The Chelsea Chronicle - Chelsea FC News

Chelsea really had to fight to win all three points against Tottenham Hotspur on Sunday.

While Chelsea eventually managed to win the game 4-3, they had found themselves 2-0 down at one point.

Early goals from Dominic Solanke and Dejan Kulusevski saw Tottenham race into a 2-0 lead. However, Jadon Sancho grabbed one back for his side not too long after Kulusevski’s strike before Cole Palmer equalised from the penalty spot in the second half.

Understandably, it was an equaliser that the Chelsea players wanted to celebrate, but Nicolas Jackson had other ideas. Jackson was praised by Harry Redknapp before the game after the former manager had previously claimed that the striker was not good enough.

Nicolas Jackson runs straight to Tottenham net

For Jackson, there was no time to celebrate Chelsea levelling things up with their fierce rivals.

As spotted by journalist Kieran Gill, the 23-year-old sprinted to Fraser Forster’s net to pick up the ball and return it to the centre circle so that his team could quickly get on with the match and find a winner.

Thankfully for Chelsea supporters, that is exactly what happened after Enzo Fernandez put the Blues 3-2 up before Palmer’s second penalty of the afternoon took the game away from Tottenham.

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Ange Postecoglou’s men showed a bit of fight towards the end of the match as Son Heung-min scored in the 96th minute to make it 4-3, but it proved too little, too late.

Jackson did not put in his best performance in a blue shirt before being substituted for Christopher Nkunku. But Carlton Cole thinks things have fallen into place for Jackson at Chelsea now.

Nicolas Jackson’s numbers vs Tottenham

The numbers back up that Jackson did not have a great game at the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium.

The Senegal international did not register a single shot on target, while he failed to complete any of the five dribbles he attempted.

All in all, Jackson has had much better days. Enzo Maresca, though, can still be more than pleased with what the former Villarreal man has given him overall this season.

Jackson is still on eight goals and has easily been one of the best strikers in the Premier League.

Cole Palmer inspired Chelsea to a comeback win against their London rivals Tottenham Hotspur on Sunday.

Chelsea found themselves 2-0 down early in the game before goals from Jadon Sancho and Cole Palmer drew the Blues level.

Chelsea then took the lead after some excellent footwork from Palmer resulted in Enzo Fernandez getting the chance to smash the ball into Spurs’ net, which he took.

The attacking midfielder then scored again from the penalty spot, a Panenka. Enzo Maresca enjoyed Palmer’s second penalty, but the 44-year-old still thinks he can improve.

Enzo Maresca on Cole Palmer being man-marked

Unsurprisingly, Palmer is starting to get man-marked in games, with the Englishman being one of the most dangerous players in the Premier League.

It happened at the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium on Sunday after Yves Bissouma was put on him, and Maresca thinks that he still needs to adapt to receiving that kind of treatment.

Speaking about Palmer in his post-match press conference, which has been relayed by football.london, the Chelsea manager said: “Since we started, I have not seen Cole shooting penalties [in training]. In terms of the second penalty, he’s Cole. He’s Cole.

“The good thing about him tonight was Bissouma was marking him man-to-man, so he needs to learn how to play against a team that goes man-to-man with him, but he was fantastic. His pressing, his work off the ball. Nico, Cole and the two wingers.”

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Whatever the case, the 22-year-old still had an incredible game. “To watch this guy play football is an absolute joy,” Jamie Redknapp said about Palmer after the match.

What else has Enzo Maresca said about Cole Palmer?

In his post-match press conference, Maresca was asked how is Palmer so good at penalties if he does not practice taking them, with the England international having a 100% record from the spot.

In response, the Italian said: “Cole belongs to that kind of players. They are not normal players, they are top players. Top players do things that normal players, or us, cannot do that. It’s because he’s top. We can expect this from him.”

Those two penalties were Palmer’s 10th and 11th goals in the Premier League this season. It means that he is well on course to bagging 20 again.

Last term, the former Manchester City man scored 22 goals in 33 top-flight outings for Chelsea. Since the beginning of the 2023/24 campaign, there has not been a more productive player in England than Palmer.

If Palmer can maintain this form, then perhaps Chelsea can sustain this surprising title challenge that they are currently mounting. Next up for them in the Premier League is another London derby against Brentford.

Chelsea fans were greeted with a familiar site yesterday as they won again away from home against Tottenham.

