'The game is different if we scored the second one' - Marescapublished at 20:25 25 January
20:25 25 January
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Chelsea manager Enzo Maresca, speaking to BBC Match of the Day: "We started very well. We scored the first one and could have scored the second one and then against this team and these players, the game is always open. We conceded at the end of the first half and then the second half was probably 50/50.
"When you concede at the end of the first half, and the best way is to avoid it. Probably for me, the game is different if we scored the second one.
"We need to be better but also playing the way we play, we scored the first one and could have scored the second one. If we were able to score it, the game could have been very different for us."
To BBC Radio 5 Live: "We start the game in the best way. They have players that in any moment they can change the game.
"In my opinion we are better than one-to-two months ago.
On Robert Sanchez' mistake: "Robert [Sanchez] is the first one aware of the mistake. I think the second goal changed the mood.
"We are in a moment - game after game it's a chance for us to learn."
Man City 3-1 Chelsea: Did you know?published at 19:43 25 January
19:43 25 January
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No player has made more errors leading to a goal in the Premier League this season than Robert Sanchez, with his five the most on record (since 2007-08) by a Chelsea player in a single campaign.
Man City 3-1 Chelsea - send us your thoughtspublished at 19:26 25 January
Sutton's predictions: Man City v Chelseapublished at 11:19 25 January
11:19 25 January
Well, so much for City being 'back' after beating Leicester, West Ham and Ipswich recently. What happened against Paris St-Germain was more evidence that they are nowhere near their usual selves.
The number of signings they are making is maybe an admission from Pep Guardiola of how much needs to change.
The pressure is really on City in the Champions League now after Wednesday's defeat in Paris, but they have got some tough games coming up in the Premier League too, starting with this one.
Saturday is not just a case of Cole Palmer returning to his former club as a potential match-winner, because Chelsea's manager Enzo Maresca is also back on familiar territory.
This is a huge game in the race for the top four and it feels like anything could happen.
I definitely don't see City keeping Chelsea out, but my gut feeling is still that they will win this.
Is this Chelsea's best chance to end winless run against City?published at 18:36 24 January
18:36 24 January
Nat Hayward BBC Sport journalist
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If you looked ahead at Chelsea's upcoming visit to Etihad Stadium after Manchester City's rampant 6-0 win over Ipswich on Sunday, you could understandably have feared for Enzo Maresca's side.
City had appeared to have emerged from the malaise than engulfed them in late 2024, going unbeaten in their first six games after the turn of the year - culminating in the devastating attacking display at Portman Road.
Chelsea, meanwhile, were on a five-game winless run in the Premier League and had slid from title contenders to top-four hopefuls.
But, narratives change rapidly in football. The Blues returned to winning ways with a 3-1 success over Wolves on Monday evening, before Paris St-Germain exposed the fragility that remains at City by coming from 2-0 down to win 4-2 on Wednesday.
Defeat in Paris was a result that leaves Pep Guardiola's side in real danger of failing to progress past the League Phase of the Champions League and a performance described as "one of the most chilling and chastening nights" of the Spaniard's reign by BBC Sport's chief football writer Phil McNulty.
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The collapse in Paris exposed City's frailties in full back positions. Josko Gvardiol had one his poorest performances yet for the club at left back while Matheus Nunes - a midfielder by trade - looked completely out of his depth on the right hand side.
The speed, trickery and directness of Bradley Barcola, Desire Doue and in the second half Ousmane Dembele, was a constant issue for Guardiola's side who afforded the pacey wingers far too much space.
Joao Neves' breaking up of the play and sharpness in the tackle helped build attack after attack with the ball constantly being fed quickly into wide areas. PSG operated without a conventional number nine and the link-up play between the wingers, Lee Kang-In in the predominantly central position, and the full backs pushing up the pitch had City on the back foot whenever they moved at speed.
If Chelsea aim to replicate the success of the French champions, Pedro Neto and Noni Madueke will be encouraged to stay high and wide and attack City's under-fire full backs from minute one - whether they remain the same or if a different makeshift solution is found.
Nicolas Jackson's ability to link play is his most underappreciated attribute while Moises Caicedo has won more tackles than any other midfielder in the Premier League this season.
Chelsea have not beaten Saturday's opponents in 10 meetings, dating back to the 2021 Champions League final in Porto.
Given their overall resurgence under Maresca, and the uncharacteristic brittleness shown by City in recent months, this is surely the most confidence Chelsea will take into a meeting between the two sides since then.
'I was a lucky man to work with Maresca' - Guardiolapublished at 16:37 24 January
16:37 24 January
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Manchester City boss Pep Guardiola says he was "a lucky man" to work alongside Chelsea head coach Enzo Maresca before their two sides meeting on Saturday.
Maresca was manager of City's Elite Development Squad between 2020 and 2021 before returning as one of Guardiola's assistant managers between 2022 and 2023.
However, uncharacteristically poor form from City since and an impressive start for Maresca sees his side arrive at Etihad Stadium on Saturday two points above their opponents in fourth place.
