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      Arsenal 1 Chelsea 0: Gunners survive huge six-pointer to tighten grip on second place as Blues sweat on Champions League

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      MIKEL ARTETA this week said he was determined for Arsenal to be the best of the rest this season as Liverpool stroll to the Premier League title.They are on course to do just that, especially when “the rest” are as atrocious and as hot-headed as Chelsea are right now.Stand-in striker Mikel Merino gave Arsenal a deserved lead from a corner inside 20 minutesMarc Cucurella nearly punished a howler from David Raya on the brink of half-timeRobert Sanchez denied Merino from a second in the 60th minuteChelsea remain winless in seven games against ArsenalThe Gunners came into this one without a win in their last three league games, 15 points off Arne Slot’s rampaging Reds and in danger of being dragged into a top four scrap.Those nerves have settled now, nine points above Enzo Maresca’s Blues in fourth and four points above Nottingham Forest in third thanks to Mikel Merino’s 20th minute Emirates winner.It seems boss Arteta is content with a third-successive runners-up spot this term, something he sees as a real achievement given their damaging injury record this campaign.This was not Arsenal at their fluid best, not that they needed to be against a Chelsea outfit without an injured Cole Palmer – and it desperately showed.READ MORE FOOTBALL NEWSBut for now, Arteta’s men have bigger fish to fry in the Champions League – welcoming Real Madrid to North London for a mouth-watering quarter final tie next month.Chelsea meanwhile produced a performance worthy of the Europa Conference League they hope to win comfortably come May.Do not let the score line fool you – they were never, ever in this one.Chasing shadows for large parts, they spent most of it kicking lumps out of anything that moved and aimlessly arguing with officials, lucky not to be down to 10 men after Wesley Fofana’s blatant first half stamp on Declan Rice.Most read in FootballCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO BONUSES FROM £10 DEPOSITSA real sign of the times, and a sign of how much work Enzo Maresca still has to do with this group.For the neutrals, this had arguably the most important element to a London derby: needle.Mikel Arteta walks out of Sky Sports interview moments after Arsenal lose further ground in Premier League title raceThe visitors provided most of it, starting before a ball was even kicked by winning the toss and forcing the hosts to unusually kick away from the Clock End in the first half. Mind games?Chelsea’s approach after that smacked of a team who knew they would be inferior on the ball, so decided to be horrible b******s off it in the hope of disrupting their opponents, kicking lumps out of anything in red.Marc Cucurella was at his whinging, crowd-provoking best from the first whistle, while Enzo Fernandez led from the front when it came to niggly fouls and dramatic collapses to the turf.Then Fofana got in on it, perhaps a bit too much. The Frenchman bundled Rice to the floor and proceeded to plant his studs into the back of the England midfielder’s thigh.Rice reacted, squaring up to the offender. Arteta was frothing at the mouth. VAR took a less dramatic view on their review. Fofana somehow got away with no punishment at all.Declan Rice clashed with Wesley Fofana after the Chelsea star’s high bootArsenal were not exactly saints either. Thomas Partey got away with leaving one or two studs on the ankle of Pedro Neto. And Gabriel enjoyed a good old South American coming together with Enzo Fernandez.But still, in footballing terms, Arsenal were dominant. Chelsea were pathetically passive.It did not help that their front six players were all under six foot, trying to gain some momentum and territory against a trio of giants like Partey, Gabriel and William Saliba.The recalled Robert Sanchez in goal was at his nervy, frantic worst, passing straight out to Gabriel Martinelli and then parrying the Brazilian’s shot almost into the path of Leandro Trossard.Down the right, Jurrien Timber jinked around Cucurella in the box and squared for Martinelli but for a well-timed Fofana interception. After that, it was comical watching Chelsea attempt to clear.Benoit Badiashile deflected onto Colwill, forcing Sanchez to stop an own goal, and a second attempt to hoof it left a ball-print bruise on the face of Reece James as Rice then blazed over.The opening was inevitable, but the source of it was a surprise. Before this one, Arsenal – the corner kings – had failed to score from their last 51 deliveries.But they made No.52 count. Martin Odegaard whipped it to the near post and Merino flicked up and over everybody else into the far side-netting. His fourth goal in seven in all competitions as a No.9.This game should have been over at half time with Chelsea stinking the place out and Arsenal creating chance after chance. Enzo Maresca spent most of the first half slumped on his knees.And yet they almost nicked an underserving leveller from a David Raya howler, spilling a Cucurella volley and watching the ball trickle just past his far post.Not that this was enough to rally Maresca’s men at the break, instead looking more interested in some more of the dark arts. Arteta must have secretly been quite impressed, having taught his own players most of those tricks over the past few years.Neto picked up a yellow for dissent. Fofana was finally cautioned for delaying an Arsenal throw-in.At the other end, Arsenal were probing. READ MORE SUN STORIESMartinelli crossed for Merino whose eyes lit up only for his volley to be well punched away by Sanchez.Arsenal are the best of the rest. Chelsea are still scrambling finding their place below them. More

