Chelsea closing in on Kai Havertz and step up search for new goalkeeper
27/07/2020 - Negotiations ongoing with Bayer Leverkusen over fee Chelsea hoping to replace Kepa Expand
27/07/2020 - Negotiations ongoing with Bayer Leverkusen over fee Chelsea hoping to replace Kepa ArrizabalagaChelsea have stepped up their pursuit of Kai Havertz after qualifying for the Champions League, opening talks with Bayer Leverkusen over a fee for the German midfielder.Havertz has told Leverkusen that he wants to join Chelsea, who are also looking for a new goalkeeper after Frank Lampard dropped Kepa Arrizabalaga for his side’s win over Wolves on Sunday, and all that remains now is for the two clubs to reach an agreement over a price for the 21-year-old. Related: Premier League 2019-20 review: young players of the season Continue reading... Collapse
The Premier League's overachievers, underachievers and those on par | Paul Wilson
25/07/2020 - Liverpool’s ruthless consistency and Sheffield United’s ability to adapt exceeded expectations, Expand
25/07/2020 - Liverpool’s ruthless consistency and Sheffield United’s ability to adapt exceeded expectations, but Arsenal and Spurs slumped, while Manchester City and United have been satisfactoryLeague tables may never lie, though everyone knows they can be economical with the truth. By Sunday evening we will have our final Premier League table, after an extraordinarily difficult season is played out to a compromised but fair conclusion. Yet what the record books and finishing positions never quite reveal is what was expected of teams beforehand.Some teams in the top half of the table will be disappointed with their place in the order of things, whereas some teams in the bottom half will be relieved. What follows is an attempt to break up the table into three groups: those who have done better than anticipated, those who have done worse and those who have simply completed the course with an acceptable but unspectacular score. Related: Three into two will not go as race for Champions League enters Collapse
Chelsea top-four destiny 'in our own hands', says defiant Frank Lampard
22/07/2020 - Manager stands firm after 5-3 defeat at champions LiverpoolChelsea need a point at home to Wolves Expand
22/07/2020 - Manager stands firm after 5-3 defeat at champions LiverpoolChelsea need a point at home to Wolves on SundayFrank Lampard backed Chelsea to handle the pressure of trying to qualify for the Champions League on the final day of the season and refused to criticise Kepa Arrizabalaga after the goalkeeper struggled against Liverpool, who marked lifting the Premier League trophy with a thrilling 5-3 victory at Anfield.While Manchester United’s draw with West Ham earlier in the evening meant Lampard’s side went into their game against the champions knowing a point would seal a place in the top four, they were unable to contain Liverpool’s attack and fell short despite a spirited comeback in the second half. Jürgen Klopp’s side led 3-1 at half-time and the focus homed in on Chelsea’s defending, with Arrizabalaga under the spotlight after conceding a long-range strike from Naby Keïta and a free-kick from Trent Alexander-Arnold. Related: Liverpool fend off Chelsea fightback in 5-3 thriller Collapse
Frank Lampard wants Chelsea to be inspired by Liverpool's title celebrations
21/07/2020 - Chelsea will form guard of honour before game at AnfieldLampard says new signings Ziyech and Expand
21/07/2020 - Chelsea will form guard of honour before game at AnfieldLampard says new signings Ziyech and Werner need timeFrank Lampard wants Chelsea’s players to take inspiration from giving Liverpool a guard of honour before facing the Premier League champions at Anfield on Wednesday.Although Chelsea could end their campaign on a high by qualifying for the Champions League and beating Arsenal in the FA Cup final, Lampard thinks finishing in the top four should be the minimum requirement. Related: West Ham rule out swapping Rice for Chelsea's Barkley and Batshuayi Related: Chelsea close to agreement with Kai Havertz but no deal yet with Leverkusen Continue reading... Collapse
Chelsea close to agreement with Kai Havertz but no deal yet with Leverkusen
