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      Enzo Maresca wasting Cole Palmer by playing him in the WRONG POSITION, according to Premier League legend

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      MICHAEL OWEN has insisted Enzo Maresca is playing Cole Palmer out of position.Chelsea fell to an abject 2-0 defeat to Manchester City at Stamford Bridge on Sunday – and Palmer barely got a look in.Palmer started from the right wing on SundayCredit: RexMichael Owen believes Palmer needs to play through the middleCredit: AlamyThe England forward, 22, looked a shadow of himself from last season, where he often single-handedly guided Chelsea’s output.Neither Palmer or Christopher Nkunku could get a look in from the wings and were limited to passenger roles for much of the afternoon.While Palmer started on the right-wing, he excelled in a No.10 role last season, scoring 27 goals and bagging 15 assists for the Blues.And former Liverpool striker Owen believes Palmer needs to be given a freedom role to create and dictate from the middle.Most read in FootballHe told Premier League Productions: “Chelsea have bought so many players that can play on the right-wing, haven’t they?”You’ve got players who aren’t even in the squad who can play in that position too like Raheem Sterling.”I’m sure the manager watched how good Palmer was last season and the position he played in and everything else.”And you would just think that when you’re picking a team, your best players play in their best positions and you fit around them.”Most read in FootballPalmer was limited to a few forward passes in Chelsea’s 2-0 defeat to CityFOOTBALL FREE BETS AND SIGN UP DEALSWhile Palmer can play wide and even as an 8 from deeper, it is widely agreed that he is at his best when driving through the centre of the pitch.But he did play wide for England at the Euros, providing an assist and scoring in the final after arriving from the bench on both occasions.Gary Neville claims Raheem Sterling ‘may be punching back on behalf of Gallagher and Chalobah’ after Chelsea statementOwen added: “I would prefer him to be at his best and getting more of the ball in a more central area.”If I was the manager, he’d be first on the team sheet in his favoured position and then I’d work around it.”But it seems like they’ve bought so many players that they’re trying to shuffle the pack.”We heard the manager before the game say Palmer can play in any of those positions around the front and I’m sure he can.”Palmer last season and Maresca’s dilemmaPalmer joined Chelsea from Man City for £40m plus add-ons and enjoyed a sensational debut campaign.The attacking midfielder would go on to pick up the Premier League’s Young Player of the Season award last season after returning 22 goals across 34 Prem matches for Chelsea.He is contracted to Stamford Bridge for the next nine years, after extending his stay for another two seasons this summer.READ MORE SUN STORIESMaresca, though, has a conundrum on his hands in terms of squad selection, as club chiefs keep adding to their near £1.2billion spent on transfers since Todd Boehly arrived in 2022.Chelsea have several wingers on their 43-man roster waiting on the side-lines for minutes, and have just added Joao Felix from Atletico Madrid to the mix.His Premier League stats last season More

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      Gary Neville claims Raheem Sterling ‘may be punching back on behalf of Gallagher and Chalobah’ after Chelsea statement

