Tag Futebol

After a summer of waiting for the Premier League to return, that was not the performance Chelsea fans were hoping to see this afternoon.

Instead of playing the high-energy, exciting and effective football they did in pre-season, Enzo Maresca’s side looked lethargic and largely out of ideas against Crystal Palace.

Moreover, if it wasn’t for VAR stepping in and ruling out Eberechi Eze’s free-kick, the West Londoners could have started their campaign with a loss.

Unsurprisingly, there were lacklustre performances pretty much across the board for the hosts, but two really stood out to us, including Cole Palmer.

Palmer's performance against Palace

Following his brilliant performances at the Club World Cup and the time he has had since then to better understand his new teammates, we were expecting a great performance from Palmer today.

Performance in Numbers

Want data and stats? Football FanCast’s Performance in Numbers series provides you with the latest match analysis from across Europe.

Expand Collapse

Unfortunately, we didn’t get one, and instead, the Englishman looked unsure of what to do for the vast majority of the encounter.

Now, the former Manchester City prospect did not make any huge mistakes to cost his side the game, but he didn’t have any positive impact on proceedings either and, as he’s unquestionably the Blues’ best player, that is a massive problem.

We weren’t the only ones disappointed by his performance, either, as the Standard’s Dom Smith awarded him a rather generous 6/10 match rating at full-time.

We say generous, as on top of failing the eye-test today, the midfield maestro’s statistics make for some unpleasant reading.

Palmer’s game in numbers

Minutes

96′

Expected Goals

0.21

Goals

0

Expected Assists

0.03

Assists

0

Touches

48

Passing Accuracy

26/33 (79%)

Key Passes

1

Crosses (Accurate)

4 (0)

Long Balls (Accurate)

2 (1)

Shots on Target

0

Lost Possession

14

Dribbles (Successful)

1 (0)

All Stats via Sofascore

For example, in his 96 underwhelming minutes, he amassed a combined expected goals and assists tally of just 0.24, played just one key pass, misplaced 100% of his crosses, didn’t take a single shot on target, failed in 100% of his dribbles and lost three of four ground duels.

In all, it was a bad first showing of the season from Palmer, although one of his teammates was even worse.

The Chelsea star worse than Palmer

Unfortunately for Maresca and Co, there were several starters who could take this spot, but for our money, Joao Pedro has it.

Like Palmer, the Brazilian forward came into the game off a sensational pre-season with the Blues, but looked an entirely different player against the Eagles.

In fact, the former Brighton & Hove Albion star was so disappointing that it was easy to forget he was even playing in the first place, which is not how you want your league debut for your new side described.

It might sound harsh, but once again, we are not alone in this opinion as Smith gave the 23-year-old a 5/10 match rating, writing that he was ‘frustrated by centre-backs Marc Guehi and Chris Richards’.

Unsurprisingly, the Ribeirão Preto-born poacher’s statistics from the game more than demonstrate just how underwhelming a performance it was.

Pedro’s game in numbers

Minutes

73′

Expected Goals

0.30

Goals

0

Expected Assists

0.02

Assists

0

Shots on Target

0

Dribbles (Successful)

2 (0)

Touches

23

Passing Accuracy

10/12 (83%)

Key Passes

0

Long Balls (Accurate)

1 (0)

Ground Duels (Won)

4 (1)

Aerial Duels (Won)

5 (2)

Lost Possession

7

All Stats via Sofascore

In 73 minutes of inaction, he registered a combined expected goals and assists figure of 0.32, had no shots on target, failed in 100% of his dribbles, took just 23 touches – 19 fewer than Robert Sanchez – lost six of nine duels, lost the ball seven times and completed just ten passes.

Ultimately, it was not a performance to remember from Pedro today, but thankfully, it’s just the first game, and if pre-season is anything to go by, he’ll eventually come good and potentially form a dangerous partnership with Palmer.

Related Chelsea verbally agree deal for £192k-a-week star but need Nkunku to leave

It’s a case of one in, one out at Stamford Bridge.

Posts ByEmilio Galantini Aug 16, 2025

Cast your mind back to the summer deadline day of 2024 and you may remember Edu standing outside Arsenal’s Colney training base in the dark.

It was late, so late in fact that the window had closed.

Edu was providing a rundown of why the Gunners signed Raheem Sterling on loan from Chelsea. “It was never the plan,” the Brazilian said.