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      Chelsea agree deal to sign second Portuguese wonderkid in two days with £18.5m transfer for midfielder Dario Essugo

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      CHELSEA have reportedly agreed a deal to sign a second Portuguese wonderkid in two days.The Blues secretly completed a shock transfer to land Geovany Quenda earlier this week.Chelsea have agreed an £18.5m deal to sign Dario Essugo from Sporting in the summerCredit: GettyAnd now The Athletic state Dario Essugo is also on his way to Stamford Bridge. A £18.5million fee has been negotiated between Chelsea and Sporting.It is claimed there are no add-ons or sell-on clauses included. Essugu, 20, looks set to put pen to paper on a seven-year contract in West London.READ MORE ON FOOTBALLAnd that would see him link up with the Chelsea first team in the summer, as first revealed by SunSport last year.Essugu came through the academy at Sporting and has 23 first-team appearances for the Portuguese giants.However, it has been during his loan to Las Palmas in LaLiga this season that he has really shone, attracting plenty of interest from the Blues.The holding midfielder and Portugal youth international is expected to provide support for Moises Caicedo next season. Most read in FootballCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO BONUSES FROM £10 DEPOSITSThe Ecuadorian has started all 28 Premier League games for Chelsea under Enzo Maresca this term. But the addition of Essugu could help ease the burden on the £115m ex-Brighton man. Enzo Maresca defends lacklustre Chelsea after Conference League progress However, while Essugu is set to arrive in the summer, Chelsea fans will have to wait another year to see Quenda in action for them.The 17-year-old winger sensation was a top target for Manchester United but Chelsea launched a “secret blitz” to secure a £40m deal as he underwent a medical in private. Quenda turns 18 next month and will stay with Sporting for the 2025-26 season.Geovany Quenda will join Chelsea in the summer of 2026Credit: AFPChelsea player ratingsCHELSEA are into the Conference League quarter-finals after beating Copenhagen 1-0.A rare moment of Kiernan Dewsbury-Hall magic and two half-time subs igniting the game and the crowd were the difference.Cole Palmer’s half-time introduction alongside Marc Cucurella certainly injected some energy into the Chelsea attack, but he was still unable to break his run of poor form in this one.Enzo Maresca and his men will be hoping that small issue is fixed before they face Legia Warsaw in the next round.Check out our full Chelsea player ratings. More

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      Chelsea 2 Man City 1: Blues win Women’s League Cup and first step of possible quadruple after late own-goal drama