"I recognised his Chelsea team from day one, even when we played them in the summer camp in the States," Guardiola said.
"Many things I started to see that we spoke about many, many times in the last years together. Really good.
"I'm very pleased. I was a lucky man to work with him in the last years, and everything that happens with his family and him being fine, then I'm fine. I'm happy for him."
Cole Palmer: Made in St Kittspublished at 13:44 24 January
13:44 24 January
A new feature tracing the origins of Chelsea talisman Cole Palmer to the Caribbean island of St Kitts is available to watch on BBC iPlayer.
It explores Palmer's heritage and the impact his rise to stardom has had in the island his grandfather hailed from.
Chelsea youngster set for Gillingham loanpublished at 12:46 24 January
12:46 24 January
Nizaar Kinsella BBC Sport football news reporter
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Image caption,
Jimmy-Jay Morgan has scored six games in 10 Premier League 2 matches this season
Chelsea striker Jimmy-Jay Morgan is set for his first loan spell at Gillingham.
The 19-year-old is already training with the League Two side in preparation for a move before the transfer deadline on 3 February.
The England Under-18s international was a high-profile academy signing from Southampton in February 2023 but has yet to make his senior debut at Stamford Bridge.
Chelsea have a strong group of forward options in the under-21s, with Ronnie Stutter recalled from Burton Albion, alongside Deivid Washington, Donnell McNeilly and Shim Mheuka.
Morgan has six goals in 13 games for Chelsea Under-21s in Premier League 2 and the EFL Trophy this season.
Maresca on Garnacho, Felix and Man Citypublished at 10:55 24 January
10:55 24 January
Josh Lobley BBC Sport Journalist
Chelsea boss Enzo Maresca has been speaking to the media before Saturday’s Premier League game against Manchester City (kick-off 17:30 GMT).
Here are the key lines from his news conference:
Maresca began with a squad fitness update: "Levi [Colwill] and Enzo [Fernandez] could be available, it depends on today's session. Romeo [Lavia] will be out. We don't know how long he will be out for."
He simply said he is "happy with my options" on the wings when asked about links to Manchester United's Alejandro Garnacho.
On Renato Veiga's rumoured departure: "At the moment he is a Chelsea player. We will see [what happens] in the next hours."
On Saturday’s opponents and their dip in form: "It is normal - what is not normal is the amount of things that they have won. For sure, they will be back soon. I don't have any doubt."
Maresca was vague about potential business during the rest of the January transfer window: "We pay attention if something can happen, but we will see in the next 10 days if something is going to happen."
He was asked if Joao Felix could leave the club this month: "Joao is a Chelsea player. The problem for Joao and Christopher [Nkunku] is that we play most games with one attacking midfielder that is Cole Palmer. This is why they struggle to get minutes, not for any different reason. They are top guys and they work well. I am not saying that [they could both leave].
Chelsea's ratio of home and away points in the Premier League is not a concern for Maresca: "It shows how balanced we are. Everyone is saying that we get more points away, but I don't think the difference is that big. It shows we don't care if we are at home or away."
Maresca defended his goalkeeper Robert Sanchez, who has been under scrutiny in recent weeks: "Robert is OK - it's a matter of understanding that anything can happen. How many times has Moises [Caicedo] missed a pass? Many times. How many times has Nicolas [Jackson] missed a goal? How many times has Noni [Madueke] missed a cross? It is normal; it's part of the game."
Efficient or ineffective?published at 08:05 24 January
08:05 24 January
This Premier League pursuit becomes a lot easier if you take your chances.
BBC Sport has checked in on some data comparing goals versus expected goals this season.
You can see from the bar graph some teams aren't finding the goals (yellow) to outstrip the expected goals they should score (black).
Tottenham, Manchester City, Arsenal, Brentford, Newcastle, Brighton, Fulham, Nottingham Forest, Wolves and Leicester have all scored more than expected.
Wolves in particular have found the net 32 times from an expected 23.56 - a significant overperformance.
League leaders Liverpool are pretty much bang on in returning what they should, while Arsenal have outperformed, with 43 goals from an expected 37.78.
Bournemouth - 36 goals from an expected 43 - are leaving opportunities on the table.
Gossip: Blues consider a move for Garnachopublished at 06:53 24 January
Chelsea interest in Garnacho seriouspublished at 16:40 23 January
16:40 23 January
Nizaar Kinsella BBC Sport football news reporter
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Chelsea's reported interest in Manchester United winger Alejandro Garnacho is serious.
The 20-year-old is available on the market, but a high £70m asking price has slowed any further developments from suitors.
The Blues are battling with Napoli in their interest, as the Italian club look to replace now-Paris Saint-Germain winger Khvicha Kvaratskhelia while competing for the Serie A title.
Napoli have been in negotiations with United but Chelsea have quietly been kept informed of the situation without making any offers.
Garnacho's agents Carlos Cambeiro and Quique De Lucas were both seen at Stamford Bridge on Monday for the match at home to Wolves.