Well, nearly a year on, Edu and Sterling have gone. Andrea Berta and Noni Madueke have replaced them.

When Berta arrived at the Emirates Stadium, supporters were keen to understand his practices, keen to see him get to work in the window.

Well, it’s safe to say he’s done a fabulous job so far, bringing in the aforementioned Madueke alongside Kepa Arrizabalaga, Martin Zubimendi and Christian Norgaard.

Viktor Gyokeres is also set to join once the add-ons of his move from Sporting have been finalised.

But Gyokeres aside, what else is happening this summer?

Arsenal's plans for the rest of the window

It’s safe to say that the Gunners have been particularly active in the market this window but they don’t have a bottomless pit of cash, and if and when Gyokeres finally arrives, it’s likely the focus will turn to outgoings.

Should they raise more cash there, it would not be a surprise to see Arsenal lodge a formal approach for Crystal Palace’s Eberechi Eze.

The hierarchy at Arsenal have already held talks with the player’s agent and it’s believed that personal terms have already been agreed.

Still, he’s not the only player with whom things feel more advanced.

According to reports from Spain, Arsenal have now finally “completed” a move to sign Valencia’s Cristhian Mosquera.

Transfer Focus

Mega money deals, controversial moves and big-name flops. This is the home of transfer news and opinion across Football FanCast.

The centre-back has been widely expected to move to England after he was spotted leaving Valencia’s training ground earlier in the week.

A leaked image even surfaced online of the player carrying out his media duties with Arsenal.

Yet, complications with the medical have allegedly led to a delay in the deal being confirmed. Alas, confirmation is now expected shortly.

That report from Spanish media suggests that all documents have been completed with only the player’s signature to be confirmed.

Why Mosquera is a good signing for Arsenal

This 21-year-old defender certainly isn’t a household name just yet but his education has been impressive and he’s got an old head on young shoulders.

Despite his age, he’s already played 90 times at senior level and he’s remarkably consistent too. No U21 player in Europe’s top five leagues played more minutes than him last season.

Mosquera’s availability is seriously impressive, as is the pressure that the centre-back’s been playing under.

Having come through the young ranks, he was thrown into the deep end of a relegation battle. One of Spain’s top sides, a former Champions League winner, were in deep trouble during the first half of 2024/25.

After 17 games, Mosquera and his teammates sat 19th in LaLiga, having won just two games. Yet, he managed to help dig his side out of a hole and was seen as a saviour come the end of the campaign with Valencia finishing 12th.

Coming into the squad amid a crisis, becoming a fan favourite and playing a huge amount of minutes, there are certainly comparisons with Bukayo Saka’s rise at Arsenal.

While Mikel Arteta’s side have never been close to relegation, Saka was seen as a saviour when the Spaniard first became manager. Arsenal had endured several years away from the Champions League and never looked like competing for a title before the duo emerged on the scene. Yet, just like Mosquera, the young Saka carried the club on his shoulders.

So, he’s clearly got elite mental fortitude, but how about his technical attributes? Well, he’s a lot like William Saliba in that regard.

Both standing at around 6 foot 3, they have a slightly gangly yet graceful play style.

Mosquera vs Saliba in 2024/25 – League only
Stat (per 90 mins)	Mosquera	Saliba
Pass success %	90.5%	94.3%
Medium pass success %	93.9%	96.1%
Long pass success %	68.1%	79.9%
Progressive passes	3.33	4.08
Progressive carries	0.95	0.47
Tackles won	0.98	1.09
Interceptions	0.95	0.62
Aerial duels won	1.11	1.80
Stats via FBRef.

They are competent in the air but it’s in possession where they are most alike. Indeed, one analyst on social media notes how Mosquera is “Saliba-esque” when it comes to dribbling.

The clip below highlights this superbly well. In fact, if your vision was a little blurred, you’d be forgiven for thinking it was actually Saliba.

The way he holds the ball, rolls it forward and then bursts between the press is identical to Saliba who has made a living out of his supreme ball-playing confidence in an Arsenal shirt.

Long have the Gunners needed someone to play second fiddle to Gabriel and Saliba and in Mosquera, “an elite level prospect” in the words of analyst Harvey Diamonds, it looks as though they’ve found the ideal profile.