20/07/2020 - Move may hinge on Champions League qualificationLeverkusen holding out for as much as €90m for Expand
20/07/2020 - Move may hinge on Champions League qualificationLeverkusen holding out for as much as €90m for midfielderChelsea are closing in on the signing of Kai Havertz after discussing personal terms with the midfielder on a five-year contract, although the club still have to reach an agreement with Bayer Leverkusen over a fee for the Germany international.Frank Lampard is leading a revamp of his attack for next season, having already secured the signings of Timo Werner and Hakim Ziyech, and there is growing confidence that Havertz will become the latest player to seal a move to Stamford Bridge this summer. The Leverkusen star has indicated that he is willing to join Chelsea, though the deal is not done yet. Related: Frank Lampard talks of Chelsea's 'three finals' after FA Cup semi win Continue reading... Collapse
Giroud leads Chelsea's march to FA Cup final at Manchester United's expense
19/07/2020 - Of all the selection decisions that Ole Gunnar Solskjær made for this FA Cup semi-final, the one Expand
19/07/2020 - Of all the selection decisions that Ole Gunnar Solskjær made for this FA Cup semi-final, the one to persist with David de Gea rather than call upon Sergio Romero looked the safest. Related: Manchester United 1-3 Chelsea: FA Cup semi-final – as it happened Related: Selfless Granit Xhaka completes unlikely Arsenal redemption | Jonathan Liew Continue reading... Collapse
Frank Lampard wary Manchester United will punish Chelsea's flaws
18/07/2020 - ‘We are working on how to cut out the defensive errors at crucial moments,’ the Blues manager said Expand
18/07/2020 - ‘We are working on how to cut out the defensive errors at crucial moments,’ the Blues manager said as he prepared for Sunday’s FA Cup semi-final against in-form Manchester UnitedFrank Lampard admits Chelsea have given too many goals away through unforced individual errors this season and after three defeats against Manchester United already he does not need to be told that Ole Gunnar Solskjær’s side approach Sunday’s FA Cup semi-final full of confidence.“We know we will be playing a very good team in great form,” the Chelsea manager said. “Their front three are very potent and behind them Bruno Fernandes has given United a huge boost since joining in January. The way they are playing United have the individual quality to beat almost anyone, so we have to be at our best and make sure we keep our concentration.” Related: Frank Lampard says VAR is favouring semi-final rivals Manchester United Continue reading... Collapse
Frank Lampard says VAR is favouring semi-final rivals Manchester United
17/07/2020 - Chelsea manager warns his side about conceding penaltiesUnited have been given 13 spot-kicks in Expand
17/07/2020 - Chelsea manager warns his side about conceding penaltiesUnited have been given 13 spot-kicks in league this seasonFrank Lampard has said VAR appears to be working in Manchester United’s favour at the moment and has warned Chelsea’s defenders to be wary of conceding penalties when they look to end a run of three successive defeats by Ole Gunnar Solskjær’s side in their FA Cup semi-final on Sunday.United have equalled a record for spot-kicks awarded in a single Premier League campaign after winning 13 this season and Lampard wants his players to avoid diving in at Wembley, pointing out how Bruno Fernandes shaped his body to convince the officials to give him a controversial penalty against Aston Villa this month. Related: Manchester United's Rashford and Martial sink luckless Crystal Palace Related: Frank Lampard calls on quiet Chelsea players to make some noise Continue reading... Collapse
Chelsea made to labour by Norwich but Olivier Giroud does just enough
14/07/2020 - If the task was simply to show Frank Lampard that they are capable of making some noise on the Expand