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      MAYRA RAMIREZ gave Chelsea lift off in their quadruple trophy chase with Manchester City consigned to League Cup heartbreak on Saturday.A devastating own-goal for Yui Hasegawa saw City’s fightback crumble with the Blues taking first blood in the two sides first of four showdown clashes. Chelsea beat Man City in the League Cup final in DerbyCredit: GettyChelsea took the first step towards their quadruple dreamCredit: PAMayra Ramirez set Chelsea on their way to winning the League CupCredit: ReutersIt was the Blues first trophy under manager Sonia Bompastor and ends a run of three final defeats on the bounceCredit: PAThe return of Nick Cushing to Man City could not prevent the Blues winning the gameCredit: GettyAfter Chelsea’s win today, the two sides play each other again on Wednesday for the first leg of their Women’s Champions League quarter-final tie before they play in the WSL next weekend and then the second leg of their European clash four days later.Ramirez’s close-range finish, courtesy of Lauren James’ class assist, helped the London giants end a run of three straight League Cup final losses in a row.The clash played in front of a Pride Park crowd of 14,187 – far smaller than the record 21,000-strong crowd at last year’s decider – saw the WSL leaders lift their first trophy under Sonia Bompastor.It also dealt a fresh blow to City’s hopes of winning silverware this season, five days after their shock sacking of Gareth Taylor.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLChelsea came under significant pressure early on from a Man City side playing in their first final and first game since Taylor’s departure. The Cityzens, who are currently off the pace in this term’s title race were hoping for a new manager bounce following the return of Nick Cushing. The Chester-born head coach was the first and last person to guide the WSL giants to a top-flight title. However, with City currently 12 points off the league leading opponents the chances of winning that prize look very slim. Most read in FootballJOIN SUN VEGAS: GET £50 BONUSBut one of their best hopes of a trophy this term came today.For periods of the first half they had Chelsea under the cosh, dominating possession. Watch Ireland captain Katie McCabe star in hilarious Adidas ad ahead of new WSL season with ArsenalBut for all their retention of the ball City found themselves behind when Ramirez broke the deadlock early on. A Man City corner swiftly turned into a Chelsea counter with James’ deft through ball finding Ramirez who fired home after keeper Ayaka Yamashita’s initial save. Last ditch defending from the Blues kept City at bay as they cranked up the pressure. This included winger Sandy Baltimore charging the ball down after Khadija Shaw’s attempted first-half shot.And skipper Millie Bright was among the other aces throwing their bodies in the way of shots and crosses, with the defender spotted stuffing tissue up a bloody nose.But City were eventually rewarded for their efforts with Aoba Fujino firing in their leveller in the 64th minute after Shaw distracted Chelsea’s backline. READ MORE SUN STORIESBut in a cruel twist of fate their fight back was thwarted after Hasegawa’s attempted hooked clearance dropped into the net behind keeper Yamashita. The City midfielder and her team-mates will hope for better fortunes when the two sides meet on Wednesday in the Champions League quarters first leg. Millie Bright put in a Player of the Match performance at Pride ParkCredit: Getty More

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      Reason Man Utd did not sign Geovany Quenda ‘revealed’ as Sporting star agrees shock £42m Chelsea transfer

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      MANCHESTER UNITED reportedly never submitted a bid for Geovany Quenda before Chelsea agreed to sign the winger from Sporting Lisbon.Chelsea agreed a fee of £42million for Quenda, 17, and he will join the Portuguese club in the summer in a seven-year deal.Reported Man Utd target Geovany Quenda joined Chelsea last weekThe 17-year-old sensation is a former protege of Red Devils boss Ruben Amorim.But after biding his time, Chelsea stepped in with what reports called a “secret blitz” to land the right winger, who can also play wing-back.Quenda underwent a medical in private and agreed to join after being impressed by Enzo Maresca’s vision for the West London giants.But the Manchester Evening News has since debunked the theories that he snubbed United for Chelsea.READ MORE ON MAN UTDUnited reportedly met with the influential agent Jorge Mendes in November as his agency was tasked with negotiating on Quenda’s behalf.But United’s interest didn’t extend beyond informal discussions.A source familiar with the talks said United’s preference was to wait to sign Quenda.And the mid-season addition of Patrick Dorgu, a fellow left-footed wide player, impacted the Red Devils’ interest.Most read in FootballCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO BONUSES FROM £10 DEPOSITSQuenda has been called up to the Portugal squad again for their Nations League double-header against Denmark this month.But Chelsea fans will have to wait over a year to see their new man in action.Paul Scholes says ‘it’s about time Manchester United caught up’Quenda, who turns 18 next month, will stay at Sporting for the entirety of the 2025-26 season before linking up with his new Stamford Bridge pals in July 2026.The left-footer has played 35 times for Sporting already this season, including huge Champions League games, scoring just once.He had been expected to join Man Utd, given his links to Amorim and the fact he’d be considered a perfect fit on the right of his old boss’ preferred 3-4-3 formation.But instead, he will join fellow wonderkids Estevao Willian and Kendry Paez – who join this summer – in West London.Quenda joined Sporting in 2019, aged just 13, with Amorim coming aboard a year later. More

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      Chelsea’s Millie Bright is ready ‘to put body on the line’ in push to win Women’s League Cup 

