Chelsea

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Cole Palmer "personifies" the beautiful game and Chelsea are starting to show "they could be as good as anybody", says former Tottenham defender Stephen Kelly.

Blues forward Palmer was once again pivotal for Chelsea as they came back from two goals down to beat Spurs at the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium on Sunday.

His two penalties - including a 'Panenka' - took him to 50 goal involvements for the west London side in just 48 games.

The win also means that Chelsea now sit second in the Premier League table, four points behind Liverpool and two above Arsenal, but boss Enzo Maresca still does not believe they are contenders for the title.

"When you hear the words 'beautiful game', Cole Palmer personifies that," Kelly told BBC Radio 5 Live Breakfast.

"It is a perfect fitting for him the way he plays it, the way he strolls around the pitch. It is so lovely to watch.

"He [Enzo Maresca] does not want to hunk the pressure on the team. Even though they have spent a fortune over the past couple of years, Chelsea have been such a mess that you don't want to commit to something.

"But the consistency levels are starting to go up and it's not just Palmer's performance, Maresca has found a group of players who are starting to perform regularly. He has found a system and he has found the players he wants.

"He was really harsh at the start of the season with the players he didn't want but that is what he needed to be to cull the squad and get them to a level that, squad-wise, with the depth they have they could be as good as anybody and now they are starting to show that."

Listen back on BBC Sounds

Former Premier League striker Chris Sutton says Chelsea are showing there was "a method to their madness", with Enzo Maresca's side currently sitting second in the table and having scored the most goals so far this season.

Speaking on BBC Radio 5 Live's Monday Night Club, Sutton said: "While we were all putting the boot in, Chelsea knew what they were doing.

"But, in many respects, has what has happened in the past couple of seasons been that different to the Roman Abramovich era? It's just that Abramovich was bringing in players who had already been there and done it.

"The difference is that Chelsea are now bringing in younger players to develop.

"They seem to be a team who are young and pretty fearless - so good on Enzo Maresca and good on Chelsea."

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Playmaker Cole Palmer is drawing attention from Real Madrid because of his consistent performances at Chelsea. (Fichajes - in Spanish), external

Meanwhile, the Blues will send midfielder Omari Kellyman out on loan in January to help the 19-year-old gain some senior experience. (Football Insider), external

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

Nizaar Kinsella
BBC Sport football news reporter

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Chelsea have made a host of special arrangements to handle the more than 6,000km trip to Kazakhstan on Thursday.

The Conference League draw gave Chelsea an away trip to Astana, which has served as a significant logistical challenge for the club to organise.

Astana is the capital in central Kazakhstan but the match will be played in Almaty, 1,200 km away, in the south of the country, amid renovations to the club's home stadium.

Chelsea have been given dispensation from Uefa to hold an early press conference and training session in Surrey, instead of the usual pre-match preview events typically hosted in the home country, to help manage their travel plans.

They will then travel to Almaty by a direct charterer eight-hour flight - as is often the case for matches away in Europe - while avoiding a direct flight path over Russia, Ukraine and the Middle East, amid multiple ongoing conflicts.

When in Kazakhstan, Chelsea's players will avoid adapting to the Kazakhstan time zone, which is five hours ahead of the UK, effectively meaning they will treat the 8.30pm local kick-off as a 3.30pm kick-off time.

Manager Enzo Maresca also gave his squad the day off on Monday and will likely ring the changes again after the 4-2 win at Tottenham on Sunday.

The Italian has made between seven and 11 changes for almost every match week of the season as he uses his extensive squad.

In addition, several academy players will potentially get an opportunity for a match played in freezing temperatures between -6 and -11 degrees on Thursday.

Cole Palmer is among the players not selected to play in the competition but could be among the additions in February for the knockout rounds.

"I don't know [if I'll be on the plane]," said defender Benoit Badiashile. "You have to ask the boss. It's far, far away."

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BBC chief football writer Phil McNulty has been answering your questions.

Allan asked: Having watched Cole Palmer deliver yet another fine performance yesterday, and what a superb footballer he is, I just wondered if it is known whether Manchester City inserted a 'buy-back clause' when he was sold to Chelsea?