14/07/2020 - If the task was simply to show Frank Lampard that they are capable of making some noise on the pitch, then Chelsea’s players passed the test. Yet telling a teammate whether they have time on the ball seems a rather basic aim for a side chasing Champions League qualification. Pub sides are capable of making a lot of noise and although Chelsea found a way to bounce back from their Sheffield United debacle, the concern is how they fell short when it came to expressing themselves in possession against the worst team in the Premier League.Be under no illusions: this was an anxious slog against opponents already condemned to return to the Championship. Lampard will not be fooled by this nervy victory over Norwich, even though Olivier Giroud’s goal was enough to keep Chelsea in third place, four points clear of Leicester and Manchester United after playing a game more than their closest rivals. Related: Chelsea v Norwich City: Premier League – live! Related: Premier League: which clubs Collapse
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Premier League 2019-20 review: young players of the season
27/07/2020 - This year’s suggestions are made up of players who were aged 21 and younger at the start of the Expand
27/07/2020 - This year’s suggestions are made up of players who were aged 21 and younger at the start of the seasonWelcome to theguardian.com review of the 2019-20 Premier League season. We have nominated some contenders for this category but this is just to get the discussion going: offer your suggestions below the line … Continue reading... Collapse
Frank has to learn': Klopp hits out at Lampard as 'arrogance' row intensifies
24/07/2020 - Liverpool manager tells Lampard to leave issues at final whistleLampard regrets language used but Expand
24/07/2020 - Liverpool manager tells Lampard to leave issues at final whistleLampard regrets language used but not defending his teamJürgen Klopp has told Frank Lampard he should learn to leave his arguments on the pitch as the row over the “arrogance” of the Liverpool bench during Wednesday’s win over Chelsea continued.The Chelsea manager maintains that Liverpool’s coaching staff “crossed the line” with their behaviour at Anfield, although he says he regrets using bad language during a touchline row with Klopp. Related: Lovren set for £10.9m Zenit move, Soucek signs permanent West Ham deal Continue reading... Collapse
Liverpool 5-3 Chelsea: Premier League – as it happened
22/07/2020 - The champions finally get to lift their league trophy at Anfield after a thrilling win over Expand
22/07/2020 - The champions finally get to lift their league trophy at Anfield after a thrilling win over Chelsea was capped by Alex Oxlade-ChamberlainRead Andy Hunter’s match report 10.18pm BST They’re currently dressing up Anfield for the trophy presentation. A podium has been erected in the middle of the Kop, the beating heart of this famous old stadium. Plenty of project managers doing their thing right now. A lot of busy bustle. 10.10pm BST A magnificent night’s entertainment comes to an end. Well, not quite. Liverpool will be taking receipt of their shiny new trophy soon. A 30-year wait ends in 20 minutes or so. Chelsea meanwhile stay in fourth, and need a point against Wolves on Sunday to guarantee Champions League football next season. 10.08pm BST 90 min +4: Some head tennis in the Chelsea half. Everyone’s freewheeling towards the final whistle. 10.06pm BST 90 min +3: More fireworks. 10.06pm BST 90 min +2: Robertson curls the free kick across the face of the Chelsea goal. Kepa leaves it to Collapse
West Ham rule out swapping Rice for Chelsea's Barkley and Batshuayi
21/07/2020 - Chelsea have explored using the pair as part of a dealWest Ham adamant they have no intention of Expand
21/07/2020 - Chelsea have explored using the pair as part of a dealWest Ham adamant they have no intention of selling RiceWest Ham will turn down any attempt by Chelsea to offer Michy Batshuayi and Ross Barkley as part of a deal for Declan Rice and are adamant they have no intention of selling the midfielder.Frank Lampard is searching for defensive reinforcements and has targeted Rice, who was released by Chelsea at the age of 14. The England international has flourished as a defensive midfielder in the past two seasons but is also capable of playing in central defence. Related: Lampard's tough love combines hook and heart in Chelsea battle for places | Jacob Steinberg Continue reading... Collapse
Frank Lampard talks of Chelsea's 'three finals' after FA Cup semi win
