Chelsea

Nat Hayward
BBC Sport journalist

Responses to our 'What is one thing nobody is talking about at Chelsea?' posts in the early weeks of the season have largely centred on two topics.

Firstly, the degree to which Nicolas Jackson is underappreciated, and secondly - ignited in part by his late winner at Bournemouth - how Enzo Maresca can find a place for Christopher Nkunku in his line-up.

Speaking ahead of Saturday's London derby with West Ham, Maresca said: "He [Nkunku] is completely different to Nicolas. Nico is a number nine and Christo isn't a real number nine."

However, he added: "That doesn't mean we are not going to use Marc [Guiu] or Christo as a nine in games. Christo doesn't like to play wide, he likes to be in the centre of the pitch - we know that. But sometimes to find the balance, he plays in a position that isn't the best for him."

Since starting together in the opening day defeat to Manchester City, Nkunku has been a substitute in the Premier League while Jackson has been in the first XI for every game.

However, Nkunku started both legs of the Europa Conference League qualifier against Servette, finding the net both home and away.

Against City, the France forward began off the left and struggled to make an impact but against Servette he played centrally and looked more threatening. The issue, however, is that the central role behind the striker in Maresca's 4-2-3-1 is Cole Palmer's position.

And Cole Palmer is Cole Palmer.

So in Chelsea's current first choice side - before heavy rotation begins with the start of the Europa Conference League - it appears the striking position is a straight choice between Nkunku and Jackson.

The above graphic suggests Nkunku is more effective. However, his numbers are aided by his late goal as a substitute at the Vitality Stadium and there are mitigating factors of coming up against tiring defenders when being used from the bench.

Jackson's willingness to run in behind, his high quality link-up play, and ability to sniff out chances are all undeniable, but Nkunku has a proven track record of being a ruthless penalty box finisher.

He is a more polished footballer, if not as adjusted to Chelsea as the Senegal forward is.

The expectation is that Nkunku will become a key figure at Stamford Bridge after an injury-ravaged first campaign in England - after all, he cost in excess of £50m - but the question is when Maresca feels is the right time to give him an extended run.

Then, will that run be at striker and, if so, what does that mean for Jackson?

Nicola Pearson
BBC Sport journalist

Chelsea boss Enzo Maresca has been speaking to the media before Saturday's Premier League game against West Ham United (kick-off 12:30 BST).

Here are the key lines from his news conference:

• Maresca confirmed Enzo Fernandez and Kiernan Dewsbury-Hall are back in the squad after illness but Reece James and Malo Gusto remain out.

• On managing James' recovery: "Waiting until he is fit. This injury has delayed it but the most important thing is they come back when they are 100%. We don’t have an idea at the moment [of when he will be back]."

• He said there is "no doubt" players play too many games, adding: "I don’t think we protect players. The only ones who can do something is the players. We can say what we think and that, for me, it is completely wrong the amount of games we have but only ones who can do something is the players."

• On how he would react if players asked to be left out of games: "It is not going to happen. Since they were very young, they train and work and dream to be football player. They are not going to say 'I don’t want to play'."

• On if he is confident this squad can get top four: "Since I met the owners for the first time, no one mentioned to me the target is to finish top four. I think this is a good squad but if in the last two years we finish 12th and sixth, to improve is not automatic. You need progress."

• The Chelsea boss doesn't think his side has "a discipline issue" after a number of yellow cards this season: "The Bournemouth game is because of the type of pitch and type of game that you are required to make some fouls. Some of the cards were avoidable from the referee."

• On the battle between Nicolas Jackson and Christopher Nkunku for the main striker position: "We use Nkunku as nine in the last game for last 10 minutes. He is completely different to Nico [Jackson]. Nico is a number nine, Christo is not, but we can use him as a nine in a different way. I'm completely happy with my squad, not just those two. They are versatile and we can use them in different positions."

Follow all of Friday's Premier League news conferences and the rest of the day's football news

Image source, Getty Images

The issue around the footballing calendar and the demands being placed on players right now is a difficult one.

First, we need to take into consideration the really high demands on the body that go on all-year round with few breaks, especially for international footballers and those in teams competing on multiple fronts.

I know the men's and the women's games are different, but we got exposed to these issues when we went from amateur to professional. There was a lot of loading, a lot of games and the result of that was a higher risk of injury and we have seen a lot of anterior cruciate ligament injuries now in the women's game.