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      CHELSEA captain Millie Bright has a Blue-print for success in the League Cup final. The Blues’ longest-serving player, 31, knows all about pushing herself to the limit in pursuit of prizes. Millie Bright and her team-mates hope to emerge victorious from their League Cup final clash with Manchester CityCredit: ReutersThe Cityzens are aiming to lift their first trophy this term under interim boss Nick CushingCredit: GettyBlues captain Bright says the adrenalin rush of winning trophies makes her want to do it all over againCredit: GettyShe has plenty of those – with another in her sights as Chelsea face Manchester City today in this year’s Women’s League Cup decider.And she says whoever is willing to put their body on the line will triumph. Bright knows what she is talking about, with 13 trophies in her 12 years at the club, as well as winning the 2022 Euros with England.To date the tenacious player, who joined the Blues from Doncaster Rovers Belles 12 years, ago has won six domestic cup competitions. Read More Football StoriesShe hopes to make it seven when Chelsea battle the Cityzens at 12:15pm at Pride Park, 33 miles away from the Derbyshire town of Chesterfield where she was born. The WSL star said: “Games like these are about who is best prepared, who’s willing to do everything to win and put their body on the line.”A Chelsea-City final is something that everyone always wants to see. “It’s always a great game coming up against them, but ultimately we want to win. Most read in Football”We want to lift that trophy, but we have to put in the work.”Hard graft is what Chelsea will need to produce across 12 days during their next four games. Every time you lift a trophy it gives you that hunger to just do it all over again. You never want to experience any other feeling.Millie Bright Aside from today’s showdown these include two season-defining duels with Man City in the Champions League quarters and a Women’s Super League tussle. Facing a fierce rival four times in a row is something of an oddity for Bright. The Blues captain adds: “I don’t think that has ever happened before. “But our mentality is always to just go game-by-game. Everyone’s just excited for the final.”With the WSL leaders unbeaten this term, and City picking up some mixed results, Bright and team-mates will fancy their chances of ending a recent run of three League Cup final losses. Their last triumph occurred in March 2021 when they trounced Bristol City 6-0 at Vicarage Road. Bright is one of the six players left in her team who were part of that League Cup-winning side then managed by Emma Hayes.The first time she ever triumphed in a cup final was ten years ago against Notts County. A goal scored by former Blue Ji So-Yun sealed Chelsea’s first ever FA Cup triumph. But after 13 trophy wins with the Blues, Bright admits memories of this first are becoming a little blurry. The England ace said: “All those firsts are a bit of a blur now because everything was such a shock and a hit in the face, like a new experience. “I have to think really hard about what they felt like. “But instantly it’s that adrenaline rush of ‘this is amazing, I want to do it all over again’.”And then you actually want to get straight back out on the pitch and compete for the next potential trophy. “Every time you lift a trophy, it gives you that hunger to just do it all over again.”You never want to experience any other feeling.”Today’s game comes nine days after Bright signed a new contract with Chelsea which runs until next summer with the option to extend for a further year. On March 12 her team-mate Erin Cuthbert also penned a new deal with the Blues which expires in the summer of 2027.Both players are thriving in a post-Hayes era with head coach Sonia Bompastor so far steering the team on an unbeaten run across all competitions. Of  Cuthbert’s impact Bright said: “Everyone knows what Erin means to this club and to this team. Her energy is infectious. “She’s a massive part with her mentality, her drive and quality on the ball.“We saw that the other night (against Leicester) she comes on and slots one in the bottom corner nice and composed.”Bright and Cuthbert are among the Blues stalwarts thriving under boss BompastorSo far the France-born former Lyon manager has steered her side on an unbeaten run across all competitions. What Bright values most is her manager’s willingness to allow her players to express themselves. Bright adds:  “Sonia is good at that and tells us to enjoy every single minute that we play because we should. “She really gives us that confidence to express ourselves. “And if we make mistakes then fine. We’ve got each other’s backs, we’ll figure it out and we’ll work together. “Sonia’s really really good at giving that confidence, but if I can help the players in any way,  they know I’ve got an open door policy. “They can come to me for literally anything. You need support on the pitch or a shoulder to cry on – I’ll do it.”On the day Bright signed her new contract her mum Nicola and her dad Steve joined her at Stamford Bridge. She feels her family have played a huge part in the “blood, sweat and tears” of a career that has yielded much success. Bright adds: “Your family and your supporters – they’re the ones that are there every single week, travelling all around the world to support you. Chelsea’s last League Cup triumph was back in 2021 when they beat Bristol CityCredit: Getty”That’s how I’ve always seen it and that’s why I want to do so well and win.  “The blood, sweat and tears you put into it – it’s all for that success and those moments with your loved ones and your team-mates lifting trophies. READ MORE SUN STORIES”I don’t think there’s any other moment that will compare to that.” The Subway Women’s League Cup final can be watched live from 12:15pm today on BBC One. More