Chelsea fined over chantspublished at 13:42 23 January
13:42 23 January
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Chelsea have been fined by Uefa for chants heard at their Europa Conference League match against Shamrock Rovers at Stamford Bridge in December.
Shamrock Rovers have received an £8,540 fine for "transmitting a message that is not fit for a sports event" due to chants about the death of Queen Elizabeth II.
Chelsea have been fined the same amount as they responded with an anti-IRA chant, with the fines issued by Uefa's Control, Ethics and Disciplinary Body (CEDB).
The match finished 5-1 to Chelsea as they ended the Conference League group stage with a 100% win record and secured a spot in the last-16.
Shamrock Rovers finished 10th and have to face Norwegian side Molde over two legs for their place in the next round.
Chelsea's Veiga agrees Juventus loan movepublished at 09:37 23 January
09:37 23 January
Nizaar Kinsella BBC Sport football news reporter
Image source, Getty Images
Image caption,
Renato Veiga has made seven Premier League appearances for Chelsea, starting once
Juventus are set to sign Chelsea defender Renato Veiga on loan until the end of the season.
The Italian club have agreed to cover the Portugal's international's wages and pay a £3.8m loan fee.
No option to buy has been included in the deal.
Veiga only joined Chelsea in an £11.8m deal in July from Swiss club Basel.
Sources close to the player said he grew frustrated playing at left-back, preferring to be used at centre-back.
Chelsea believe he will get more minutes in Italy with the player ambitious to stay in Portugal's squad for the 2026 World Cup.
Juventus have beaten Champions League rivals Borussia Dortmund to Veiga's signing.
Chelsea manager Enzo Maresca had urged Veiga to stay last week, saying: "If there is a player who just wants to play in one position, they're going to struggle."
Veiga has made just one Premier League start this season in 18 appearances in all competitions.
Gossip: Blues trio near exitpublished at 07:17 23 January
07:17 23 January
A trio of Chelsea players could leave this month with Portugal defender Renato Veiga, 21, pushing to join Juventus, Italian midfielder Cesare Casadei, 22, the subject of an £11.5m bid from Lazio and England defender Ben Chilwell, 28, attracting interest from Everton. (Mail, external)
Manchester United winger Alejandro Garnacho favours a move to Chelsea rather than Napoli, who have had a bid for the 20-year-old Argentina international rejected. (TyC Sports, via Metro, external)
Juventus have offered Chelsea the opportunity to sign Brazil midfielder Douglas Luiz, 26, who is also on the radar of Manchester City and Arsenal. (Teamtalk, external)
Meanwhile, West Ham have finalised a deal to bring in Chelsea recruitment analyst Kyle Macaulay, who has previously worked with manager Graham Potter. (Guardian, external)
'Silently transforming the team' - has Cucurella gone under the radar?published at 18:05 22 January
18:05 22 January
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We asked for you what one thing - good or bad - nobody is talking about at Chelsea but should be.
Here are some of your comments:
Tom: No-one is talking about Cucurella. From a figure of fun to an integral and dangerous part of our team - he is now crucial to how we play. To top it off, he appears hugely popular in the dressing room. Given his past 12 months, I would say he has more than justified his price tag.
Yusuf: I definitely think something people are not talking about is the impact Cucurella has had this season, tactically and psychically. He has been silently transforming the team. His defensive solidity, improved ball progression and the surprising goal contributions are giving Enzo Maresca new tactical flexibility. He is so underrated and deserves more credibility for what he has done.
Stu: Ben Chilwell. One of the best left-backs in the Premier League on his day and a big part of our Champions League-winning team - and he now can't even get into the Conference League or cup teams. Does this say more about Maresca than Chilwell? He says Chilwell can't play his style, but the same could be said for a lot of first-team defenders. What is really going on?
Deeq: The manager isn't fully utilising the squad at his disposal, especially considering the talent we have seen perform in the Conference League. His substitutions feel too reactive rather than proactive, with changes frequently made in the final stages of games when the result is already slipping away. A more strategic and timely use of substitutions could make a significant difference in turning games around or securing victories, rather than leaving it too late to influence the outcome. Additionally, team selection should prioritise form over cost, and those out of form should be dropped regardless of their price tag.
Chris: Maresca seems unwilling to face the prospect that we desperately need a new goalkeeper and striker who can actually put the ball in the back of the net on a regular basis!
Liverpool victory good news for fifth Champions League spot hopespublished at 10:56 22 January
10:56 22 January
Simon Stone Chief football news reporter
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Liverpool's victory over Lille last night was fundamentally good for them in that they are through to the last 16 and have secured a top-two seeding.
However, that is also a positive for English clubs as a whole.
The countries who finish top in the European Performance Spots table will get five teams in next season's Champions League.
England are currently top - clear of Italy, Spain and Portugal - and while Aston Villa's defeat did not help, bonus points are applied for every position in the table, with teams in the Champions League getting the most.
So Liverpool are heading for a chunky 12 or 11.75.
There has been so much talk about how well Nottingham Forest and Bournemouth have done in the Premier League this season. Their chances of Champions League qualification will increase if English clubs keep doing well in Europe.
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