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      Watch Chelsea outcast Danny Drinkwater see red for kicking out at Alfie Devine, 16, during Under-23s thriller vs Spurs

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      DANNY DRINKWATER was sent-off for Chelsea’s Under-23s on Monday night for kicking out at Tottenham youngster Alfie Devine.
      In a thrilling Premier League 2 encounter, Spurs took an early 2-0 lead.

      Alfie Devine two-footed Danny Drinkwater with a horrific lungeCredit: Getty Images – Getty

      Drinkwater was sent-off for kicking out at Devine in angerCredit: Getty Images – Getty

      Devile threw himself into Drinkwater’s shin with both feet and studs upCredit: Prime Media

      But goals from Myles Peart-Harris and Marcel Lewis saw the Blues fight their way back to 2-2.
      With a little over 15 minutes left in the game, Tottenham youngster Devine, 16, launched himself into a horrific two-footed tackle on Drinkwater.
      The former Leicester star – 14 years Devine’s senior at 30 – was left in a crumpled heap on the floor.
      But as Devine attempted to run off with the ball, Drinkwater – who cost Chelsea £35million in 2017 – kicked out at the Spurs man, sending him flying to the turf.

      ⚽ Read our Chelsea live blog for the very latest news from the Bridge
      Players from both sides quickly took exception as they squared up on the pitch, with tempers boiling over.
      Both players were shown a straight red for their ugly actions.
      Drinkwater hasn’t played for Chelsea’s senior side since March 2018 and was left out of the 25-man Premier League squad for 2020-21.

      He was loaned out to Aston Villa and Burnley last season, but failed to replicate his top form and was even involved in a horror nightclub brawl in September 2019.

      Players from both teams brawled after Drinkwater and Devine’s angry encounterCredit: Getty Images – Getty

      Elsewhere in the thrilling 3-2 PL2 win for Chelsea’s Under-23s, Petr Cech was given a shock start.
      The goalkeeper, 38, hasn’t played since the 2018-19 season but was named in Frank Lampard’s 25-man Premier League squad.
      Filling in for the rested Lucas Bergstrom – who played for the Under-18s on Saturday – Cech made an error with his first touch.
      The veteran stopper played a pass straight out for a corner, with Spurs taking the lead from the resulting set-piece.
      Cech conceded 15 minutes later, but managed to keep Tottenham at bay from then on to ensure the Blues completed an incredible comeback.
      The win moved Chelsea top of the PL2 table, ahead of Manchester City by one point ten games into the 2020-21 season.

      Chelsea face Atletico Madrid in horror Champions League knockout stages with Liverpool taking on tough RB Leipzig More

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      Petr Cech blunder with first touch of the game costs Chelsea in return to competitive action against Tottenham Under-23s

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      PETR CECH endured a nightmare return to football after a horror blunder with his FIRST touch cost Chelsea a goal.
      The veteran keeper, 38, was playing for the Blues’ Under-23s against Tottenham on Monday night.

      A Petr Cech blunder with his first touch cost Chelsea a goal vs Spurs

      Cech was playing for the first time since retiring at Arsenal in 2019

      Cech was named in Chelsea’s Premier League squad earlier this season, despite hanging up his gloves at the end of the 2018-19 season.
      The Czech stopper took on the role of technical director at Stamford Bridge.
      And, ahead of the 2020-21 season, he was named in Frank Lampard’s playing squad with doubts over Edouard Mendy’s backup goalkeepers Kepa Arrizabalaga and Willy Caballero.
      But based on his first game back, he won’t be getting a call-up to the Chelsea first XI side any time soon.

      ⚽ Read our Chelsea live blog for the very latest news from the Bridge
      With his very first touch of the game, Cech played a pass straight out for a corner.
      Tottenham then scored straight from it to take the lead in the game.
      Cech was playing his first competitive game since the Europa League final in May 2019, while at Arsenal.

      The idea was to build up his match sharpness in case he is needed.

      Cech was named in Chelsea’s 25-man Premier League squad in the summer

      But Spurs’ third-minute opener from his blunder suggests the Czech stopper still has plenty of rust to shake off.
      Cech conceded another goal 15 minutes later in the Premier League 2 clash.
      First-choice Under-23s stopper Lucas Bergstrom was left out for the clash having played for the Under-18s on Saturday, with Chelsea unwilling to risk him burning out.
      Karlo Ziger could have played but because he is part of Blues first-team squad he must stay and train with them rather than have to return and take a Covid-19 test.
      Despite going 2-0 down, Myles Peart-Harris scored twice – including a last-minute winner – and Marcel Lewis got on the scoresheet as the Blues completed an incredible comeback.
      Danny Drinkwater was sent off for kicking out at 16-year-old Alfie Devine, while Mauricio Pochettino’s son came off the bench for Spurs in an eventful game.
      Meanwhile, Chelsea were handed a nightmare Champions League draw after being paired with LaLiga giants Atletico Madrid.