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      GARY NEVILLE has suggested Raheem Sterling’s statement calling for “clarity” on his Chelsea future may have been done with two team-mates in mind.Sterling, 29, was left out of the Blues matchday squad by new boss Enzo Maresca as they lost 2-0 to Manchester City.Raheem Sterling’s camp released a statement after he was not included in Chelsea’s squad to face Man CityCredit: ReutersGary Neville said he could be ‘punching back’ on behalf of axed team-matesBoth Conor Gallagher and Trevoh Chalobah were axed from the Chelsea first-teamCredit: ReutersHowever, shortly before the match, Sterling’s camp released a statement slamming his omission and calling for “clarity on the situation”.A number of senior stars have been ruthlessly axed from the playing squad this summer, including Cobham graduate duo Conor Gallagher and Trevoh Chalobah.The pair were both banished to the club’s development squad during pre-season, with Gallagher’s axe coming ahead of a transfer to Atletico Madrid which is finally on the verge of completion.Meanwhile, Chalobah’s exit appears to remain some way off despite being told he is surplus to requirements, and he has reportedly been BANNED from using the first-team training facilities.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLBut while appearing on Sky Sports on Monday, Neville claimed Sterling may be “punching back” on their behalf as well.The Manchester United legend said: “What I would say is, for Raheem, who I think is a really good lad, I love him to bits like [Jamie] Carragher said. I’ve worked with him for a long time and he’s experienced now.”I think if he’s looking at everything that’s happening behind the scenes there for him to do what he did yesterday, he must be seeing stuff that he doesn’t like and feels like he needs to punch back. “He might be punching back on behalf of himself, but he may be punching back on behalf of [Conor] Gallagher. He may be punching back on behalf of [Trevoh] Chalobah, who’s with the development squad. Most read in FootballBEST FREE BET SIGN UP OFFERS FOR UK BOOKMAKERS”He might be thinking, ‘I’ve got to alert people to what’s going on here and the only way I can do that is through my own situation now’. “Because it is unusual to put a statement now that I wouldn’t expect Raheem Sterling to have done that.” Jamie Carragher says ‘players should stop joining Chelsea’ and ‘sign a four-year deal at a proper club’ in stunning rantSterling, joined the west London outfit for £47million from City in 2022, making 81 appearances and scoring 19 goals with 12 assists.Maresca said the decision to leave Sterling out was a “technical” one, but reports suggest that he is welcome to listen to offers.Ex-Man Utd star Rio Ferdinand called the situation “wild”.On Ferdinand Presents, he said: “I see all the young players, especially in that squad, talk about Raheem. “It’s like Uncle Raheem. [Cole] Palmer, the likes of Reece James, it’s Uncle Raheem.”And he’s looked after a lot of these boys, they come to him, so when you kick that guy in the changing room. Sterling’s camp statement in fullA statement released before kick-off read: “Raheem Sterling is contracted to Chelsea Football Club for the next three years.”He returned to England two weeks early to conduct individual training, and has had a positive pre-season under the new coach, who he has developed a good working relationship with.“He is committed, as ever, to delivering at the highest level for Chelsea FC and the fans, who he holds in high regard, and given his inclusion in official club pre-match material this week, our expectation was that Raheem would be involved in this weekend’s fixture in some capacity.“As a camp, we have always had positive dialogue with, and assurance from, Chelsea FC in relation to Raheem’s future at the club, so we look forward to gaining clarity on the situation.