He’s got the mental stability of a young Saka and the technical defensive qualities of Saliba. That sounds like a lovely combination.

He's Cazorla 2.0: Arsenal make £100k-p/w "superstar" their new top target

The incredible international could be Arsenal’s new version of the Spanish magician.

1

By
Jack Salveson Holmes

Jul 16, 2025

It’s nearly a month now until West Bromwich Albion gets their brand-new Championship campaign underway.

At this stage, Ryan Mason might well be a little nervous about his squad heading into the hustle and bustle of the second tier, with Nathaniel Phillips the only signing he’s managed to add to his camp since taking on the managerial reins.

Between now and Blackburn Rovers coming to the Hawthorns on the 9th of August, expect the Baggies to be very busy refining their squad, as an intriguing signing edges ever closer to relocating to the Hawthorns to join Phillips.

West Brom's transfer latest

Indeed, after uncovering a gem from Scandinavia in the form of Torbjørn Heggem last summer, the Baggies are now closing in on the signing of another potential Nordic diamond in Aune Heggebø.

Netting a bumper 51 goals from 146 clashes for Brann, this is a pick-up that will pique the curiosity of West Brom supporters far and wide, with Heggebø capable of offering Josh Maja plenty of competition down the line in the attacking positions if he can show off his goalscoring prowess in England.

Midfield competition could also come, too, by landing the signature of Preston North End star Ali McCann, with journalist Alan Nixon revealing recently that West Brom are interested in securing the Lilywhites midfielder’s services.

There is a hurdle for the Baggies to overcome here – with McCann reportedly closer to penning a new deal at Deepdale over leaving the club – but he could well be West Brom’s next version of Chris Brunt if a move does suddenly accelerate into motion, with McCann a versatile, tough, yet goal-and-assist heavy option centrally much like the adored Brunt once was.

How McCann could be West Brom's next Brunt

Of course, the most obvious similarity hasn’t been shared yet, with both the 25-year-old and the retired Baggies legend sharing the same national allegiance to Northern Ireland.

But, there is far more than just their geography that glues them together, with McCann able to boast an impressive 11 goals and eight assists from 242 career games, 119 of which have come about in the demanding division of the Championship.

His now 40-year-old counterpart is equally well-versed in what it takes to be a consistent performer at such a gruelling level, with the ex-Baggies number 11 going on to amass 214 career Championship games, a total which McCann will surely hit either for Preston or when moving on.

Brunt does have far heftier numbers in the goal and assists department when comparing side-by-side with the ex-St Johnstone midfielder, with a stunning 73 of his overall 132 goal contributions at Hawthorns coming in the second tier, but McCann will hope he can elevate his game further in his new surroundings as an option Mason can rely upon in several different positions in the middle of the park.

McCann’s career numbers by position
Position played	Games	Goals	Assists
CM	120	9	4
DM	60	1	2
AM	22	1	1
RM	5	0	0
LM	2	0	0
SS	1	0	0
Sourced by Transfermarkt

Whilst still in his prime in the West Midlands, Brunt would gain a notorious reputation for being an adaptable presence for his beloved Baggies, with the Belfast-born icon even lining up as a makeshift centre-forward on one occasion, away from slotting into the team in a hefty eight different positions.

As can be seen looking at the table above, the new Baggies target also possesses that same adjustable nature for his side’s cause, with McCann further unafraid to slot into an XI in the striker spot if needed, much like Brunt before him.

McCann was once hailed as “phenomenal” by his former St Johnstone boss Callum Davidson, with Mason more than welcoming this as his next buy after Heggebø, safe in the knowledge that McCann knows the EFL’s elite league inside and out.

On top of that, if all goes to plan, the 25-year-old might well be West Brom’s next dependable hero, much like Brunt, especially if a promotion is triumphantly won during his debut campaign.

West Brom could sign "phenomenal" attacker who'd be better than Kelman

West Bromwich Albion could now sign this phenomenal attacker who is even more exciting than Charlie Kelman.

By
Kelan Sarson

Jul 6, 2025

Liverpool won the Premier League last season, but Arne Slot doesn’t seem like one to rest on his laurels, and is set on making the forthcoming campaign one of an even more significant triumph.

While the Reds were incredible across the league term, they left plenty to be desired through the season’s offshoots, losing an FA Cup tie to Plymouth Argyle, who were ultimately relegated from the Championship, and falling against Newcastle United in the Carabao Cup final and eventual Champions League winners Paris Saint-Germain.