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      Chelsea hijack Man Utd transfer for Ruben Amorim’s former protege, 17, and secretly agree deal for Sporting wonderkid

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      CHELSEA have secretly completed a shock deal to land Sporting wonderkid Geovany Quenda from under Manchester United’s noses.The 17-year-old sensation is a former protege of Red Devils boss Ruben Amorim.Chelsea have agreed a £40m deal to sign Sporting star Geovany Quenda, 17, on a seven-year dealCredit: GettyQuenda had been tipped to join Man Utd having starred under Ruben AmorimCredit: APAnd the Portuguese chief had considered a move for Quenda in January.But after biding his time, Chelsea stepped in with what reports call a “secret blitz” to land the right winger, who can also wing-back.Quenda underwent a medical in private and agreed to join after being impressed by Enzo Maresca’s vision for the West London giants.Chelsea and Sporting have also agreed to the deal worth £40million.READ MORE SPORT STORIESQuenda will put pen to paper on a SEVEN-YEAR deal, with the option for an eighth – very much in line with Todd Boehly’s contract structure.However, Blues fans will have to wait over a year to see their new man in action.Quenda, who turns 18 next month, will stay at Sporting for the entirety of the 2025-26 season and will link up with his new Stamford Bridge pals in July 2026.The left-footer has played 35 times for Sporting already this season, including huge Champions League games, scoring just once, even earning a call-up to Roberto Martinez’s senior Portugal squad.Most read in FootballCheltenham Festival betting offers and free betsHe had been expected to join Man Utd, given his links to Amorim and the fact he’d be considered a perfect fit on the right of his old boss’ preferred 3-4-3 formation.Amorim even deployed scouts to watch Quenda in February.Enzo Maresca defends lacklustre Chelsea after Conference League progress But instead, he will join fellow wonderkids Estevao Willian and Kendry Paez – who join this summer – in West London.Quenda joined Sporting in 2019, aged just 13, with Amorim coming aboard a year later.After keeping close tabs on his progress, the Guinea-Bissau-born winger became the youngest player to ever feature in Sporting’s reserves, aged 16.He was promoted to the first-team at the start of this season, before Amorim ultimately quit to replace Erik ten Hag at Old Trafford.Speaking on the wonderkid, Amorim previously revealed: “He’s very talented, very mature and understands the game like an adult.”He obviously has a lot to improve on, but I think he had an excellent game and we have a player there.” More

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      Why Cole Palmer is struggling and how Enzo Maresca can help Chelsea’s star find his form with three tactical tweaks