      Chelsea face Atletico Madrid in horror Champions League knockout stages with Liverpool taking on tough RB Leipzig More

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      Chelsea boss Frank Lampard fires back at claims his squad is ‘strongest’ in Premier League after Everton defeat

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      CHELSEA boss Frank Lampard has said he’s mystified by Jurgen Klopp’s claim his squad is the strongest in the Premier League.
      The Liverpool manager said the Blues were favourites for the title because of the “unbelievable” depth of their squad.

      Frank Lampard is mystified by claims his Chelsea squad is the strongest in the Premier LeagueCredit: AP:Associated Press

      But speaking after Chelsea’s 1-0 defeat to Everton, Lampard hit back at those claims – insisting his team lack the experience needed to be crowned champions.
      Lampard said: “I keep reading how we had the strongest squad in the league. I don’t understand it.
      “Teams around us have won titles and have strikers who score 30 goals every year, players who have won the Champions League.
      “We have some players who have won titles but also have some who are new to the Premier League and are young. We are a work in progress and nights like tonight can happen.

      “I don’t like them but they can happen.”
      Last week, Klopp revealed who he feels would be the biggest threat to take Liverpool’s Premier League crown.
      “Chelsea, for me, look like favourites,” he revealed.
      “They have the biggest squad, great players playing well together after a rusty start – and they are going full on now.

      “They have unbelievable opportunities to change in games and make changes from one game to the other – so that is it.”

      Lampard and his players appear dejected after their 1-0 defeat to EvertonCredit: Getty Images – Getty

      While ahead of Chelsea’s match against Tottenham, Spurs boss Jose Mourinho said his side were “just a pony” in the title race and his old side were bigger contenders.
      On Saturday, Chelsea were disappointing as they wilted to a 1-0 defeat against Everton at Goodison Park – ending a 17-game unbeaten record.
      Gylfi Sigurdsson’s first half penalty was the decider, as Chelsea missed out on an opportunity to go top of the league.

      Chelsea boss Frank Lampard confirms Hakim Ziyech and Callum Hudson-Odoi will each miss two weeks with injuries More

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      Petr Cech ‘to play for Chelsea youth side’ against Tottenham in first match since retiring 19 months ago

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      CHELSEA legend Petr Cech is set to sensationally end his retirement to play for a Blues development side, according to a report.
      The Athletic’s Liam Twomey has revealed the Czech Republic star will be between the sticks against Tottenham in a Premier League 2 fixture at Kingsmeadow on Monday.

      Chelsea legend Petr Cech is set to come out of retirement and play for a Blues development squadCredit: Getty Images – Getty

      The 38-year-old, who has just released a Christmas single, has not played a competitive game since retiring after the Europa League final in May 2019.
      However, back in October Cech was registered as a emergency cover in Chelsea’s Premier League squad.
      Before he returned to Chelsea as technical and performance director, the shotstopper played as a netminder for local ice hockey club Guildford Phoenix.
      The reason for Cech’s involvement for the development squad is that first choice Lucas Bergstrom played for the U18 team on Saturday and Chelsea do not want him playing two games in 48 hours.

      Karlo Zigler could have played, but because he’s part of Frank Lampard’s first team squad the club would rather have him stay training with them then having to return and take a COVID-19 test.
      But Chelsea believe the match sharpness will help Cech, should he have to play first team football.

      Cech played as a netminder for local ice hockey club Guildford Phoenix.Credit: Getty Images – Getty

      Head of youth development Neil Bath is said to have been the person who suggested Cech’s involvement in Monday’s game.
      Cech has been training regularly with Chelsea’s senior squad since September.

      However, club insiders have told The Athletic that he has never been selected ahead of first team stars Kepa Arrizabalaga and Willy Caballero in training games.
      ⚽ Read our Chelsea live blog for the very latest news from the Bridge

      Chelsea legend Petr Cech on drums for catchy Xmas single More

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      Chelsea star Fikayo Tomori wanted by Nice in loan transfer with Blues game time hard to come by

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      FIKAYO TOMORI is being tracked by Nice for a loan move next month – and the deal is unlikely to be hit by the new post-Brexit transfer regulations.
      British players now have to qualify for work permits before European sides can sign them up, which is hitting a number of proposed switches for young players fresh out of the academy.

      Chelsea defender Fikayo Tomori could be on his way out on loan in JanuaryCredit: Reuters

      But though Tomori’s game time at Chelsea has been limited this season, the fact he has proven Premier League experience plus an England cap is enough to see him secure enough points to be cleared to play in France.
      Tomori has featured in just one top-flight match this term with Frank Lampard preferring a pairing of Kurt Zouma and Thiago Silva.
      The ex-Derby loanee has been involved in just three fixtures this campaign, with his last outing coming in the Carabao Cup defeat against Tottenham on September 29.
      But despite being out of favour in West London, several Premier League clubs have shown an interest in taking the centre-back.