From the fans' side, their point is often that players get paid a lot of money but I think that is irrelevant. That is just the industry players are in and, if you take out the money, they are still human beings.

The governing bodies need to look at who they consult with about changes in the calendar such as World Cups being held in winter and summers where there is just a couple of weeks off before going straight back into it. The changes and fixtures that are put in are there to generate more money, which makes it difficult. As a business, it is about money.

We talk about mental health a lot and you wonder, where is the time to switch off and have that time away from playing? To have that family time which is a deep human need? At some point mentally, if not physically, it will take its toll.

None of us want to see players striking, but players need to be listened to. What do they need to do to make change happen?

Fara Williams was speaking to BBC Sport's Nicola Pearson

Chelsea, Tottenham and Paris St-Germain are leading the race to sign Sweden forward Viktor Gyokeres, 26, from Portuguese giants Sporting. (Caught Offside), external

Bayer Leverkusen's Dutch wing-back Jeremie Frimpong, 23, is on Chelsea's five-man shortlist to replace English full-back Reece James, 24. (TBR Football), external

Finally, the Blues will not to loan out Brazilian 17-year-old winger Estevao Willian when he joins the club from Palmeiras next summer. (Goal), external

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

Image source, Getty Images

We asked for your views on the one thing - good or bad - related to Chelsea that nobody else is talking about.

Here are some of your comments:

Taylor: No one is talking about the problem we have in Christopher Nkunku starting on the bench each game! The guy is phenomenal and talented and needs to be playing, but he doesn't because Palmer's best position is at 10 and management don't want to slow down Jackson's development. A sacrifice needs to be made, as Nkunku needs to start either at 9 or 10.

Matthew: The thing that isn’t being spoken about is how negative our fanbase is, when we win and when we lose. Also, how the fanbase doesn’t like half of our squad and boos them when we play at home (for example: the hate for Kiernan Dewsbury-Hall and booing Enzo Maresca's football). The home fans are always negative and the away fans are better than them.

James: How Nicolas Jackson is having a better start to his Chelsea career than Didier Drogba, in a worse team. He gets in great positions, works hard and fights for the cause. He will be outstanding and a great very soon.

Spike: Maresca needs to stop putting Marc Cucurella and Moises Caicedo in the team. They are so bad that they're like two extra players for the opposition! Enzo Fernandez needs to be sold too.

Sdmn2: I wonder whether Chelsea should cash in on Reece James and sell him in January. He is both a red card risk and injury prone and is on a massive weekly wage. Malo Gusto would be a good replacement. I'd welcome your thoughts.

Anonymous: Renato Veiga's second half performance against Bournemouth. I thought that after a shaky first half he grew into the game and looked assured on the ball. He is relatively unknown but could be a good option in central midfield if needed. He's pretty versatile as well.

KP: Chelsea being in the Conference League without Palmer in the squad! Didn't we lose the away leg of the qualifying round? Maybe Todd Boehly thinks this competition is not a priority. I dread to think who might appear on the team sheet against Barrow in the Carabao!

Stevie: The fact that once the two South American youngsters join, we are going to have to make space for them. Every window we bring more and more in and then are forcing players out. This will be happening again and again. Yes, we have made small profits on several but we are going to lose big money on Mykhailo Mudryk.

Chelsea are open to letting 23-year-old winger Mykhailo Mudryk leave the club in January, with French club Marseille interested in the Ukraine international. (Teamtalk), external

England left-back Ben Chilwell is still expected to leave Chelsea in January, despite the 27-year-old returning to first-team training after failing to secure a move in the summer. (Football Insider), external

Chelsea could appoint Sachin Gupta, who is the executive vice-president of basketball operations for NBA side Minnesota Timberwolves, to a role at the Stamford Bridge club. (Athletic - subscription required), external

Newcastle United are monitoring 18-year-old Chelsea right-back Josh Acheampong and the Magpies could try to make a move for the England Under-19 international. (i newspaper - subscription required), external

Want more transfer news? Read Thursday's full gossip column

Enzo Maresca's side have reacted well to opening weekend defeat by Manchester City, going unbeaten since and and confirming their European status with Conference League play-off victory.

But what is the one thing nobody is talking about but should be - good or bad?

Tell us here, external

Will Faulks
Fan writer

Image source, Getty Images

Compared to the last few years, Chelsea find themselves in a very good position with regard to injuries at the moment. Blues fans have become accustomed to seeing a number of long-term absentees joined on the sidelines by a rotating cast of players out with smaller issues.