Not too shabby, all told. Premier League rivals Arsenal finished ten points behind Liverpool in second, after all. But there’s little question that Slot lacked depth, for the Dutch coach was hesitant in enforcing rotation to a fault, though this illustrates his frustrations regarding some of Anfield’s wider members of the first-team squad.

At the front of his issue was Darwin Nunez, who, as Liverpool’s star striker, only scored seven goals across all competitions, with Slot even stating he “can’t accept” the Uruguayan’s work-rate across a string of matches.

Though a move to Napoli fell through this week, FSG still expect to cash in on Nunez this summer, having already moved to sign his replacement.

Why Liverpool are signing Hugo Ekitike

Liverpool have stolen ahead of Newcastle in the race to sign Eintracht Frankfurt’s Hugo Ekitike, with the French forward having submitted a transfer request to push negotiations closer toward the finish line.

Ekitike is only 23, but he’s established himself as one of Europe’s top young forwards, with journalist Graeme Bailey even coining him “the next Mbappe” for his blend of pace, physicality and potency in the final third.

However, the dynamic talent wasn’t Liverpool’s first choice. That would be Newcastle’s Alexander Isak. However, FSG’s formal efforts to prise him away from St. James’ Park proved fruitless.

It’s a shame, but Ekitike’s arrival would cushion the blow and then some, for he has the makings of a truly world-class superstar.

With suitors in the Saudi Pro League eager to snap Nunez up in the coming weeks, Ekitike’s prospective arrival will be an elating thing, having notched 40 goal involvements across a season-and-a-half with Frankfurt.

His silky, fleet-footed movements and dogged approach in the final third have led FBref to record him as one of Isak’s most comparable players, so you can certainly see the vision.

And for a cheaper sum too. Isak would have cost upwards of £120m to bring over to Merseyside, and would that truly be tenable? With a central defender still required and maybe a winger too, perhaps not.

Though Isak would have been an incredible addition, Liverpool fans have already been bestowed one earth-shattering acquisition by the ambitious owners this summer.

And Florian Wirtz might even prove the cream of a crop that, hypothetically, contained Isak in a Liverpool shirt too.

Liverpool have already struck gold on Florian Wirtz

Wirtz doesn’t need to kick a ball in a competitive setting for Liverpool fans to know that Slot has struck gold with this signing, owing to the diligence and perseverance of sporting director Richard Hughes.

Wirtz, 22, joined Liverpool from Bayer Leverkusen in a deal worth £100m last month. If potential add-ons are met, this fee will stretch higher still and extend to £116m, past Chelsea’s Moises Caicedo, the current record holder at £115m.

Despite his relative youth, the German midfielder has already established quite the résumé, having been awarded the Bundesliga Player of the Year for 2023/24, when Xabi Alonso’s Leverkusen dethroned Bayern Munich as invincibles, previously rebounding with vigour from an ACL injury.

Last season yielded nothing on the trophy front, but Wirtz still maintained his world-class level, hailed as a “truly generational talent” by sports media professional Cristian Nyari, who believed the creative star was performing at a level higher even than Harry Kane in Germany’s top flight.

What about across Europe’s top five leagues? Well, as per FBref, Wirtz ranked among the top 7% of attacking midfielders and wingers last season for goal involvements, the top 2% for passes attempted, the top 7% for progressive passes and the top 4% for successful take-ons per 90.

He’s a rather efficient playmaker, and with Liverpool having parted with Trent Alexander-Arnold, now Real Madrid property, it’s vital that Slot and co maintain the squad’s peerless creative levels. Wirtz has been picked as the man for that task, it appears.

24/25

Liverpool

112

23/24

Liverpool

102

22/23

Liverpool & Man City

103

21/22

Liverpool

97

20/21

Liverpool

82

You get the picture; Liverpool have signed a sensation. This marquee man’s ability is better defined, perhaps, through the lens of CIES Football Observatory’s player-valuing system.

Indeed, according to the renowned research site, Liverpool’s record signing is actually worth £150m, a stratospheric figure. Pundit Paul Robinson felt previously that this was an accurate figure when considering the player’s worth.

Isak, however, comes in at a ‘lowly’ £95m.