      One of those looking to secure his services are Newcastle, but Chelsea are not keen on letting him move to a rival in the Premier League.
      The 22-year-old is interesting Nice on a short term deal until the end of the season after they lost defender Dante to a knee ligament injury.
      Chelsea have no interest in selling Tomori at this stage as they belief he could still mature into a top class defender, but are unable to give him game time as they mount a title challenge.
      Speaking last month, Lampard opened up on Tomori’s decision to turn down a loan move to West Ham.

      He said: “I think there’s arguments on both sides. Fikayo is our contracted player. We know that West Ham were interested.
      “Fikayo took the decision not to go and that’s well within his rights. That had no bearing on my thoughts at all. He’s still a developing player.
      “When I say developing, he’s had a great two years. He got himself in the England team, was one of the best defenders in the Championship and then played 20-plus games for Chelsea.
      “It’s normal for a young player sometimes, in a squad as competitive as ours, where there are periods where you maybe aren’t playing every week.”
      ⚽ Read our Chelsea live blog for the very latest news from the Bridge

      Petr Cech’s Christmas single for charity with Chelsea legend on drums More

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      Chelsea’s secret weapon is coach Anthony Barry, who has tightened up defence and got them scoring goals from set pieces

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      SPECIALIST coaches are becoming the new normal in football.
      In 2018, seeking an edge, Liverpool hired throw in coach Thomas Gronnemark to improve distribution from the sidelines from full backs Trent Alexander-Arnold and Andy Robertson.

      Chelsea first team coach Anthony Barry has transformed the team defensivelyCredit: Getty Images – Getty

      And that trend has continued in 2020 in the Premier League with Chelsea reaping the rewards of having a set piece specialist among their coaching ranks.
      Anthony Barry, 34, enjoyed somewhat of a journeyman career as a footballer – playing at clubs including Accrington Stanley, Yeovil Town, Chester City and Fleetwood Town.
      But, as an up-and-coming coach, he was brought to Stamford Bridge to address the Blues backline that conceded 54 goals in the league last season, including 15 from dead ball situations.
      At the time of his appointment, manager Frank Lampard couldn’t hide his delight with securing Barry’s services.

      “He’s an exciting young coach and someone I’ve known for a while,” Lampard revealed.
      “I believe he will be a strong addition to the team.” Lampard hasn’t been wrong.
      This season, Chelsea have not just tightened up at the back – they’ve reversed the trend by scoring in the opposition box for fun whenever they’ve had their own set pieces.
      Barry’s hard work on the training pitch at Cobham is clearly working.

      Barry was appointed as first team last summer after a stint at WiganCredit: Getty Images – Getty
      DEFENSIVE IMPROVEMENT
      There’s no doubt the additions of goalkeeper Edouard Mendy and experienced Brazilian defender Thiago Silva have given the Blues more steel at the back.
      But Barry might just be the best signing Chelsea made this summer.
      Lampard and Barry met on a coaching course, when the latter was at Wigan Athletic in 2018.
      The former West Ham star was immediately impressed by the Liverpool-born coach’s attention to detail, and earmarked him for a role on Chelsea’s coaching staff.
      Chelsea would have had further reason to hire him seeing the development of Reece James, who excelled at Wigan while under the tutorage of Barry and waxed lyrical about his time there.
      And they’ve certainly been meaner at the back.
      In 11 games, Chelsea have kept five clean sheets and currently boast the second best defensive record in the Premier League, as Barry has got to work on the training pitch.
      While they only let in two goals during their entire Champions League group campaign, as they finished above Sevilla.

      Chelsea currently have the second best defensive record in the Premier LeagueCredit: AFP

      Barry works with Cesar Azpilicueta on defensive shape
      Barry’s influence was evident when he was seen on the Stamford Bridge touchline barking orders at his defenders when they faced set plays against Rennes.
      AN AERIAL THREAT
      Standing at 6ft 3in, Kurt Zouma is an intimidating presence in the opposition box.
      But he was never as proficient as he has been this season.
      The most goals the French defender ever managed in a Premier League campaign was two. This season, he has four – the most recent a towering header against Leeds last week.
      According to insiders, Zouma is a Barry favourite – and it’s clear to see the centre half taking note of his coach’s tactical masterplan.
      When the delivery is whipped in from either Mason Mount, Ben Chilwell or Hakim Ziyech, Zouma’s positioning has been key to creating mischief in the box.
      Of Chelsea’s 25 goals in the Premier League this season, seven have come from set pieces.