Often these problems cascade: Reece James's long injury last year meant Malo Gusto was forced to play week after week, and that in turn caused the Frenchman to pick up regular smaller niggles.

This season things are looking a lot better. James is the only player set to miss this weekend's game, and even his issue is a minor one compared to some of the extremely serious injuries we've seen in the last few seasons.

The hope is that a fit squad can create a positive spiral which operates in reverse to last season's negative one. Having a fit squad means that nobody is forced to push themselves too hard, which should cut down on the problems caused by overloads and sheer match volume.

A crucial part of this will be the second string constructed for the Europa Conference League. There is no need for any of Enzo Maresca's first team to play any games in that competition, certainly in the group stage.

If a player from the second string has a problem (and that's an inevitability at some point), we just hope that we see a youth team player called up to fill the gap, rather than a first team starter dropping down. That both protects the Premier League selection from being overused, and gives a morale boosting chance for fans to see the latest brilliant crop of Cobham products in action.

It's the sensible option for many reasons - but unfortunately that's no guarantee it will be the one the manager chooses.

Find more from Will Faulks at Chelsea News, external

Ipswich and Crystal Palace are monitoring Chelsea left-back Ben Chilwell for a potential January move. (Sun), external

Want more transfer news? Read Tuesday's full gossip column

Nizaar Kinsella
BBC Sport football news reporter

Image source, Getty Images

Chelsea welcomed back four players from injury and illness after the 1-0 win away at Bournemouth at the weekend.

Midfielders Enzo Fernandez and Kiernan Dewsbury-Hall returned from illness while Malo Gusto and Romeo Lavia were back from spells out injured.

Jadon Sancho did not take part in the training session on Monday as he completed a recovery session.

Captain Reece James remains out with a hamstring injury, with no sign of an imminent return.

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

Here are some of your comments:

Bournemouth fans:

Charl: A very good performance from the whole team. Bournemouth played with confidence from back to front. Evanilson needs time, as did Solanke - but don’t tell us he played well when he was dreadful. Our subs were disappointing, especially Scott - I expect a lot more from him. Keep Travers in and build the team with him in goal. Unlucky Cherries.

Malcolm: Good performance. Thought we were decent for most of game but could/should have done better on the finishing. Kluivert should have taken the pen. Tired a bit at the end, which is when Chelsea struck.

Fin: Thought we played well, Evanilson looked good other than the penalty miss, which is promising. We were unfortunate to concede so late. After such a good start to the season I think fans can’t complain and, with this squad, we should be in for a good season.

Chelsea fans:

Pete: The first half was dreadful - same old, same old. The second was a bit better; Sancho added some spark, was direct and showed good skills. I thought Vega was decent. The defence doesn't inspire confidence. Against more heavyweight opposition I can't see us keeping any clean sheets.

Matthew: Chelsea were outplayed for most of the game. Poor control of the ball, poor focusing, generally poor passing. Sanchez made no mistakes, which is a first and won us the game. Brief moments of cohesion between the Chelsea players. Bournemouth were a tough team to play. Constant pressing and didn't allow us to settle. They were unlucky to lose.

Nick: A lucky win but credit to Sanchez, who played his best game for Chelsea, and to Sancho and Nkunku for turning the game around. But 14 bookings in a game where there were no bad tackles? I was too scared to shout at the screen in case the ref booked me for dissent.

Nizaar Kinsella
BBC Sport football news reporter

Image source, Getty Images

Manager Enzo Maresca says Chelsea must "find different solutions" if Cole Palmer gets man marked as he was at Bournemouth.

The 22-year-old forward had made a sensational start to the season with a goal and four assists but struggled to make an impact in a physical match where Lewis Cook followed his every move.

When asked whether the seemingly frustrated-looking Palmer has become a target for opposing players after being fouled four times and marked over 90 minutes, Maresca said: “Yes, but these kind of players are probably going to have these things.

"Cook was marking him for 95 minutes man-to-man before we put him wide. It is not easy for Cole or any player. You need to find a different solution."

The Blues faced 19 shots but found a way to win 1-0 at Vitality Stadium after Jadon Sancho made an impact from the bench by setting up an exceptional 86th-minute winner from fellow substitute Christopher Nkunku.

That goal sparked wild scenes as players celebrated with the away support and Maresca was happy to see his players turn the conversation around the club positive after in a week where a rift between owners Todd Boehly and Behdad Eghbali became apparent.