The Blues have an excellent record against their arch-rivals, and Enzo Maresca’s side showed their newfound steel and fight as they came from 2-0 down to win 4-3.

They made it three wins in a row against Spurs, and have won eight of the last ten games between the two sides in all competitions.

A number of individuals stepped up when the Blues really needed them. Maresca was full of praise for Jadon Sancho, who scored his first Premier League goal for Chelsea as they dragged themselves back into the game.

Wesley Fofana in awe at Cole Palmer’s Panenka

The manager could only describe Cole Palmer as ‘cold’ after he scored his second penalty of the game with a Panenka that put them out of sight of their opponents.

The calmness under pressure is something supporters have become accustomed to since Palmer joined the club, and teammate Wesley Fofana was thrilled with what he saw while watching from home.

The Frenchman took to Instagram to post a story straight after the goal, praising the England international for his composure in the biggest moment.

He said: “Panenka! It’s too cold In Tottenham!”

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When will Wesley Fofana return from injury?

After limping off against Aston Villa last weekend, Fofana hinted he may not be out for too long and his setback was normal based on the long injuries he had previously sustained.

However, Maresca has already said that it is going to be a few more weeks before he can be expected back on the pitch.

Fofana was spotted in the gym last week as he prepares for his return, however Chelsea have already started multiple different defenders in his place since his injury.

It was Benoit Badiashile who came in for his countryman against Spurs, and he didn’t look to comfortable until he was swapped to the left of centre-back for Levi Colwill.

Chelsea head into their London derby against Tottenham Hotspur later in good form.

Enzo Maresca‘s side beat Southampton 5-1 last time out to move to second in the Premier League table.

Chelsea had five different goalscorers that night, including Cole Palmer and Noni Madueke.

Madueke returned to the starting line-up after being dropped for the Blues’ 3-0 win against Aston Villa the match before. And after his performance at St Mary’s, you would expect him to retain his place.

Enzo Maresca’s warning to Noni Madueke

Should Madueke get the nod at the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium this afternoon, the winger will be under pressure to perform.

Following Chelsea’s 5-1 triumph over Southampton, Maresca stated that he wanted more from the 22-year-old, claiming that his performance levels tend to drop after he has a good game.

Maresca spoke about Madueke in his pre-match press conference after full time, telling reporters: “The moment he starts to score or assist and is happy, he starts to drop a little bit and the reason why he was not playing is because I do not like the way he trained.”

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The Chelsea manager will be watching him closely, then, expecting to see some consistency.

Who could replace Noni Madueke?

Again, after his display against Southampton and the fact that he has been Chelsea’s first-choice right winger this term, Madueke starting in this afternoon’s London derby seems likely.

The Englishman’s goal during the week was a quality one. “This is pure class,” Chelsea legend Jimmy Floyd Hasselbaink said when analysing Madueke’s strike.

However, Maresca has options if he wants to replace Madueke during the game or from the start. Jadon Sancho, who also netted against Southampton, and Pedro Neto can play on the right, too.

It is another reason why Madueke has to start showing more consistency in matches and training better.

Overall, Madueke is having a bright campaign. In the 13 appearances that the England international has made in the Premier League, he has scored five goals and provided two assists.

It is clear, though, that Maresca thinks there is still room for improvement. And after some of the chances that he missed in Chelsea’s last outing, it is hard to disagree.

Chelsea will hope to extend their winning run this weekend when they travel to London rivals Tottenham.

Chelsea play away at Spurs on Sunday afternoon in the Premier League, where they’re aiming to win their fifth consecutive match across all competitions.

The Blues have gone into the weekend sitting second in the league table following on from thrashing Southampton by a 5-1 scoreline on Wednesday. It was interesting to see Enzo Maresca make seven changes for that Saints victory, but what kind of side will he pick on Sunday?

Chelsea’s predicted XI against Spurs includes the return of many big names to the team.

Craig Burley and Frank Leboeuf predict Tottenham vs Chelsea

ESPN pundits Craig Burley and Frank Leboeuf have predicted tomorrow’s London derby between Spurs and Chelsea, but they’ve disagreed with their pre-match guesses.

Alan Shearer has tipped Spurs to draw with Chelsea, which would go against the form guide.

In fairness, Ange Postecoglou’s side oddly look better against the top teams this season. While Spurs have beaten the likes of Manchester City, Aston Villa and Manchester United in convincing fashion this season, they’ve also suffered defeats to strugglers such as Ipswich Town and Crystal Palace.

