnock as their interim manager until the end of the season.

The 75-year-old brings vast experience, having overseen a record 1,626 games in English football.

And he will also bring forthright opinions and plenty of passion. Hold on to your hats.

Victoria, Wirral: Have you, like so many of us, been surprised at just how good Luton Town have been this season?

Phil: Certainly have. I tipped them to go back down to the Championship and did it fairly confidently. I have been thinking for a couple of weeks now that I might be made to look daft – which is hardly a first.

If the art of good management is getting the best out of your resources, Rob Edwards is doing a fantastic job.

And make no mistake, they are not just trying to survive by battling it out. They are positive, play attractive football and the rejuvenation of Ross Barkley has been quite a story.

I really think they have got a chance of staying up. And would be quite happy to be proved wrong after predicting relegation for The Hatters in August.

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BBC Radio 5 Live

More from former Arsenal and England defender Lee Dixon on the Gunners' celebrations after beating Liverpool:

"I’m caught right in the middle of that. I was celebrating because it was such a brilliant performance, but as a player when I was in that situation, you’ve got to be respectful. You celebrate your win, but you don’t over celebrate.

"They’ve won absolutely nothing there's 15 games to go, but I get Ian Wright’s position.

"I’m caught right in the middle of that. You get beat by West Ham and Burnley and everyone will be on your back again, so calm yourself down, get back to training and start doing the thing that got you to this position in the first place.

"I know it sounds boring but that’s what you do and that’s how you win titles."

BBC Radio 5 Live

Lee Dixon former Arsenal defender discussing the Gunners' victory against Liverpool on BBC Radio 5 Live:

"What a performance, it was absolutely first class, forget about Liverpool for a second there was huge amounts of pressure on Arsenal for obvious reasons.

"The pressure was really on [Mikel] Arteta’s team and they performed brilliantly. It was probably their best performance of the season and probably Liverpool’s worst.

"What happened last year, I think people were expecting Liverpool to have a little bit too much and Arsenal to freeze on the occasion, but I thought Arteta got his tactics absolutely spot on.

"Arsenal have got to be pitch perfect from now right up until the end of the season. Recent losses against Fulham and West Ham will certainly keep them weary of playing against big teams.

"They beat Liverpool and City at home. The next few league games, they’ve got West Ham, Burnley, Newcastle, Sheffield United and Brentford. If they don’t trip up against one of them, which they are capable of from what they did last year. They’ve got half a chance of being there at the end and that’s all you can ask for in a title race."

Chelsea

Chelsea midfielder Katerina Svitkova will spend the rest of the season on loan at Slavia Prague, the Women's Super League champions have announced.

The 27-year-old Czech Republic international joined from West Ham in the summer of 2022 and made five appearances in all competitions last term before being ruled out for the remainder of the campaign after having knee surgery.

The loan move sees her return to Slavia, the club with whom Svitkova started her career prior to signing for West Ham in 2020.