19/07/2020 - Manager wants trophy and Champions League qualificationSolskjær says United have ‘got to move on’ Expand
19/07/2020 - Manager wants trophy and Champions League qualificationSolskjær says United have ‘got to move on’ from De Gea errorsFrank Lampard urged Chelsea to build on their potential by qualifying for the Champions League and winning a trophy after they took advantage of a poor goalkeeping display from David de Gea by joining Arsenal in the FA Cup final thanks to an impressive 3-1 victory over Manchester United.Chelsea head into the final week of the Premier League campaign on a high after Lampard ended a run of three defeats this season to Ole Gunnar Solskjær’s side, who were left with concerns over De Gea’s declining form after the Spaniard allowed shots from Olivier Giroud and Mason Mount to squirm past him. Related: Chelsea pounce on De Gea errors to reach FA Cup final at United's expense Related: De Gea's decline continues as United's FA Cup chance evades his grasp | Jonathan Wilson Continue reading... Collapse
Manchester United 1-3 Chelsea: FA Cup semi-final – as it happened
19/07/2020 - David de Gea had a shocker and Harry Maguire scored an own goal as an impressive Chelsea hammered Expand
19/07/2020 - David de Gea had a shocker and Harry Maguire scored an own goal as an impressive Chelsea hammered United to set up a final against Arsenal 8.21pm BST And here’s Frank Lampard“I can’t ask for any more than that – maybe a couple more goals – and that’s surprising when you play against a team of their quality. More than that, it was the work ethic of the performance. It was the first time we’ve played three at the back for a while. The early parts of the game we were on top, and when they changed the system I thought we were even better. The wing-backs, Jorginho, Kovacic, Giroud... I could list the entire team. I’m very proud of the performance.” 8.17pm BST And here’s Mason Mount“You always want to turn up in big games and I thought we did that today. It’s always kinda difficult when you play against a team who have beaten you three times already this season, but we came into the game with that extra motivation. Maybe I had a little bot of fortune with my goal but I was obviously very Collapse
United and tough breaks keep coming back to haunt Frank Lampard | Jonathan Wilson
18/07/2020 - Chelsea under their former player are regularly being undone on the counter, leaking goals in a Expand
18/07/2020 - Chelsea under their former player are regularly being undone on the counter, leaking goals in a manner that suggests Manchester United could take advantage in FA Cup semi-finalO n the opening weekend of the Premier League season, Chelsea went to Old Trafford, controlled possession for long periods, hit the woodwork twice and were beaten 4-0, shredded on the break again and again. The pattern for Frank Lampard’s first season in the Premier League was immediately set: Chelsea, good with the ball; not so good when they lose it. They have lost twice more to Manchester United since and, on Sunday afternoon, face them again in an FA Cup semi-final.Lampard is widely considered to have had a decent campaign. Even with the competition’s diminished status, an FA Cup final and perhaps a first trophy would augment that – perhaps more so this year than for a while, given the oddity of the season restarting with the league in effect already won, leaving the Cup as the one domestic trophy still Collapse
Ole Gunnar Solskjær rails at recovery time before FA Cup semi-final
15/07/2020 - Chelsea have 48 hours more to prepare for Sunday’s game‘It’s not fair,’ says Manchester United’s Expand
15/07/2020 - Chelsea have 48 hours more to prepare for Sunday’s game‘It’s not fair,’ says Manchester United’s managerOle Gunnar Solskjær has branded it “unfair” that Chelsea have 48 hours longer than Manchester United to recover before their FA Cup semi-final on Sunday.Chelsea’s last match was the 1-0 home win against Norwich on Tuesday whereas United have the trip to Crystal Palace on Thursday before returning to London for the game at Wembley. Related: Marcus Rashford gets honorary doctorate for work against child poverty Continue reading... Collapse
Premier League: which clubs will finish in the top four?