“Until then, we will continue to support Raheem’s desire to start the new season positively.””All of them are going to limp at some point and they aren’t going to take it well and you create a problem in your own dressing room. “There’s nobody delivering that message with any clarity, and from what I’m hearing Sterling has got no understanding of where his situation lies.READ MORE SUN STORIES”He hasn’t had anyone in the hierarchy come to him and say: ‘Listen, you’re surplus to requirements, we want to get rid of you’.”Chelsea’s next game is a Europa Conference League qualifier against Swiss side Servette this Thursday, while their next league game sees them pay a visit to Wolves on Sunday.Chelsea ratings vs Man CityCHELSEA began life under new boss Enzo Maresca with a 2-0 home defeat to champions Manchester City.Here’s how SunSport’s Lloyd Canfield rated the Chelsea lot as the season didn’t begin how they wanted.Robert Sanchez – 4/10Distribution-wise, it’s not good enough; that said, he made an absolutely fantastic save to deny a deflected effort from Jeremy Doku in the first half. Similarly in the second half, made a routine save to deny Erling Haaland before getting a hand to Mateo Kovacic’s shot, but failed to stop it rattling the back of the net.Malo Gusto – 5It’s more of the impressive attitude we saw last season from the flying Frenchman, but today, he couldn’t stamp his mark on the game at all going forward. We certainly see more of his best qualities in the game where Chelsea have more of the ball, he should grow into the season nicely over the next few games. Wesley Fofana – 5He didn’t look out of his depth in his first Premier League game for Chelsea for over a year, and despite conceding, it was a decent performance to build on in the coming games. Did well physically against Haaland in fairness, and made it through the 90 minutes unscathed which will please Chelsea fans in some capacity.Levi Colwill – 5Tough day at the office against physicality personified in Erling Haaland.Did play the ball well out from the back for Chelsea with a few good blocks and tackles. But much the same as with Wesley Fofana, there is room for growth into the season with easier fixtures upcoming, particularly where Chelsea will dominate on the ball.  Marc Cucurella  – 6Forced Jeremy Doku into a change of wing in the first half after winning a tough battle against the Belgian winger, and stepped into challenges well for the most part.Was solid again in the second half before going off with an injury. Romeo Lavia – 6He looked like a calming presence in the Chelsea midfield when he did get the ball and he broke up play pretty well for a player who has been out through injury for so long. Continued his good pre-season form and is deserving of a run  in the side. Moises Caicedo – 5A similar performance really to the aforementioned Lavia, but was one of Chelsea’s better progressors of the ball when they did get forwards and showed some nice touches in the middle of the park.Fans will be left wondering whether he, Lavia and Enzo Fernandez fit into the same midfield.Enzo Fernandez – 5A mixed performance from the Argentine midfielder who showed promise in spells, but it really wasn’t the level you would expect of a player with his price tag.This could have been a huge game for the Chelsea captain for the day, but he failed to really stamp his mark on it in comparison to the player whom he replaced, Mateo Kovacic.Christopher Nkunku – 4Enzo Maresca seemed to want him playing as a touchline winger, but the forward looks far more comfortable in the middle of the pitch.He was the first player to be hooked in the second half and was replaced by Pedro Neto, who looked more at home wide on the left-hand side.Cole Palmer – 5It was far from the electric performance which saw him scoop heaps of praise last season. He still did show glimpses going forward, but he just failed to impact the game in the ways he did last time around.  Nicolas Jackson – 4New season, same old Nicolas Jackson.A great run in the first half was let down by a pea-roller of a shot into a Man City defender, before he hit the back of the net only to see the official’s flag raised on the far side. I’m sorry Nic Jackson, but it’s a four for you this time round…SUBS:Pedro Neto (Nkunku, 58) – 5Not the kind of debut that got fans out of their seats, but with The Blues failing to really get him on the ball there was little to take note of.Marc Guiu  (Jackson, 66) – 5Less impactful than Nicolas Jackson, but in considerably less time.For a player who can dominate physically, he looked a little intimidated by the Manchester City defence and wasn’t really presented with any chances.Kiernan Dewsbury-Hall (Lavia, 67) – 5Many Chelsea fans were disappointed to see Romeo Lavia come off after a good performance, and Dewsbury-Hall failed to add any of the attacking prowess we saw in the Championship last season.Renato Veiga  (Cucurella, 80) – 5He didn’t have enough time to impact the game after replacing Marc Cucurella, who had more time to establish himself as one of Chelsea’s better performers.  More