Phil answered: Hi Allan, there is no "buy-back clause" in the deal, but at the time it was reported by the BBC that Manchester City could get a further £2.5m in add-ons on top of the £40m fee.

Just imagine how much Palmer is worth now?

What is becoming clear is that Manchester City have done Chelsea a huge favour by selling them a young player who has taken the Premier League by storm.

Pep Guardiola will be criticised, of course, for parting with such a talent, but in his defence he said of the deal at the time that he asked Palmer to stay after Riyad Mahrez left, but he still wanted to leave.

With the benefit of hindsight, and City's need to refresh their squad, Guardiola may now wish he had stood firm and told Palmer to bide his time for regular first-team football.

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Cole Palmer should "remain exactly as he is" as he continues to go from strength to strength at Chelsea, says BBC Radio 5 Live chief football correspondent John Murray.

The 22-year-old forward was coolness personified as he tucked away a 'Panenka' penalty at 3-2 in a frantic game against Tottenham on Sunday.

Along with being calm on the pitch, his demeanour in post-match interviews remains just as relaxed when answering questions on his performances.

"Cole Palmer appears to have it all in whatever aspect of his life you look at," Murray told BBC Radio 5 Live Breakfast.

"He has that 2020s everyman appeal. A man, in public at least, of few words, who looks like he'd rather be in a hoodie and trackie bottoms than in the spotlight. Apart from on the pitch that is, when he appears oblivious to the many millions who are hanging on his every delightful touch.

"Enzo Maresca said last night that since he's been at Chelsea he has not seen Palmer practising penalties, yet he's scored all 12 he's taken in the Premier League, culminating in that nerveless 'Panenka' spot-kick that turned out to be the eventual match-winner.

"Long may Cole Palmer remain exactly as he is."

With the result leaving Chelsea in second place in the Premier League, Murray believes that Maresca's "clear' thinking is getting them where they need to be.

"After two and a half years under this current ownership, and well in excess of a billion pounds spent on new players, when at times Chelsea have looked almost like a basket-case, it finally looks like they are going places," Murray added.

"Remember how they finished 12th and sixth in the first two seasons?

"Mauricio Pochettino eventually got the ship pointing in the right direction in his final months as manager but Enzo Maresca has shown himself to be a clear thinker who has very obviously seen the wood from the trees."

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Chief football writer Phil McNulty has been answering your questions.

Michael, Barnet: Hi Phil, In your opinion, should Moises Caceido have been sent off for his tackle in the first half? Personally, I can't see any mitigation for that tackle not being a clear red, and I find the decision to let it go utterly baffling.

Phil: Hello, Michael. Totally agree with you. It looked like a clear red to me and I was astonished no action was taken.

What is "excessive force" anyway? Caicedo was late, over the top and clearly could have hurt Pape Sarr. Shame as Caicedo is a wonderful player.

For balance, however, I also thought Dejan Kulusevski was lucky to escape an elbow on Romeo Lavia. What was his elbow doing up near Lavia's head in that challenge?

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We asked for your thoughts after Chelsea moved clear in second place in the Premier League table with Sunday's dramatic 4-3 comeback win at rivals Tottenham.

Here are some of your comments:

Dean: Chelsea played like title contenders today. That's how title contenders play - they forget about mistakes made in the game, pick their heads up, and make it right.

Agu: Aside from the first 15 minutes, Chelsea were superb. They stuck to the plan. It was a huge statement win.

Nick: A great Chelsea comeback, helped by the standard Spurs implosion. After gifting Spurs two early goals it was very much in the Christmas spirit for them to hand us two gifts in return. But Chelsea will struggle to stay in the top four if we continue to ship so many goals. Not every team will be as generous as our North London neighbours.

Kevin: Chelsea showed guts, character and class. In Cole Palmer we have the best player in the league. 12 out of 12 penalties beating Toure's 11. Enzo's changes at half time were very good - I wasn't sure about him but I'm happy he's proving me wrong.