Of course, that is not a fair reflection of Isak’s value in the modern market, but it does serve to illustrate exactly how incredible a signing Liverpool have pulled off by signing Wirtz without breaking the British transfer record (yet).

Already, Liverpool fans have been gifted a glimpse into the playmaker’s winger footwork, seemingly fitting right in as pre-season preparations get underway.

Slot’s side is replete with high-level quality, and though Isak would have been a wonderful addition this summer, those of a Reds persuasion can take more than a measure of solace in having sealed a signing already, which may break the English transfer record.

In any case, given that Wirtz is considered to be the more valuable player, have Liverpool not hit the jackpot?

New Van Dijk: "Unreal" talent hands in transfer request to join Liverpool

Liverpool are making things happen in the summer transfer market.

1 ByAngus Sinclair Jul 18, 2025

Arsenal are in the market for a new attacker this summer, and sporting director Andrea Berta has been handed a boost in regard to one target who appears to have his eyes firmly on a move to N5.

Arsenal maintaining Benjamin Sesko talks

The Gunners have been seriously pursuing RB Leipzig’s Benjamin Sesko for the last fortnight.

Walcott 2.0: Arsenal now eyeing "one of the fastest players in the PL"

The rapid international would be an exciting addition to Arsenal’s squad.

ByJack Salveson Holmes Jun 11, 2025

Talks have been held with the Bundesliga side over a move for their talismanic forward, who scored 21 goals in all competitions last season, with Arsenal and Leipzig reportedly negotiating to find middle ground on the fee.

While reliable reports suggest that Saudi sides are now expressing a keen interest in Sesko to rival Arsenal, the player’s priority is to remain in Europe, and it is believed by some media sources that the 22-year-old has already agreed personal terms (CaughtOffside).

There appears to be cautious optimism that a move can eventually be struck for the Slovenia international, but in case a deal falls through, Sporting CP star Viktor Gyokeres remains on their shortlist (Fabrizio Romano).

The Swede is fresh off an excellent campaign, where he bagged 54 goals in all competitions, helping Sporting to their first domestic double in 20 years.

Gyokeres’ ruthless finishing has attracted interest from across the continent, with Man United also rumoured to be contending for his services. However, he definitely won’t be leaving for £59 million, as Sporting president Frederico Varandas confirmed to the media this week.

19/20 – winter

£0

20/21 – summer

£81.5m

20/21 – winter

£900k

21/22 – summer

£156.8m

21/22 – winter

£1.8m

22/23 – summer

£121.5m

22/23 – winter

£59m

23/24 – summer

£208m

23/24 – winter

£0

24/25 – summer

£101.5m

24/25 – winter

£0

“I can guarantee that Viktor Gyokeres will not leave for 60m euros plus 10m euros because I never promised that,” Varandas said.

“To this day Sporting has not had an offer for Gyokeres – neither today nor last season.”

Viktor Gyokeres prioritising move to Arsenal with meeting held

While a lot of negotiation still needs to be done over a potential fee, if Arsenal decide to go there in the event they cannot agree a Sesko deal, they can be encouraged by the 27-year-old’s stance on a move to the Emirates Stadium.

According to CNN journalist Nuno Farinha, speaking on CNN Portugal, Gyokeres’ agent held a meeting with Arsenal chiefs on Wednesday to lay groundwork over a potential transfer.

Farinha also says that Arsenal has always been Gyokeres’ preferred landing spot, with the ex-Coventry City star seemingly prioritising a move to north London over Man United.

While a lot of debate is surrounding Gyokeres’ price tag, especially after Varandas’ comments, Portuguese newspaper Record recently stated that Sporting have been demanding around £67 million.

“His overall game is good. He is big and strong, he can play on the ball and his finishing is ridiculously good,” said pundit John Wenham to Tottenham News.

“That would be an exciting signing.”

If there is one area of the team Arsenal need to strengthen this summer, it’s the attack.

While Mikel Arteta’s side finished a distant second to Liverpool in the Premier League this season, they ended the campaign with a better defensive record than anyone in the league but with 17 fewer goals scored.

So, with this apparent weakness compared to their title rival, it’s hardly surprising to see the club linked with a host of talented strikers, like Benjamin Sesko, Viktor Gyokeres and Ollie Watkins, in recent weeks.

However, the North Londoners could also do with more options off the left, which would help to explain the links to a player who could be their next Lukas Podolski.