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      Sky Sports legend blasts Man City’s style as ‘no way to play football’ after bizarre Haaland stats at Chelsea

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      MANCHESTER CITY’S style is “no way to play to football”, claims Sky Sports legend Martin Tyler.The respected broadcaster pointed to Erling Haaland’s THREE completed passes against Chelsea on Sunday as an example of the negative effects of “over-coaching”.Sky Sports legend Martin Tyler has blasted Man City’s styleCredit: GettyAs Erling Haaland stats are laid bareCredit: RexHaaland’s completed just three passes against Chelsea, despite scoring the first goalTyler told The Football Authorities podcast: “The most prolific goal scorer in the Premier League at the moment– 91 goals in 100 appearances now – played a game on Sunday.”He had one touch of the ball between the 18th and the 52nd minute, completed three passes throughout the game, one dribble, one goal.”Former ITV broadcaster Clive Tyldesley replied: “Is the new centre forward somebody who doesn’t see a great deal of the ball?”Before Tyler, 78, responded: “Haaland, he’s such a good player and he gets so few touches because of the way Manchester City play.READ MORE FOOTBALL NEWS”I don’t know how he manages on this. The goals and the medals and the money all make it work – but it’s no way to play football.”Man City play a possession-based style, emphasising quick, short passes to control the ball out from the back.Much was often made of Haaland’s lack of touches last season, with games against Bournemouth, Liverpool and the defeat to Aston Villa particularly highlighted.And the Norweigan ace was barely involved in City’s play in their 2-0 victory at Stamford Bridge on the opening weekend.Most read in FootballHaaland was limited to a few touches at ChelseaFOOTBALL FREE BETS AND SIGN UP DEALSHaaland completed just three passes, which is the fewest amount a player has managed in 90 minutes for a Pep Guardiola-coached team.He acknowledged he needs to improve despite notching his 91st goal for City in 100 games for the club.Chelsea vs Manchester City: Player Ratings BreakdownHaaland said: “When you see today, all the defenders and how good they play to the midfielders. Pep will not like me saying this, but they don’t need me in this team, so I can just stand there and watch!”I want to get more involved, that’s what Pep wants.”But in games like this, do I need to be that more involved? That’s the million-dollar question.”I want to get more assists and become a better player.”The 24-year-old has proven he doesn’t need to be involved in the game to get goals, winning the Golden Boot in his first two campaigns.He opened the scoring from close range on Sunday before former Chelsea midfielder Mateo Kovacic finished the home side off in the 84th minute.READ MORE SUN STORIESTyler later added: “I think the game is a bit overcoached. We put too much emphasis on the managers as broadcasters, the constant cutting to bench shots.”In terms of playing out of the back in the lower league, the pitches aren’t good enough, the players aren’t good enough and the risk and reward; there’s very little reward.”What will happen to Man City?MAN CITY are favourites to win the Premier League title yet again – but there is one elephant in the room that threatens to put the skids under the Etihad giants.Sunsport’s MARTIN LIPTON discusses what the next few months could hold with Head of Sport SHAUN CUSTIS….Custis: So the big question – will there be a resolution this season?Lipton: Yes…. probably! We know the case will start to be dealt with in October or November.It will take at least a month to go through the evidence. So I suspect around March, April time, we will get a result. But that’s where it starts to get tricky.Custis: Why is that?Lipton: If the result is in City’s favour, that’s the end of the matter. They will be cleared. They will have no punishment to face.But if City are found guilty, these will be the heaviest penalties ever imposed by the Premier League.I suspect if they are found guilty, they will be expelled from the league or given a massive points deduction and a huge fine so that they’re not in the Premier League next season.Check out the full discussion on Man City’s future. More