Cole Palmer and Moises Caicedo the only ever-presents

Chelsea duo Cole Palmer and Moises Caicedo are the only players in the squad to start every single league match this season. This coincides with them being their best performers this season, too.

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Alan Shearer praised Chelsea stars Palmer and Caicedo recently by naming them in his Premier League Team of the Season so far.

Caicedo is an aggressive box-to-box midfielder who’s justifying his £115m price tag this season. Meanwhile, attacking midfielder Palmer is enjoying a very productive second year at the club.

Chelsea visit London rivals Tottenham this weekend as they continue a hectic December schedule.

Chelsea play away at Spurs on Sunday afternoon in the Premier League, which is a fixture they thoroughly enjoyed last season.

The Blues recorded a 4-1 away victory at Spurs during the last campaign. In fact, they’ve won seven of the previous 10 games against them across all competitions.

Enzo Maresca’s side goes into tomorrow’s match on a four-game winning streak across all competitions, including three consecutive league victories. Spurs manager Ange Postecoglou has acknowledged Chelsea’s form and expects a tough league showdown.

Alan Shearer predicts Tottenham vs Chelsea

Alan Shearer has tipped a draw between Spurs and Chelsea during his weekly pre-match predictions.

Shearer told The Metro: “Maresca is doing a great job and he’s playing the title race down. I’m going to say a draw here. It’s at Spurs and a London derby so I think the points will be shared. Prediction: Draw.”

Similarly, Jason Cundy predicts Spurs and Chelsea to draw in this weekend’s meeting.

The form books would point towards an away win on Sunday, especially with the way that the Blues have travelled so far this season. Remarkably, Maresca’s side have five wins, one draw, and one defeat away from home in the league.

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Chelsea speedsters can run riot at Spurs

A feature of Spurs under Postecoglou’s management is that their defence plays with a very high line, which leaves a lot of space in behind. If Chelsea can put together the right patterns of play, they could have a field day.

The likes of Nicolas Jackson, Pedro Neto and Noni Madueke are rapid Blues attackers that should be eager to start on Sunday.

Chelsea and Tottenham will lock horns for the first time this season during Sunday’s showdown.

Chelsea make the short trip to London rivals Spurs this weekend for another away day in the Premier League.

The Blues start this weekend sitting second in the league table, which is deserved for how well they’ve done under Enzo Maresca’s management. Those inside Chelsea aren’t thinking about a title bid, though.

As for Spurs, they’re down in 10th right now because they can’t find any kind of consistency. Since winning 4-0 away at Manchester City, they’ve picked up one point from the next two league fixtures against Fulham and Bournemouth.

Jason Cundy predicts Tottenham vs Chelsea

TalkSPORT pundit and Blues fan Jason Cundy has made his pre-match prediction for Spurs versus Chelsea this weekend. Interestingly, he’s tipping a score draw between the London rivals.

When predicting the upcoming meeting between Spurs and Chelsea, Cundy told talkSPORT: “1-1. I hope I’m wrong. It just feels like it’s going to be a draw…

“A draw is not a bad result by the way. It feels like a bit of a tricky one for us. I’m going to go draw.”

Chris Sutton thinks Spurs will lose to Chelsea in the upcoming clash. Similarly, Paul Merson reckons Chelsea will leave Spurs with three points.

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The form guide certainly points towards an away victory this weekend, but the Premier League remains as unpredictable as ever.

Chelsea dominate recent history against Spurs

Even when Chelsea have been struggling in recent years, they’ve discovered something extra whenever it’s come around to facing neighbours Spurs. The fact that they’re in great form right now should give them extra confidence this weekend.

Here is a look at the previous 10 meetings between Chelsea and Spurs:

As shown above, Chelsea have seven wins in their previous 10 matches against Spurs. Can Blues head coach Maresca enjoy similar success during his first experience of this fixture on Sunday?

There’s no doubt that the Italian manager has won over the support of the fanbase, but he’ll be even more adored with a positive result away to Spurs.

Chelsea go into Sundays’s trip to rivals Tottenham with some superb momentum behind them.

The Blues renaissance under Enzo Maresca this season goes from strength to strength, winning their last four consecutive matches across all competitions.

Chelsea currently sit second in the Premier League table ahead of this weekend’s away fixture at 10th-placed Spurs.

Spurs manager Ange Postecoglou has praised Chelsea and their form going into Sunday’s showdown. However, Tottenham are such a mixed bag this season, playing well against the top sides and struggling against lesser opponents.