Arsenal's winger search

Before we get to the player in question, it’s worth going over some of the other wingers who have been linked with Arsenal this summer, like Nico Williams and Rodrygo.

Transfer Focus

Mega money deals, controversial moves and big-name flops. This is the home of transfer news and opinion across Football FanCast.

The former has been a long-term target for the club and has a release clause worth around £50m, which doesn’t seem too unreasonable for a 22-year-old international who racked up 18 goal involvements in 45 games this season.

Rodrygo, on the other hand, could cost as much as £85m, but considering he’d be moving from Real Madrid and has produced 24 goal involvements in 51 appearances this year.

However, while both players would be excellent additions to the Gunners’ squad, neither one can really be compared to Podolski, unlike Leroy Sané.

Interestingly, according to a recent report from German outlet BILD, the Bayern Munich star, who is out of contract this summer, could be on the move, and when it comes to English clubs, he would only be interested in joining Arsenal, with his desire to join North London rivals Tottenham Hotspur ‘low.’

It would appear as if there is some degree in the player from the Gunners as well, as earlier this week, it was fairly widely reported that talks had taken place between his representatives and the club.

It might not be the most exciting transfer, but Sané has more than proven himself over the years, and there are certain elements to this potential deal that could make him become a new Podolski for the club.

Why Sané could be Podolski 2.0

So, before getting into some of the other reasons why Sané would be a good signing, it’s worth addressing why we look at him as a potential Podolski 2.0.

The first is that both players would have joined the club from the Bundesliga as German internationals, and furthermore, while the former Gunners ace joined from Koln in 2012, he too had spent time and won titles with Bayern Munich.

Secondly, both players are positionally versatile, with the Bayern star mainly playing off the left but being able to play off the right as well, while the 40-year-old was also primarily a left-winger at the Emirates but has spent more time up top in his career.

On top of that, the pair are both left-footed, and while they can easily create and score goals, they have tended to favour the latter throughout their careers.

For example, the former Manchester City ace, whom talent scout Jacek Kulig dubbed “world-class,” has scored 133 goals and provided 125 assists in his 496 appearances, while the Koln legend has found the back of the 238 times and provided 138 assists in 700 games.

Appearances

200

210

Minutes

12501′

15482′

Goals

51

70

Assists

47

37

Goal Involvements per Game

0.49

0.50

Minutes per Goal Involvement

127.56′

144.69′

Appearances

90

60

Minutes

6089′

3268′

Goals

25

19

Assists

30

12

Goal Involvements per Game

0.61

0.51

Minutes per Goal Involvement

110.70′

105.41′

Last but not least, given the fact he’s 29 years old and would be joining for free, the Essen-born international could have a similar impact as his senior compatriot did at the club, in the sense that he could come in, spend a couple of seasons as a useful offensive option and then move on, without being a significant financial burden.

Ultimately, Sané is still a brilliant footballer, and considering he’d be available for free, bringing him to the club feels like a no-brainer for Arsenal.

Their own Kane: Arsenal begin talks to sign "exceptional" £42m goalscorer

The promising poacher could develop into something special at Arsenal.

ByJack Salveson Holmes Jun 5, 2025

In what would be one of the most impressive moves of the summer transfer window, Arsenal have now reportedly held internal discussions about signing a modern-day Premier League legend.

Arsenal must go again for Premier League title

After suffering more heartbreak in pursuit of the Premier League title, this time courtesy of Liverpool, Arsenal have been left to go again next season. More so than in the two prior campaigns, this season’s defeat may well frustrate Mikel Arteta and those in North London the most.

Manchester City found themselves in injury crisis as fallen champions, Liverpool entered a new era under Arne Slot and Chelsea were restarting once again under a new manager in Enzo Maresca. If it was to be Arsenal’s year then many believed it would be the current campaign, before they themselves suffered injury issues and frustrating form.

He'd make Saka unplayable: Arsenal in talks for "the hottest CF in Europe"

Arsenal are ready to sign a high-class striker this summer.

ByAngus Sinclair May 3, 2025

Arteta spoke about his disappointment after Liverpool confirmed their status as Premier League champions, telling reporters: “Yes, [it hurts] big time. I understand that it’s a team who have been more consistent, they’ve had the ingredients to win it and it’s been painful.