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      Chelsea agree Joao Felix transfer with Conor Gallager to fly back to Madrid TODAY to complete Atletico move

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      CHELSEA have reached an agreement with Atletico Madrid for the permanent signing of Joao Felix.Blues midfielder Conor Gallagher will fly back to Madrid today and will be unveiled as an Atletico midfielder on Wednesday.Joao Felix will join Chelsea on a permanent basisCredit: GettyConor Gallagher is flying back to MadridCredit: GettyGallagher, 24, flew to Madrid a fortnight ago to meet Atletico chiefs, players and even had a tour of the Metropolitano stadium.But he was sent back to West London after Chelsea’s attempts to sign Samu Omorodion fell through after the forward failed his medical.Chelsea saw all three deals as entirely separate but Atletico took the opposite view and Gallagher returned to train with Chelsea’s ‘bomb squad’ last week.But after being stuck in limbo, Gallagher will head back to Spain after Felix agreed personal terms to join Enzo Marcseca’s 43-man roster.READ MORE TRANSFER NEWSFelix, 24, will join on a six-year contract with the option for an additional 12 months.The price tag is unconfirmed but Chelsea had been discussing a fee of £40m plus add-ons for the Portugal star.He spent the second half of the 2022/2023 season on loan at Stamford Bridge, under Graham Potter and Frank Lampard.Felix scored four goals in 16 Premier League appearances as the Blues finished 12th.Most read in FootballFOOTBALL FREE BETS AND SIGN UP DEALSThe Portugal international then spent last term on loan at Barcelona, registering 10 goals and six assists in 44 games.Felix was removed from Atletico’s squad for their LaLiga opener away to Villarreal on Monday night.Chelsea vs Manchester City: Player Ratings BreakdownBut it is expected that he will depart before the closure of the transfer window.He is set to become Chelsea’s ninth summer signing, following the arrivals of Tosin Adarabioyo, Omari Kellyman, Marc Guiu, Kiernan Dewsbury-Hall, Renato Veiga, Caleb Wiley, Aaron Anselmino and Pedro Neto.Gallagher has been at Chelsea for 16 years since he was eight and played many games last season as captain of his boyhood club.It could also spell worse news for Raheem Sterling, who was “unexpectedly” axed from the squad for Chelsea’s Prem opener.The Blues fell to a 2-0 defeat to champions Manchester City on Sunday in what was the Premier League’s first £1billion game, based on the combined transfer fees of the players to appear. More

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      How Chelsea could rake in £212million by selling 11 outcasts in as many days before transfer window shuts