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      COLE PALMER’S form has dropped off a cliff in recent weeks.So far this season, he has 20 goals and assists in all competitions for Chelsea.Enzo Maresca’s tactics are preventing his best player, Cole Palmer, from thrivingCredit: RexWe have looked at three ways Maresca can get Palmer back to his bestCredit: GettyBut Palmer has failed to net since January 14 and has not set up a team-mate since December 1.Palmer, 22, even missed a penalty for the first time in his senior career when his spot kick was saved in the Blues’ 1-0 win over Leicester last weekend.His previously perfect record of 15 spot-kicks for club and country was KO’d by Mads Hermansen.And to make his embarrassment even worse, manager Enzo Maresca then revealed the England star was suffering from stomach cramps.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLIt’s a far cry from a year ago, when Palmer was unstoppable in his breakthrough season at Chelsea following a £42.5m transfer from Manchester City.He flourished under Mauricio Pochettino, with 25 goals and 15 assists in 46 appearances, winning the club’s Player of the Season award and also being named PFA Fans’ Player of the Year. So how can tactical guru Maresca switch things up to make Palmer the player he was just a few months ago?Tactics expert Chris Beaumont of We Scout Strikers has three solutions that could unlock the Palmer puzzle.Most read in FootballCheltenham Festival betting offers and free betsSpeed it upLast season, when Palmer really broke out and became a dominant attacking force, the England star played for the most part as a right-sided winger. However, he was very much more of a threat when he came inside and played in the channels or even the central areas.So far this season Maresca has used Palmer more as an orthodox No.10.Cole Palmer branded ‘gift that keeps on giving’ after Chelsea star reveals his meal deal sandwich Maresca favours a slow build-up style with a very structured system with players understanding the passing patterns he wants. There is very little freedom in the system as the coach favours control over individuality. This means Chelsea have struggled when they have found it difficult to progress the ball through the middle and into the areas where Palmer would have ideally been positioned. As such Palmer has started to drop deeper and deeper to get on the ball.By coming deep to get on the ball, you are immediately taking Palmer out of the positions and the areas in which he can cause the most threat. Here we see Chelsea’s slow build up forcing Palmer to drop deep to get the ballThe system Maresca favours sees Chelsea form a box midfield as they attack with the right-back – or left-back – typically tucking inside to the midfield. This is designed to give Chelsea control over the centre of the pitch.The problem for Chelsea is the the opposition are able to close down ball progression by pressing tight to the two players at the base of the midfield.They then close down gaps the advanced midfielders can take up. Here Palmer drops even deeper and is so deep that he is pressed by the Brighton forwards taking him far away from his best zonesThe solution to prevent Palmer from feeling he has to keep dropping into deeper areas is to improve the ball progression from deeper areas.Maresca has to release the restrictions on his team and allow them to play more quickly if he is to get Palmer back to his best.At the moment everything from Chelsea is too slow and predictable. The players need more freedom to get on the ball and play forward quickly in order to affect the opposition.Spread the game outPalmer is playing as a more central attacking midfielder for Chelsea this season but still typically comes to the right into the channels when his side are in possession. While Palmer is very, very good when it comes to finding pockets of space he can occupy in order to receive the ball, he has been less effective in doing so in recent weeks.One of the biggest issues he has faced is teams becoming more aware of his danger.Consequently, they are taking away the spaces in their own defensive thirds where Palmer would have previously got on the ball and created most of his threat. With Chelsea looking to overload the midfield with a box shape, the opposition respond by defending tight in the centre and leaving more space in the wide areas.With the opposition defending more effectively in the central areas of the pitch there is a real need for Chelsea to take advantage of the spaces elsewhere. Here there are no spaces centrally so we see Palmer constantly having to come out from the attacking positionsWith Palmer now playing more centrally the spaces Chelsea have to exploit are in the wide areas. If Chelsea become more effective in getting the ball into the wide areas and having players who can attack their opponent 1v1 then they will create more penetration and space centrally.If the likes of Palmer cannot find space centrally, and given he is one of the best attackers in the squad, then Chelsea need to create him the space. The issue they currently have is because possession-hungry Maresca wants his wingers receiving the ball wide.But where they could look to be aggressive and to attack the opposition fullback, instead they are turning back and looking to play back or into the centre of the pitch.If Maresca wants to create more space centrally in the final third for the likes of Palmer then he needs to unlock the wingers. Here Palmer has no space centrally to receive the ball but there are spaces in the wide areas for Chelsea to exploit, but they are too slow to find themIf the wide attackers are more likely to attack 1v1 then the opposition will have to release defenders out wide to double up and provide cover.This will immediately create more space centrally for Palmer.Give Palmer more freedomIt is natural when a young player starts to see his form slip for them to start to look for ways to force the game more. When Palmer was playing well at the start of the season the game looked easy for him and he always seemed to have time and space on the ball to create and make things happen. Now, we are seeing far more examples of Palmer taking possession and almost trying to force the game around him by playing too quickly instead of playing with composure.To an extent Palmer is also finding it more difficult to create space for himself and find shooting angles because Chelsea are lacking a genuine striker with Nicolas Jackson out injured. Here we see Palmer, again dropping deeper looking to force the play with a cross into an easily defended areaPalmer and Jackson have an excellent understanding and partnership.The forward’s runs and power create space in the defensive line for Palmer to exploit, often to devastating effect in the first-half of the season. But with Christopher Nkunku being played centrally, out of position, in Jackson’s absence the spaces simply have not been the same.As Palmer is willing to stand up and take responsibility for the attacking structure and play in the final third we often see him isolated on the ball and trying to beat players.Instead he should have been looking for more options around him to combine.Palmer has the ball wide with little space centrally for the attacking players but cannot create a clear cut chance with two defenders on him and the box fully defendedThis is more of a coaching point than a tactical point and it touches on the fact Maresca is a more tactically focused than one who has a close personal relationship with his players. Palmer needs to go back to playing with more freedom on the ball as opposed to trying to force things to happen.ConclusionChelsea are on the brink of falling out of the Champions League places in the Premier League.For them to achieve their sporting ambitions this season they need to become more effective again in the final third.READ MORE SUN STORIESThis means they need to get back to creating the structure around Palmer to allow him to thrive. If he can go back to finding and creating goals as the season draws to a close then there is every chance Chelsea will finish in the top five and possibly land a trophy to go with it.Chelsea ratings vs Leicester as Cucurella causes chaos all-game long but Nkunku just can’t find his feetCHELSEA marked their 120th birthday with a hard-earned win against Leicester.Enzo Maresca’s side keep their place in the Champions League spots ahead of a tough run of games with a much-needed 1-0 victory.Chelsea were by far the most threatening side and it didn’t take long for Cole Palmer to get a golden chance to break his eight-game goal drought.Referee Tim Robinson pointed to the spot this time after Jadon Sancho was brought down in the box.Palmer stepped up, but his effort was brilliantly saved by Leicester keeper Mads Hermansen.Chelsea continued to dominate but Maresca left ruing his lack of a target man up top as crosses were swung aimlessly with Pedro Neto in the wars trying to reach them. With no real threat coming towards Robert Sanchez from Leicester, it looked as though it could be one of those games where they struggle to break down a side despite having the lion’s share of the ball. A moment of magic was needed as frustrations were growing and Marc Cucurella produced it on the hour mark.A peach of a strike from outside the area as he lit up Stamford Bridge, as he has on numerous occasions this season, scoring for the second game in a row. With chances coming and going for both sides, the nervousness among the home support was tangible as the game drew to it’s conclusion, with the relief at the full-time etched on Maresca’s face.Here is how SunSport’s Lloyd Canfield rated the Chelsea players…CHELTENHAM FESTIVAL 2025 LIVE: LATEST TIPS AND RESULTS FROM THE GREATEST SHOW ON TURF More