Doug: Chelsea have character this season. They didn't panic going 2-0 down early in the game and let their football do the talking. Enzo is bringing out the best in the team, though he's got to sort out the goalkeeper situation. However, can't think of winning a title with a dodgy keeper.

Nigel: I've been disappointed in Enzo Fernandez. Not recently, he is at last beginning to show he might be worth some of his massive fee.

Nizaar Kinsella
BBC Sport football news reporter

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Cole Palmer's penalty success at Tottenham earned him a Premier League record.

He now holds the longest 100% conversion record in the competition after putting away his first 12 spot-kicks.

Former Manchester City midfielder Yaya Toure had a perfect record of 11 out of 11 penalties in the competition - reaching that mark almost 11 years ago to the day - but Palmer has gone one better.

It was typical of Palmer that he got there in virtuoso style, dinking the ball down the middle as goalkeeper Fraser Forster expected him to go for a corner.

If there was any pressure on the moment, Palmer clearly didn't feel it, living up to his 'Cold Palmer' nickname.

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Football Daily pundits Nigel Reo-Coker and Ashley Williams both believe Chelsea are firmly in the Premier League title race after their comeback win over rivals Tottenham on Sunday afternoon.

With Liverpool's game at Everton postponed and Arsenal drawing at Fulham, the Blues consolidated in second, four points off the top albeit having played a game more than the Reds.

Despite their strong position, boss Enzo Maresca continued to play down talk of a title challenge.

"I think they're genuine contenders," former Everton defender Williams said.. "They can say whatever they want.

"They have gone under the radar until this week - and they would have been happy with that - but now a lot of people are looking at them after a big performance. They have been consistently good for a long time this season. Credit to Maresca who has been unbelievable. Chelsea are in the mix. They're that good and that consistent. They're as good as any team in the league right now."

With his team 2-1 down at half-time, Enzo Maresca substituted Romeo Lavia for Malo Gusto and moved Moises Caicedo back into central midfield which contributed to a dominant second-half performance.

"That's Maresca for you and that's why and his reputation is growing," added former West Ham midfielder Reo-Coker. "To be a top manager you have to make tough decisions and credit to him for making that decision at half-time and making those changes. It worked out well.

"Tactically, watching the game, he's willing to change and willing to adapt. On the opposite side you saw Ange Postecoglou and Tottenham - does he really adapt? No."

"Whether they like it or not that result lets everyone know they are in the Premier League title race regardless of what message they want to put out there."

Listen to the full episode on BBC Sounds

Mark Chapman presents highlights and analysis from Sunday's four Premier League fixtures, plus the best of the action from the rest of the weekend.

If you missed Match of the Day 2, catch up now on BBC iPlayer.

And you can watch Saturday's Match of the Day here.

Listen back to Sunday's full match commentaries on BBC Sounds:

• Fulham 1-1 Arsenal

• Leicester City 2-2 Brighton

• Tottenham 3-4 Chelsea

Chelsea, Arsenal and Manchester United remain interested in Dusan Vlahovic, with Juventus considering selling the 24-year-old Serbia striker unless he agrees a new contract. (TBR Football), external

AC Milan are keen on a loan with an option to buy for 21-year-old Chelsea midfielder Carney Chukwuemeka, who is also attracting interest from Celtic. (Football Italia), external

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

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Enzo Maresca spoke to BBC Match of the Day after Chelsea's victory against Tottenham: "The first 10 or 15 minutes we conceded two easy goals but overall we were in control of the game.

"The reaction of the players was mentally strong both on and off the ball."

How does Marc Cucurella slip and having a problem with his boots?: "That's a question for him. I don't know.

"It can happen. Unfortunately, it happened twice to the same player, but it can happen."

On coming from behind: "We had some problems because of the goals we conceded. The other problems in the first half were due to the build-up. We didn't concede many chances in the second half."

On the high level of performance: "We used to change players game by game but today the players were all very good. Pedro Neto and Jadon Sancho were great on and off the ball."