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      CHELSEA are in a race to sell a host of stars before the transfer window closes later this month.The Blues still have a squad of 41 PLAYERS just 11 days out from Deadline Day on August 30.Chelsea are set to try and sell a host of players before the transfer window closesCredit: GettyInjury-prone left-back Ben Chilwell could be one player leaving Stamford BridgeCredit: GettyA number of big names failed to even make the bench for the 2-0 loss to Manchester City at Stamford Bridge on Sunday.And fans will be concerned about the club’s financial situation as they have spent £160million in the summer and recouped just £86m.That comes after their £1billion spending spree across the previous four windows.They can also only name 25 senior players in their Premier League squad which will be announced by September.READ MORE ON CHELSEAIt means some high-profile names will almost certainly be heading out the door.Here are 11 players SunSport believes could make way to rake in more than £200m.Kepa Arrizabalaga – £10mKepa Arrizabalaga joined Chelsea from Athletic Bilbao for £72m in 2018.The Spaniard, who spent last season on loan at Real Madrid, remains the most expensive keeper of all time.Most read in FootballFOOTBALL FREE BETS AND SIGN UP DEALSBut he was not in Chelsea’s squad over the weekend and is at best third choice behind Robert Sanchez and Filip Jorgensen.Kepa Arrizabalaga is expected to be offloaded by the end of the monthCredit: GettyDjordje Petrovic – £17mThe arrival of Jorgensen appears to have pushed Djordje Petrovic further down the pecking order.He started 22 Premier League games in a row at the end of last season, assuming the position from Sanchez.But Sanchez started against Man City, while ex-Villarreal man Jorgensen is also expected to challenge for the No1 spot.Ben Chilwell – £24mBen Chilwell set Chelsea back a whopping £50m when he arrived from Leicester in 2020 but fitness issues have made him a liability.The Blues could be willing to move him on for around £24m if a deal can be struck in time.Fans claim Chelsea owner Todd Boehly has ‘had enough’ just one game in after spotting what he did when Man City scoredChilwell was widely criticised by a section of the fanbase last season and found himself out injured on a number of occasions.Trevoh Chalobah – £11mTrevoh Chalobah has been at Stamford Bridge for 17 years since he joined the club’s youth team at the age of eight.But he has been exiled from Maresca’s plans and looks destined for a move away before the window closes.Aston Villa and Crystal Palace are two clubs interested in the 25-year-old centre-back.Cesare Casadei – £9mCesare Casadei is involved in a transfer saga with Napoli as the Italian midfielder seeks a way out of Chelsea.He played 11 times for the Blues last season but remains a periphery figure in the squad and could now be set to join Antonio Conte in Serie A.However, his future may end up being decided by Victor Osimhen and Romelu Lukaku.Conor Gallagher – £43mConor Gallagher was forced to fly back from Spain when his transfer to Atletico Madrid fell through.The Blues’ bid for Samu Omorodion collapsed and scuppered Gallagher’s move, while Chelsea have now reportedly turned to Joao Felix.Gallagher will be hoping the deal can still get over the line after 12 months of rumours linking him with a transfer.Carney Chukwuemeka – £13mCarney Chukwuemeka joined Chelsea from Aston Villa for around £20m in 2022 but has not been given a consistent run in the team.He started just two league games last season and is now being linked with a move to Barcelona.However his £115,000-a-week wages could remain a stumbling block in getting a deal done.Raheem Sterling – £30mRaheem Sterling’s future was plunged into doubt on Sunday after he was left out of the squad against Man City.His team then issued a statement calling for clarification about his role at the club, two years after his £47.5m arrival.Bookies’ odds have West Ham and Fenerbahce as the front-runners to sign him if he was to leave Chelsea.Raheem Sterling’s future is in doubt after he was absent from their squad on SundayCredit: GettyDavid Datro Fofana – £10mDavid Datro Fofana’s 18 months at Chelsea have seen him feature just four times for the club.Loans at Union Berlin and Burnley have conjured up just six goals in 32 appearances.Now Chelsea could cut their losses on the £13m man and ensure he is off their wage bill.Armando Broja – £19mArmando Broja has scored two Premier League goals in 26 appearances for Chelsea.He was another player that failed to be selected on Sunday and could now be given his marching orders.Stuttgart and Wolves are among those interested in him, while AC Milan are also keen on the Albania international.Romelu Lukaku – £26mLukaku has not played for Chelsea for two years and was not in Maresca’s squad for the loss to Man City on Sunday.READ MORE SUN STORIESHe has had spells on loan at Inter Milan and Roma, but is now searching for a permanent move as he enters the final two years of his Chelsea contract.He is understood to be at the centre of a deal with Napoli that would see Osimhen move the other way – the same transfer merry-go-round Casadei is on.Romelu Lukaku has not played for Chelsea in two yearsCredit: Reuters More

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      Chelsea boss Maresca leaps to defend under-fire new captain Fernandez but these stats show he MUST do better