"The players read and see things on their social networks but I told them there’s nothing they can do about it and we try to prepare our games in the best way," he added.

"In this kind of game you need to learn that it isn’t just about the tactical part - you need something inside, to win duels and all the games are different.

"To win the game, you have to win with the T-shirt dirty - probably [getting] some yellow cards because they had many yellow cards. These kind of games require these kinds of things."

Gary Linker brings you highlights and analysis from Saturday's eight Premier League fixtures.

If you missed Match of the Day, you can catch up now on BBC iPlayer.

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Nizaar Kinsella
BBC Sport football news reporter

Image source, Getty Images

There was a fun bit at the end of Enzo Maresca’s news conference when a Brazilian journalist asked him about Estevao Willian.

The 17-year-old winger was signed for an initial £29m from Palmeiras early in the summer but remains in his home country before a move to Stamford Bridge when he turns 18 in 2025.

When asked the left-field question about Estevao, who recently made his full international debut, Maresca said: "Yes, we are following him. He is doing fantastic - but, unfortunately, he is doing fantastic there and not with us.

"We are going to wait until next summer when he will arrive here but, for sure, we are very happy in the way he is doing these things."

The Italian also joked when asked if he has spoken to the youngster, who has 15 goal involvements in his past 21 domestic games, adding: "No, no, no. I have so many players to speak [laughs]. No, I didn't speak with him."

It was a light-hearted end after a big 1-0 win at Bournemouth as Maresca’s side survived heavy pressure, with Jadon Sancho impressing on his debut and fellow substitute Christopher Nkunku winning the match.

Image source, Getty Images

Enzo Maresca spoke to BBC Match of the Day after Chelsea's victory against Bournemouth: "First half we struggled, second half we were miles better. We didn't win many balls in the first half and you need that in this type of stadium against this team."

On Sancho's debut: "He did exactly what we expected from him and Tosin was the same and Nkunku too. Felix was very good. All the guys from the bench were very good. We were creating chances and we needed just a bit more quality from inside the box and he [Sancho] did that. Nkunku is not starting but he is working very well.

"If you see the game against Palace, we create many chances but this is football. We deserve to win."

On Robert Sanchez: "Since we started, he is doing very well with us and we are very happy. He is giving us what we need from a keeper and is doing very well with the build-up. He recognises when we need to play short or long. We enjoy the three points."

Image source, Getty Images

There were 14 yellow cards shown in Chelsea's victory against Bournemouth (six for Bournemouth, eight for Chelsea), the most ever issued in a single Premier League game.

Image source, Getty Images

Chelsea winger Jadon Sancho spoke to Sky Sports after Saturday's victory over Bournemouth: "First of all it is amazing to make my debut for Chelsea. Just being back playing I'm very grateful. The team played very well and we are happy with the three points.

"I've been working hard for this moment and I'm just happy that I got my chance. I had a great end to last season being in the Champions League final and I just told myself going into this season so I'm just happy to make my debut for Chelsea.

"I have to thank all the staff and my team-mates. The first day I came in, they made me feel welcome and I'm so happy to feel this comfortable."

Nizaar Kinsella
BBC Sport football news reporter, at the Vitality Stadium

Image source, Getty Images

Jadon Sancho created the goal that won the game on his Chelsea debut, the club which he supported as a boy.

The 24-year-old winger, on loan from Manchester United with an obligation to buy included in the deal, produced nutmegs, beat his men and set up several chances after replacing a struggling Pedro Neto at the start of the second half.

Within 30 minutes, the away fans had seen enough and begun chanting his name.

But for all his promise, the moment was fellow substitute Christopher Nkunku's, as his impressive pivot in the box found himself space out of nowhere, before an instinctive finish allowed him to score against the run of play in the 86th minute.

Chelsea were second best on the South Coast where Robert Sanchez had to make multiple saves, including from a 36th-minute penalty.

It says all you need to know about this match that Sanchez and England defender Levi Colwill arguably deserve to be rewarded with the man of the match award.

However, as work still needs to be done to implement Enzo Maresca's philosophy to the required standard, there is talent at Chelsea, especially in attack with Sancho now among their options and already looking exciting.

Were you at the game or following from elsewhere?

Have your say on Bournemouth’s performance, external

What did you make of Chelsea’s display?, external

Come back to this page on Monday to find a selection of your replies

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