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Chelsea winger Jadon Sancho spoke to BBC Match of the Day after Sunday's victory against Tottenham: "Going 2-0 down in the first half was not ideal but I knew we'd come back into the game when we got that first goal.

"Going in at halftime, the gaffer was telling us we were in the game. I have so much belief in the players so I knew we'd come out firing.

"They're very aggressive and we knew we'd catch them if we broke the lines and beat the press. The gaffer told us to stay wide and create the one-on-ones.

"I've been working on my shooting a bit more. The staff and the players have been telling me otherwise."

On Cucurella's boots: "They're going in the bin after this game. After the mistakes, I thought he played fantastic. We believe in Cucu.

"We've got back-to-back games every week, we need this rotation in the squad. There's one team and then another team. It gets rotated and it works. We've got so many talented players and we push each other. I'm thankful I'm here."

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Chelsea's Cole Palmer has scored all 12 of his penalties in the Premier League, the most any player has taken in the competition without ever missing, surpassing Yaya Toure (11).

The England international reached 50 goal involvements (33 goals, 17 assists) in 48 Premier League games for Chelsea; only Erling Haaland for Man City (39), Andy Cole for Newcastle (43), and Mo Salah for Liverpool (46) have ever reached that total in fewer appearances for a club in the competition.

Were you at the game or following from elsewhere?

Have your say on Tottenham’s performance

What did you make of Chelsea’s display?

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

Four matches make up Sunday's Premier League action, and we will bring you every moment.

• Fulham v Arsenal - 14:00 - BBC Radio 5 Live commentary

• Ipswich v Bournemouth - 14:00

• Leicester v Brighton 14:00

• Tottenham v Chelsea - 16:30 - BBC Radio 5 Live commentary

All kick-off times GMT

Follow all of the action and reaction here

Chris Sutton is making predictions for all 380 Premier League games this season, against a variety of guests.

For week 15 he takes on Dougie Payne, bassist with rock band Travis.

Sutton's prediction: 1-3

Tottenham boss Ange Postecoglou got a fair bit of flak after going over to speak to some Spurs fans following Thursday's defeat by Bournemouth.

Football is a fickle business sometimes. It wasn't a good result, but you only have to go back a week or two and they were cheering Ange off after winning at Etihad Stadium.

Usually I would expect a reaction from Spurs but they are so unpredictable that I don't know what will happen. They could win this game 4-0 like they did against Manchester City, or lose it by the same scoreline.

So, I am going with Chelsea here. While I do wonder about their experience, I think Enzo Maresca's side are title contenders - even if he insists they aren't.

Maresca may genuinely believe that, or he might be saying it to take the pressure off his players.

When I won the title with Blackburn in 1995, owner Jack Walker always planned to win it the year after, but when you are in the title race and you keep winning then there is no reason why you shouldn't embrace being ahead of schedule.

Everyone slammed Chelsea's owners for spending so much on so many players and building such a big squad, but maybe there was a method in what people saw as madness.

They are playing with real confidence at the moment and look completely different to the team they were last season. Nicolas Jackson is an example of how much they have improved and, after being rested against Southampton in midweek, he will be refreshed and ready to go.

This was the game last year where Spurs went down to nine men and lost 4-1. If there is any element of doubt from their players in their style of play, then Chelsea could take them apart again this time too.

Payne's prediction: 2-3

I kind of love Ange and how it is a case of: 'I just play like this and you can kind of like it or lump it.' They are great to watch because you just don't know what to happen - it is just chaos theory.

As for Chelsea, well Maresca seems to have got a tune out of this gigantic squad. Jackson is looking fantastic, while Cole Palmer is next level. This could be anything, but Chelsea do look more dangerous at the moment.

Read the full predictions and have your say here

Tottenham's second season under Ange Postecoglou has been shrouded by inconsistency, while Enzo Maresca has brought a calm to Chelsea that has seen them move up to second in the table

This London derby has brought plenty of goals in recent years and it could be another exciting battle at Tottenham Hotspur stadium on Sunday.

While the two sides go head to head on the pitch, we asked our fan writers for each club to go head to head off it.

Each fan got to ask three questions to each other before the big game...