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      ENZO MARESCA defended naming Enzo Fernandez as Chelsea captain – but might struggle to explain the midfielder’s troubling match stats.Fernandez made little attacking impact as the Blues opened their Premier League season with a 2-0 home loss to champs Manchester City.Enzo Fernandez and Co were floored by champs Man CityCredit: GettyFew of Fernandez’s passes were clearly forwardNew Stamford Bridge chief Enzo Maresca might point to disappointing statsCredit: AlamyFernandez wasn’t the only one failing to get to grips with Erling HaalandCredit: RexAnd the Argentinian’s facts and figures did equally little to justify his selection – in many senses of the word.Maresca has backed the World Cup winner after he filmed himself singing a racist chant aimed at French players following Copa America glory.But the £107million buy could need to improve on this day-one performance to even stay in the Chelsea team, let alone continue as stand-in skipper when Reece James is absent.Fernandez’s Stamford Bridge stats on Sunday highlighted his failings.READ MORE TOP STORIESTrue, he did complete 45 passes, with seven others not completed.But our map of every ball he delivered shows the vast majority were pretty much sent sideways rather than forward.Most were knocked out wide from the centre of the pitch.Only one into the box arrived accurately, although a small handful were played just outside.Most read in FootballMaresca and Fernandez showed their frustration at defeatCredit: AlamyFernandez hardly stood out with his figures for dribbles and tacklesFOOTBALL FREE BETS AND SIGN UP DEALSAnd the mere two occasions on which Fernandez dispatched passes into the six-yard box, they were both off-target.The duo alongside him in midfield, Romeo Lavia and Moises Caicedo, are more anchormen than springboards for creating chances.Fans claim Chelsea owner Todd Boehly has ‘had enough’ just one game in after spotting what he did when Man City scoredThat means Maresca must expect more from Fernandez – probably much more.Nicolas Jackson was Chelsea’s only out-and-out frontman against Pep Guardiola’s stylists.Cole Palmer, by far last season’s main man for goals and assists, played just behind.And the finally-fit – but fitful – Christopher Nkunku was quiet out wide, in fact looking more at ease when he featured inside.Fernandez had one of Chelsea’s only three efforts on target as they amassed just 10 goal attempts in all.But he made no dribbles, won just two tackles and only once put in an accurate cross.In contrast, City netted from two of their 11 on-target efforts – from Erling Haaland lethally and Blues’ old boy Mateo Kovacic spectacularly.However, Maresca insisted Fernandez is a positive influence.The new Stamford Bridge boss said: “He’s one of the captains. He’s not the only captain. But he is the captain today.”I can see the team-mates, they like him as a player and as a man.”Cole Palmer, seen fending off Kevin De Bruyne, had few chancesCredit: AlamyChelsea struggled to lay a glove on their opponentsAnd Maresca claims the 23-year-old knows his behaviour was wrong when sparking a racism row just weeks ago.The ex-Leicester chief said: “All of us sometimes do some mistakes. The important thing is to recognise and it’s finished.””I don’t know about you but I made mistakes in the past and I recognised and I think if, as a human being, you make a mistake and recognise you are not going to be punished for life.””‘Enzo did a mistake, he recognised and there is nothing to add.”Chelsea players Wesley Fofana and David Datro-Fofana were among those who spoke out following unacceptable chanting from Argentina stars.Fernandez was at the centre of the outrage as he shared a video of the scenes, with racist and transphobic words belted out.He “apologised sincerely” on Instagram and admitted “the song includes highly offensive language and there is absolutely no excuse”.READ MORE SUN STORIESHe also made a donation to an anti-discrimination charity.That all led to Chelsea considering the matter closed without taking action against him.Chelsea ratings vs Man CityCHELSEA began life under new boss Enzo Maresca with a 2-0 home defeat to champions Manchester City.Here’s how SunSport’s Lloyd Canfield rated the Chelsea lot as the season didn’t begin how they wanted.Robert Sanchez – 4/10Distribution-wise, it’s not good enough; that said, he made an absolutely fantastic save to deny a deflected effort from Jeremy Doku in the first half. Similarly in the second half, made a routine save to deny Erling Haaland before getting a hand to Mateo Kovacic’s shot, but failed to stop it rattling the back of the net.Malo Gusto – 5It’s more of the impressive attitude we saw last season from the flying Frenchman, but today, he couldn’t stamp his mark on the game at all going forward. We certainly see more of his best qualities in the game where Chelsea have more of the ball, he should grow into the season nicely over the next few games. Wesley Fofana – 5He didn’t look out of his depth in his first Premier League game for Chelsea for over a year, and despite conceding, it was a decent performance to build on in the coming games. Did well physically against Haaland in fairness, and made it through the 90 minutes unscathed which will please Chelsea fans in some capacity.Levi Colwill – 5Tough day at the office against physicality personified in Erling Haaland.Did play the ball well out from the back for Chelsea with a few good blocks and tackles. But much the same as with Wesley Fofana, there is room for growth into the season with easier fixtures upcoming, particularly where Chelsea will dominate on the ball.  Marc Cucurella  – 6Forced Jeremy Doku into a change of wing in the first half after winning a tough battle against the Belgian winger, and stepped into challenges well for the most part.Was solid again in the second half before going off with an injury. Romeo Lavia – 6He looked like a calming presence in the Chelsea midfield when he did get the ball and he broke up play pretty well for a player who has been out through injury for so long. Continued his good pre-season form and is deserving of a run  in the side. Moises Caicedo – 5A similar performance really to the aforementioned Lavia, but was one of Chelsea’s better progressors of the ball when they did get forwards and showed some nice touches in the middle of the park.Fans will be left wondering whether he, Lavia and Enzo Fernandez fit into the same midfield.Enzo Fernandez – 5A mixed performance from the Argentine midfielder who showed promise in spells, but it really wasn’t the level you would expect of a player with his price tag.This could have been a huge game for the Chelsea captain for the day, but he failed to really stamp his mark on it in comparison to the player whom he replaced, Mateo Kovacic.Christopher Nkunku – 4Enzo Maresca seemed to want him playing as a touchline winger, but the forward looks far more comfortable in the middle of the pitch.He was the first player to be hooked in the second half and was replaced by Pedro Neto, who looked more at home wide on the left-hand side.Cole Palmer – 5It was far from the electric performance which saw him scoop heaps of praise last season. He still did show glimpses going forward, but he just failed to impact the game in the ways he did last time around.  Nicolas Jackson – 4New season, same old Nicolas Jackson.A great run in the first half was let down by a pea-roller of a shot into a Man City defender, before he hit the back of the net only to see the official’s flag raised on the far side. I’m sorry Nic Jackson, but it’s a four for you this time round…SUBS:Pedro Neto (Nkunku, 58) – 5Not the kind of debut that got fans out of their seats, but with The Blues failing to really get him on the ball there was little to take note of.Marc Guiu  (Jackson, 66) – 5Less impactful than Nicolas Jackson, but in considerably less time.For a player who can dominate physically, he looked a little intimidated by the Manchester City defence and wasn’t really presented with any chances.Kiernan Dewsbury-Hall (Lavia, 67) – 5Many Chelsea fans were disappointed to see Romeo Lavia come off after a good performance, and Dewsbury-Hall failed to add any of the attacking prowess we saw in the Championship last season.Renato Veiga  (Cucurella, 80) – 5He didn’t have enough time to impact the game after replacing Marc Cucurella, who had more time to establish himself as one of Chelsea’s better performers.  More