“I want to congratulate Liverpool and what they’ve done, the manner they’ve done it and how consistent they’ve been, and I think they fully deserved to win it.”

There is still time for the Gunners to flip the script on their season, however, with a vital clash against Paris Saint-Germain next week handing them the chance to turn their 1-0 aggregate defeat around and step into the Champions League final.

European glory would undeniably end any heartache over the Premier League title and instantly create history in what is currently on course to become another season of what might have been.

Meanwhile, looking ahead to the next campaign off the pitch, new sporting director Andrea Berta is reportedly looking to make one of the biggest statements of the summer.

Arsenal discuss shock De Bruyne move

According to The Boot Room, Arsenal have now held internal discussions about signing Kevin de Bruyne upon the expiry of his Manchester City contract this summer. The Belgian reportedly wants to remain in Europe in what has shocked the Citizens, who may well find themselves squaring off against one of their best-ever players having thought he would jet off to Saudi Arabia or the USA.

Whilst MLS side San Diego are still chasing the Belgian’s signature, his desire to stay put at the top level could certainly open the door for those at The Emirates. Arteta is also already more than familiar with De Bruyne’s capabilities, having worked with him during his time as Pep Guardiola’s assistant.

An undeniable Premier League legend, the £400,000-a-week star has earned praise which reflects that in recent weeks. Among those with positives to say, Guardiola told reporters: “You always have to be careful, have respect for the players who play main roles, and incredible players that play for the last, I don’t know, 20, 30 years in this club.

“But come on, there’s no doubt he’s one of the greatest, for sure. Because of his consistency – except the last year, year and a half, that he had injury problems – in important games and not important games, and every three days being there.”

Chelsea took another big step towards Champions League qualification last night, with Enzo Fernández’s second-half strike securing all three points over Tottenham Hotspur at Stamford Bridge.

Enzo Maresca’s men now occupy a place in the Premier League’s top four with just eight games to go, looking to end the league season on a high alongside a potential Europa Conference League title.

Whilst it wasn’t a vintage game, a triumph over your London rivals is always a good result, with points on the board being the crucial factor at this stage of the campaign.

The Blues welcomed back numerous key players during the victory, undoubtedly boosting their credentials of returning to the biggest competition in European football.

One of which managed to impress in West London last night, finally looking back to somewhat near his best after a tricky few weeks compared to his usual high standards.

Chelsea’s star performers against Tottenham

Midfielder Moises Caicedo enjoyed another superb display at the heart of the Chelsea side, with his British-record £115m fee now looking to be a bargain.

The 23-year-old featured for the entirety of the contest, winning four tackles and nine duels – with both of his subsequent figures the highest of any player on the pitch.

Attacker Cole Palmer was recalled to the starting eleven after missing the clash with Arsenal before the international break – finally ending his unheard-of drought within the final third.

The England international had gone eight games without a goal and an assist before setting up Fernandez, who landed the match’s winning goal in the 50th minute.

However, despite the performances of the aforementioned duo, one player is undoubtedly becoming the club’s most important player, with any hopes of landing Champions League qualification falling onto his shoulders.

The Chelsea player who’s becoming their most important player

There’s no denying that over the last couple of years, Palmer has constantly been the player to deliver the goods for Chelsea, often getting the side out of various tricky scenarios.

However, his recent drought is evidence that other players need to come forward to help Maresca achieve his ambitions of leading the club back to where they belong.

Argentine midfielder Fernandez has done exactly that over the last couple of months, notching 14 goal contributions since the start of November – undoubtedly the best run of his Blues career.

Questions were raised about his talents after the hierarchy forked out £106.8m for his signature in January 2023, but his showing last night was further evidence that he was worth the big money fee.

The 24-year-old took the armband with Reece James on the bench, with his performance just that of a captain, managing to complete 91% of the passes he attempted.

Minutes played

89

Touches

61

Passes completed

41/45 (91%)

Goals scored

1

Tackles won

1/1 (100%)

Interceptions made

1

Recoveries made

4

Fernandez also registered 61 touches and made nine passes into the final third – looking to have a positive impact on proceedings at any given opportunity.

Defensively, the former Benfica star was just as impressive, winning 100% of the tackles he entered, whilst making one interception and four recoveries, helping the side register another clean sheet.