      Offensively, Chelsea have improved from set pieces under Barry too

      Thiago Silva heads home one of two set piece goals Chelsea scored against Sheffield United

      Kurt Zouma, scoring here against Leeds, has four goals this seasonCredit: Getty Images – Getty
      Two were scored against Sheffield United, a team renowned for their defending from corners and free kicks, in a 4-1 win – that showed what a threat the West Londoners now are.
      “I’m very happy with the set-piece goals,” Lampard said after that game.

      “Today shows how important they are because they make the game comfortable when — even though we’ve played well — it could have been (different).”
      With Everton up next for Lampard’s title-chasing side, Toffees boss Carlo Ancelotti will be well aware where the threat from Chelsea lies.
      But will they be able to defend those set pieces?

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      Giroud taunts Chelsea chief Cech about Europa League final goal he scored against him in last ever game for Arsenal

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      OLIVIER GIROUD has rubbed further salt in the wounds of Arsenal supporters by stating his goal in the Europa League final was the best header of his career.
      The former Gunners fan favourite opened the scoring for Chelsea against the North Londoners in the eventual 4-1 win in Baku on May 29, 2019.

      Chelsea striker Olivier Giroud broke the deadlock against Arsenal in the Europa League final in 2019Credit: Reuters

      Chelsea chief Petr Cech failed to claim silverware in his last game in goalCredit: Getty Images – Getty

      His comments may also not go down well with Blues chief Petr Cech, who was between the sticks for Arsenal in what was his last appearance before retiring.
      Following the match he returned to Stamford Bridge to become the club’s technical and performance advisor.
      Giroud broke the deadlock with diving header after latching onto the end of Emerson Palmieri’s delivery.
      In an interview with Chelsea’s website, Giroud spoke of his aerial attributes where he was asked to comment on the best headed goal he’s scored technically.

      He said: “There are a few! I liked that one against Liverpool (at Stamford Bridge in 2018) because it was not easy.
      “I liked the one in the Europa League final.
      “I like diving headers because it means you come with pace and you have the force of your body.
      “Petr can tell you I maybe couldn’t have had a better connection.

      “I went 100 per cent for it and didn’t even think my friend Laurent Koscielny could put his foot and hit me.
      “This was definitely one of the best.”
      Giroud has been in fine form for the Blues this season, despite playing second fiddle to Timo Werner in West London.
      The World Cup winner has found the back of the net on seven occasions from 12 games.
      But with his contract to expire next summer, he could be sold in January, with Inter Milan a possible destination.
      ⚽ Read our Chelsea live blog for the very latest news from the Bridge

      Is Olivier Giroud a Premier League legend? More

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      How Chelsea could line up against Everton with Pulisic available despite injury fears but Ziyech and Hudson-Odoi out

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      CHELSEA travel to Merseyside to take on Everton in Saturday night’s 8pm kick-off with Christian Pulisic set to be fit enough to start.
      The American winger, 22, has been struggling with a sore hamstring since last weekend’s 3-1 win over Leeds.

      How Chelsea could line-up against Everton on Saturday

      But Frank Lampard has revealed Pulisic is ‘training normally’ in a huge lift to the Blues with fellow wingers Ziyech and Hudson-Odoi out.
      Ahead of the game, Lampard revealed: “We’re the same as we were in midweek.
      “Hakim Ziyech and Callum [Hudson-Odoi] we know are out for around a couple of weeks.
      “Christian Pulisic had a tiny bit of awareness off the back of the Leeds game with one of his hamstrings but he’s training normally so we should be as we were.

      ⚽ Read our Chelsea live blog for the very latest news from the Bridge
      “Christian is still a work in progress… I don’t want to call this an injury.
      “If [Krasnodar] had been a different type of game I might have used him.
      “We know his abilities and he showed them when he came on against Leeds last week.

      “I just have to find the right way to get the best out of him quickly and consistently.”

      Another way Lampard could line up his Chelsea team on Saturday

      Pulisic is now set to start on the right wing, with Timo Werner on the left and red-hot Olivier Giroud continuing through the middle.
      Giroud, 34, has scored in his last six Premier League starts – the oldest man to ever do so and is likely to keep Tammy Abraham warming the bench.
      Edouard Mendy is a certainty to start in goal, with England duo Reece James and Ben Chilwell starting in the full-back slots.
      Kurt Zouma and Thiago Silva will continue their solid partnership in the heart of the back-four.
      In midfield, N’Golo Kante is set to be joined by Mason Mount and Kai Havertz in a dynamic, well-rounded midfield trio.
      However, Jorginho and Mateo Kovacic will hope to force their way into contention.
      With Ziyech and Hudson-Odoi both out, Lampard is limited with his wing options, so will likely start Pulisic and Werner.
      The only decision then is whether to continue with in-form Giroud or plump for Abraham through the middle.
      Chelsea travel to Everton on Saturday evening, with kick-off at Goodison Park 8pm.

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