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      Fans say Pep Guardiola is ‘apologising for letting him leave’ as Man City boss chats to Chelsea’s Cole Palmer after win

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      FANS are convinced Pep Guardiola has apologised to Cole Palmer for letting him leave Manchester City.The forward joined Chelsea last summer in a £42.5million transfer to get more game time.Pep Guardiola chatted to Cole Palmer after Man City beat ChelseaCredit: GettyPalmer, 22, has gone on to become one of the most exciting talents in the Premier League since arriving at Stamford Bridge.Last season, he scored 22 goals and assisted 11 more in 33 league appearances.His performances saw him earn a call from Gareth Southgate to go to the Euros with England.Palmer’s exit did not weaken Man City too much as they went on to win the Premier League for the fourth consecutive season.READ MORE ON FOOTBALLAfter Chelsea’s first game of the new season, Palmer had a catch-up with his former manager Pep Guardiola.The Spaniard was the happier of the two, having seen his side come out 2-0 victors at Stamford Bridge.The pair were caught on camera having a conversation as they made their way off the pitch.The video has made its way to social media and fans are convinced they know what Guardiola was saying to Palmer.Most read in FootballCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO WELCOME OFFERSOne posted: “Pep explaining to him why moving to Chelsea wasn’t a good move.”A second wrote: “Pep is apologising for letting him leave.” Fans say ‘Roy Keane would be proud’ as ‘fashion police’ Micah Richards trolls Redknapp and Sturridge live on Sky SportsDave Kidd: Why I’ve voted for Cole Palmer to be Footballer of the Year despite Chelsea woesBy Dave KiddTHE voting for the Footballer of the Year award closes on Tuesday and, unlike many, I’ve gone for Cole Palmer.Most Football Writers’ Association members vote by starting with the likely Prem champs and work backwards. So the winner will be Phil Foden, Rodri, Declan Rice or Martin Odegaard.There is dissent if a player from a less successful team wins, like David Ginola from mid-table Spurs in Manchester United’s ’99 Treble- winning year.But enjoying a superb individual season in a poor team is a greater achievement.And for Palmer — just 21 and in his first season as a regular starter — to have chalked up 23 goals and 13 assists in such a basket-case team as Chelsea, makes him this season’s outstanding player.Read Dave Kidd’s full column hereOr click here to check out all of Dave Kidd’s articles.A third commented: “Guardiola is really asking him if he was sure about signing that new long contract.”A fourth said: “Pep’s saying if I kept you, then I would win the league with ten games to spare.”Another added: “Pep is asking Cole if he wants to come back to City, obviously.”Palmer has been rewarded for his fine form at Stamford Bridge with a bumper new contract.He has signed a new contract that will run until 2033 and will receive a pay rise from his previous £60,000-per-week salary.He has also been nominated for both the PFA Players’ Player of the Year award and the PFA Young Player of the Year award.Harry Redknapp’s 2024/25 season predictions TOP FOURARSENAL, MANCHESTER CITY, LIVERPOOL and TOTTENHAM  — and  I’ve got a really strong feeling for Arsenal this season. A few of Man City’s star players are getting a bit older. There’s been nothing between the two teams over the past two years.RELEGATIONEVERTON (18th), SOUTHAMPTON (19th), LEICESTER (20th) — I like Sean Dyche and Everton are a great club with brilliant, knowledgeable fans. They’re just badly run. They need to go down to rebuild to come back again. But the key is new owners.TOP SCORERERLING HAALAND — I can’t see anyone taking his crown off him. He’s a goal machine, isn’t he? If I can get him at evens, I might lump on!MOST ASSISTSMARTIN ODEGAARD — He’ll be the catalyst for Arsenal’s surge to the title. I can see it now. He’s a superb player and he makes it look so easy.CARABAO CUPTOTTENHAM — Ange Postecoglou will break Spurs’ trophy curse. Most big teams will mess about with this trophy, but Tottenham will go full steam.FA CUPLIVERPOOL — I fancy Arne Slot to stamp his mark on English football quickly and there’s few better ways to do it than lifting this famous old trophy.CHAMPIONS LEAGUEREAL MADRID — Carlo Ancelotti is bullish about their chances. He has said that with Kylian Mbappe, it’s the best team they’ve had for a long time.EUROPA LEAGUEMANCHESTER UNITED — Clubs seem to have stopped sneering at this competition. And Spurs and United should be going both barrels for it.CONFERENCE LEAGUECHELSEA — The Luxembourg champions could be dangerous! Joking aside, the Blues must win it. More

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      Chelsea fans slam ‘weak wrists’ Robert Sanchez as ‘Kepa regen’ after keeper’s howler against Man City

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      CHELSEA fans are worried they have another goalkeeping flop on their hands.The Blues were chasing an equaliser against Manchester City when former midfielder Mateo Kovacic let loose from range.Robert Sanchez was close to keeping out Mateo Kovacic’s effortCredit: AFPThe Spaniard was beaten twice as Man City wonCredit: GettyMateo Kovacic stung his former clubCredit: ReutersHis effort gave City a 2-0 lead but Robert Sanchez got a hand on it and probably should have kept it out.Chelsea fans on social media saw shades of Kepa Arrizabalaga in the ex-Brighton keeper, 26.One wrote: “Sanchez has weaker wrists than Kepa. Wasn’t even a hard shot!”A second added: “no WAY we have a kepa regen.”READ MORE CHELSEA NEWAA third said: “How many times did this club need to see Robert Sanchez be absolutely diabolical to realise he was absolutely diabolical. It actually boils my blood. He’s terrible, he’s a calamity. GET HIM OUT.”A fourth fumed: “No manager who starts Robert Sanchez in 2024 gets sympathy from me.”Chelsea were second best for long periods at Stamford Bridge and it was no surprise to see Erling Haaland give City the lead.Nicolas Jackson thought he had netted an equaliser but saw his effort chalked off for offside.Most read in FootballBEST FREE BET SIGN UP OFFERS FOR UK BOOKMAKERSAnd after a decent second-half spell for the Blues, City took control again and Kovacic settled the contest.Chelsea boss Enzo Maresca told BBC Match of the Day: “The performance was good and we competed against the best team in the world. Robert Sanchez shows off his unbelievable reflexes in Spain training “We played well and created chances. The biggest difference was inside the box and how they managed the ball at the end, they are a master. “We don’t like to lose games but the performance was good.”We can for sure improve many things, we’ve been together for just six weeks. “At the same moment, we liked to analyse the game and we tried to play football and create chances. It’s not easy but we did well.”It’s always tough because many of them deserve to play from the start. “We have another game soon so they have chances to play for sure.” More