His goal was the cherry on the cake of a phenomenal outing, with The Express’ Alex Turk handing him a 7/10 match rating to reinforce his positive display in West London.

He’s certainly stepped up his game under Maresca in the last couple of months, with the Italian now reaping the rewards of the faith he showed in the midfielder during his tricky start to the campaign.

Such showings could prove vital between now and the end of the season, with Fernandez potentially playing a crucial role in any success the club endures between now and the end of May.

Maresca's own Drogba: Chelsea plot summer move for "phenomenal" CF

Chelsea could land a player this summer who could be their next Didier Drogba.

ByEthan Lamb Apr 3, 2025

The LSG captain has sometimes played well within himself in the IPL but this season he has thrown the shackles off

Alagappan Muthu20-Apr-20241:23

Moody: KL Rahul is turning good balls into scoring opportunities

“Arrgghh.”Stump mics are such beautiful things. And we’re such nasty people. Always eavesdropping. But then again, without them, the sport loses a bit of its magic.Rishabh Pant, for example, has a song that goes “Wee’ve gooot Paaaant. Riiii-shabh Paaaant. I just don’t think you understaaaaand. He’ll hit you for a six. He’ll babysit your kids. We’ve got Riii-shabh Paaaaaaant.” It’s a shameless copy of the one that Wrexham, the Welsh football club owned by Hollywood actors Ryan Reynolds and Rob McElhenney, use to serenade their No. 1 striker Paul Mullin. And its best lyric comes out of a conversation that was caught on a stump mic in Australia.Related

Gaikwad: Middle-overs slowdown cost us

Rahul leads LSG's cruise past CSK despite Dhoni fireworks

In Lucknow, they caught the home team captain crying out. The source of KL Rahul’s anger – and he actually needed to pace up and down the batting crease to calm himself down, still muttering away – was a dot ball in the powerplay.Deepak Chahar had managed to sneak one of his bouncers through to the wicketkeeper. But it was so damn hittable. With point and third up inside the circle, all it would have taken was the smallest deflection. Rahul knew this. That’s why he stayed leg side, in a little bit of a crouch, waiting for the perfect moment to bring his wrists into play and lift the ball over the keeper. His timing was off and he hated himself for it.Rahul had recently revealed, on a podcast with his India team-mate R Ashwin, that the World Cup final lives rent-free in his head. Specifically, a decision that he was unable to make in the heat of the moment. He said he wasn’t sure if he should take down Mitchell Starc when he came back to bowl in the death or if he should have played him out and looked for runs elsewhere. He regretted being in two minds.KL Rahul was the aggressor in the powerplay against CSK•AFP/Getty ImagesTowards the end of the game against Chennai Super Kings, Rahul struck Mustafizur Rahman so precisely between two fielders on the off-side boundary that neither knew whose responsibility it was. Sameer Rizvi was reduced to just running past his team-mate while the ball hit the fence and as he did so there was something that looked almost like a smile on his face, as if he was appreciating the skill it took to render two full-grown men completely inert. Rizvi and Rachin Ravindra could have stopped it from going for four, but by that point, they were so close to each other that any attempt to dive would have resulted in a collision. So, they just pulled out. They accepted defeat.Shots like those are only possible with a clear mind. A single, determined, focused mind. Rahul, in this IPL, has looked like the batter that all of India has been dreaming he would become. On the attack in the powerplay. Willing to take more risks. Moving around the crease. Hitting in the air. And just generally remembering that a) he has lightning-fast hands, b) a great piece of willow, and c) no business fearing a clump of white leather.In the sixth over, Chahar hoped to exploit a two-paced pitch by digging the ball into it, taking the pace off and keeping the line wide. It was a challenge to the batter. And Rahul met it perfectly, because instead of looking to hit across the line even though it is easier to generate power that way, he hit through the line, which meant he had nullified the threat he was facing. He wasn’t going to get out dragging it from off to leg.Now all he had to do was hold his shape and make reasonable enough contact, which sounds simple but it really isn’t. Timing. Balance. Hand-eye coordination. Everything has to be right to usher a short ball coming up above the chest over cover for six. Especially with only 116kph to work with. It was immediately after this stroke that Rahul missed his uppercut and yelled out in frustration. He had already got ten off two but was still looking for more boundaries. He’s changed. He hit two sixes in the powerplay on Friday. In 2023, he hit two sixes in the powerplay all season.