14/07/2020 - Chelsea, Leicester, Manchester United, Wolves and Sheffield United are battling for two Champions Expand
14/07/2020 - Chelsea, Leicester, Manchester United, Wolves and Sheffield United are battling for two Champions League placesBy Martin Laurence for WhoScoredThe race to qualify for the Champions League has become a lot more intense in the last few days. Now that the court of arbitration for sport has overturned Manchester City’s ban from Europe, the clubs below them in the Premier League will have to finish in the top four to reach the Champions League next season. The results over the weekend ensured that this fight will go right to the wire, with Chelsea, Leicester and Manchester United all failing to win. Those slip-ups allowed Wolves and Sheffield United to re-enter the picture. With three rounds of games to play, there are five clubs vying for just two Champions League places. Game on. Related: Frank Lampard calls on quiet Chelsea players to make some noise Related: Ole Gunnar Solskjær says Manchester United did not deserve to win Continue reading... Collapse
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Mount and Giroud sink Wolves and seal fourth place for Chelsea
26/07/2020 - Put the concerns over the defensive frailties to one side for now. Forget about Kepa Expand
26/07/2020 - Put the concerns over the defensive frailties to one side for now. Forget about Kepa Arrizabalaga’s lowly save percentage, all those goals conceded to counterattacks and whether this infuriatingly inconsistent Chelsea side will be capable of challenging Liverpool and Manchester City at the top of the table next season.There is no doubt that Chelsea are a long way from becoming the finished article. There are flaws to eradicate, both in terms of personality and ability, and Frank Lampard still has a lot to learn about management. Yet for all the talk about Lampard’s connections mattering more than his coaching credentials when he landed his dream job last summer, the youngest manager in the Premier League has performed above expectations, defying a transfer ban by leading the weakest Chelsea squad of the Roman Abramovich era into the Champions League after finishing a rather chaotic campaign with a composed win over Wolves. Related: Premier League clockwatch: Aston Villa survive at Collapse
Three into two will not go as race for Champions League enters final sprint
23/07/2020 - Manchester United and Chelsea currently sit third and fourth respectively but Leicester can take Expand
23/07/2020 - Manchester United and Chelsea currently sit third and fourth respectively but Leicester can take advantage of any slip-ups on the final day of the Premier League seasonSunday’s fixture Leicester (a) What they need A draw, though defeat will suffice if Chelsea lose Related: Manchester United can forget a title challenge with a defence like this | Jonathan Liew Related: Cybersecurity at risk after hackers try to sabotage Premier League transfer deal Continue reading... Collapse
Liverpool fend off Chelsea fightback in 5-3 thriller before trophy celebrations
22/07/2020 - Liverpool started their title-winning party before Jordan Henderson got his hands on the Premier Expand
22/07/2020 - Liverpool started their title-winning party before Jordan Henderson got his hands on the Premier League trophy. A little slice of Anfield history was made as the newly-crowned champions put Chelsea’s hopes of Champions League qualification on hold until the final day with a rousing victory.Success for Jurgen Klopp’s side, started by Naby Keita’s sublime goal and sealed by Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain’s clinical finish, ensured Liverpool remained unbeaten throughout a third successive league campaign at Anfield. No other team in the club’s illustrious history have achieved that feat previously. Related: Liverpool v Chelsea: Premier League – live! Continue reading... Collapse
Lampard's tough love combines hook and heart in Chelsea battle for places
20/07/2020 - The Chelsea manager strikes an fine balance between substituting players early and inspiring Expand
20/07/2020 - The Chelsea manager strikes an fine balance between substituting players early and inspiring spirited performancesIt is unlikely to have escaped Marcos Alonso’s attention that Frank Lampard wants to sign a left-back. Although there is talk that Chelsea have reservations over Leicester’s hefty asking price for Ben Chilwell, the search is unlikely to end if Lampard’s top target proves too expensive. Another option is Nicolás Tagliafico, available after asking to leave Ajax and potentially better value at £22.4m.Whatever happens it is not hard to read between the lines: Chelsea want an upgrade on the left side of their shaky defence. It has been a problem position. Lampard has not been sold on Emerson Palmieri, who could join Internazionale or Juventus, and Alonso’s more impressive performances have tended to come at left wing-back, a role that suits him more than playing in a back four as it covers up his defensive shortcomings and enhances his goalscoring threat. Related: Frank Collapse