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      ‘Why can’t it ever be simple?’ – Chelsea fans miserable as home kit for 2025-26 leaked including ‘grunge graphic’

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      CHELSEA fans’ miserable 2025 has continued after they were left disappointed with the leaked design of their home kit for next season.The Blues have struggled for form in 2025, winning just six of their 12 games so far this calendar year which has seen them drop away from the battle for the Premier League title.Chelsea’s leaked new home kit left fans feeling blueCredit: https://www.footyheadlines.com/The kit features a grunge patternCredit: https://www.footyheadlines.com/The blue main colour is paired with splashes of white and redCredit: https://www.footyheadlines.com/They will be hoping the fortunes of Enzo Maresca’s side will get better as the rest of the year goes on.However, the home kit they will perform in from next season has been leaked by FootyHeadlines.The leaked photos reveal a Chelsea kit, sponsored by Nike, with the colours of the club’s traditional blue combined with splashes of red and white.New images of the kit also showed off the kit featuring a grunge graphic “to highlight the gritty, tough nature of the city and its citizens”.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLBut fans were left feeling quite blue over the new design, said to be the Dri-Fit ADV version.Taking to social media, one fan said: “It’s about time they stopped with the experimental kits.”A second said: “Why can we never have a clean and simple kit man!?”A third added: “Another miss.”Most read in FootballCheltenham Festival betting offers and free betsAnother said: “Why does every football shirt have to have a story behind it? Why can’t it simply just be a football shirt for playing football in.”In 2016, Chelsea signed then the largest kit deal in Premier League history when they penned a 15 year partnership worth £60million per year.‘I spent ages just looking at him’ – Playing vs Cristiano Ronaldo is my career highlight says star-struck Chelsea aceIt came after the Blues paid approximately £40m to terminate their previous 10-year deal with Adidas early.However, the biggest kit deal among Premier League clubs is the £90m per season deal between Manchester United and Adidas.Chelsea’s next game is the second leg of their clash with Copenhagen in the Europa Conference League.They take a 2-1 lead to tonight’s fixture Stamford Bridge. CHELTENHAM FESTIVAL 2025 LIVE: LATEST TIPS AND RESULTS FROM THE GREATEST SHOW ON TURF More