De Gea's decline continues as United's FA Cup chance evades his grasp | Jonathan Wilson
19/07/2020 - The Spanish goalkeeper handed Chelsea at least one goal at Wembley and his manager may soon have a Expand
19/07/2020 - The Spanish goalkeeper handed Chelsea at least one goal at Wembley and his manager may soon have a decision to makeAmid the chaos of Spain’s World Cup in 2018, perhaps the greatest casualty was David de Gea. The days when his heroics repeatedly papered over the cracks at Manchester United feel a long time ago. It can be debated whether De Gea was at fault for the first and third goals, but he was clearly to blame for the second and, in those two moments, United’s long unbeaten run disappeared, and Chelsea’s passage to the FA Cup final was secured.Frank Lampard had left out Kepa Arrizabalaga for his Cup keeper Willy Caballero, although given no goalkeeper has conceded a higher proportion of the shots on target he’s faced since Opta began collecting the data, he may have done so with a sense of relief. Ole Gunnar Solskjær will perhaps wish he had done something similar. Although he made a number of changes to a putative first-choice lineup, both a reflection of the fact his side had Collapse
Michael Emenalo: ‘The narrative that white is good has to change’
19/07/2020 - The former Nigeria international helped steer Chelsea to great success but despite his pioneering Expand
19/07/2020 - The former Nigeria international helped steer Chelsea to great success but despite his pioneering efforts there remains a glaring absence of black directors of football in the Premier League“One of the reasons I stayed discreet during my time at Chelsea was because I was in a unique situation,” Michael Emenalo says on a grey summer morning as he reflects on his work as the only long-standing black technical director in Premier League history. “I had to choose whether I would let my activism be a distraction or allow my presence to be an inspiration. Some people were waiting for me to become an activist so that was very difficult for me.”Twenty-eight years have passed since the world’s richest league emerged and only Emenalo and, briefly, Les Ferdinand have breached the citadel of white privilege and power. Ferdinand, QPR’s director of football, was appointed in February 2015, with the club already doomed to relegation three months later. Related: Frank Lampard says VAR is favouring Collapse
Solskjær tells Lampard and Mourinho: stop trying to influence referees
18/07/2020 - Manager hits back at idea United have had ‘lucky’ VAR decisionsLet referees do the refereeing, he Expand
18/07/2020 - Manager hits back at idea United have had ‘lucky’ VAR decisionsLet referees do the refereeing, he says before Chelsea semi-finalOle Gunnar Solskjær has hit back at José Mourinho’s claim that Manchester United have been lucky with VAR decisions by claiming his Tottenham counterpart and other Premier League managers have an agenda to influence match officials.United face Chelsea in Sunday’s FA Cup semi-final at Wembley and Frank Lampard, their manager , has also said United have benefited from questionable decisions going their way. In Thursday’s 2-0 win at Crystal Palace Jordan Ayew’s goal was given offside by VAR, while Victor Lindelöf’s penalty-area challenge on Wilfried Zaha was not ruled a spot-kick. Related: Frank Lampard says VAR is favouring semi-final rivals Manchester United Continue reading... Collapse
Chelsea 1-0 Norwich City: Premier League – as it happened
14/07/2020 - Chelsea struggled to break down a compact, defensive and committed Norwich side but Olivier Expand
14/07/2020 - Chelsea struggled to break down a compact, defensive and committed Norwich side but Olivier Giroud’s header was enough to snaffle the points 10.44pm BST And with that I’m done. Chelsea got the win they needed, but not the bingo goal-difference bonanza that might have come in handy during a tense conclusion to the season. They need four more points to be sure of a place in the Champions League, and have games against Liverpool and Wolves with which to secure them. Norwich meanwhile will end the season with their lowest ever league points tally, have lost eight consecutive league games for the first time in their history, and with Manchester City away scheduled for the final day most likely have to come up with something at home to Burnley on Saturday if they are to avoid taking that to double figures. Here’s the match report again. Bye! Related: Chelsea made to labour by Norwich but Olivier Giroud does just enough 10.40pm BST Daniel Farke comes to terms with his side’s 25th league Collapse
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