Chris Sutton predicts Tottenham vs Chelsea

BBC pundit Chris Sutton has tipped Chelsea to record a comprehensive away win on Sunday when they travel to Spurs.

“Usually I would expect a reaction from Spurs but they are so unpredictable that I don’t know what will happen. They could win this game 4-0 like they did against Manchester City, or lose it by the same scoreline,” Sutton told BBC Sport.

“I am going with Chelsea here. While I do wonder about their experience, I think Enzo Maresca’s side are title contenders even if he insists they aren’t…

“They are playing with real confidence at the moment and look completely different to the team they were last season. Nicolas Jackson is an example of how much they have improved and, after being rested against Southampton in midweek, he will be refreshed and ready to go.

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“This was the game last year where Spurs went down to nine men and lost 4-1. If there is any element of doubt from their players in their style of play, then Chelsea could take them apart again this time too.

“Sutton’s prediction: 1-3.”

Interestingly, Paul Merson has predicted Spurs versus Chelsea to go exactly the same way with an away win.

The Blues achieved the league double over them during the 2023/24 season, but this will be Maresca’s first taste of a fiery London derby.

Chelsea’s dazzling away form

A big plus point for Chelsea under Maresca so far has been their form away from home.

In seven away league matches this season, the Blues have picked up 16 points. It should give them confidence for their trip to Spurs on the weekend.

Frank Leboeuf doesn’t think Chelsea are in the title race despite a few suggestions from people that they’re in the mix. If their away form continues like it is, top four should be a shoe-in for them at the very least.

The expansive way that Spurs play their football could well play into the hands of visitors Chelsea on Sunday because they counter-attack teams so effectively this season.

Tottenham and Chelsea are in contrasting form going into this weekend’s London derby.

Spurs host Chelsea on Sunday afternoon in the Premier League, but it’s the visitors that go into the fixture with all the confidence behind them.

The Blues have five wins and one draw in their last six games across all competitions. In contrast, Spurs have one victory, two draws and three defeats from their last six matches across all competitions.

Chelsea’s Mykhailo Mudryk is unavailable against Spurs, while Reece James and Wesley Fofana are still recovering from injuries. Apart from that, Enzo Maresca has a full Blues squad to choose from this weekend.

Ange Postecoglou on Chelsea

Spurs manager Ange Postecoglou has been speaking in his pre-match press conference about upcoming opponents Chelsea. He admits that he’s impressed by the form and squad of the Blues.

Postecoglou said via Football.London: “It’s a big game on Sunday, they’re obviously going really well Chelsea. They’re in a good space at the moment with a fairly healthy squad and in good form. Always a tough game against them and we are at home. We need to make sure we produce a performance like we have in the other games which have been similar to get something out of it.”

Spurs currently sit 10th in the league table in desperate need of some form and results.

As for Chelsea, they’re second in the division standings dreaming of a big season. Jamie Carragher thinks Chelsea will finish above Manchester City this year with the way they’re playing.

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Can Chelsea go unbeaten in the league during December?

Chelsea have kicked off a busy month with back-to-back league victories over Aston Villa and Southampton. There’s still five top-flight matches left to play in 2024, though.

Here is a look at the Blues’ five remaining league games in December:

On paper, Chelsea have their toughest test this month at Spurs, who have a knack of performing against the top sides.

If Maresca’s side can stretch their winning run over the course of December, they’re going to find themselves firmly in the top four.

Chelsea make the short trip across London this weekend to face close rivals Tottenham in a Premier League showdown.

There’s definitely a positive mood around the Chelsea squad right now, winning their last four consecutive games across all competitions. In terms of their Premier League form, the Blues are up to second in the division table after three straight victories.

Enzo Maresca’s side now travel to rivals Spurs this Sunday afternoon, which is set to be a very interesting fixture.

Ange Postecoglou’s Spurs team were beaten 1-0 away to Bournemouth last night, so they currently sit 10th in the league standings.

It’ll be interesting to see which Chelsea team takes to the field versus Spurs, especially because there were seven changes during the midweek 5-1 thrashing of Southampton in the league. An early piece of team news is that Maresca has confirmed Chelsea goalkeeper Robert Sanchez will start at Spurs.

Paul Merson predicts Tottenham vs Chelsea

Paul Merson has predicted that Chelsea will have too much for Spurs on Sunday, so he thinks they’ll come away with another three points on the road.

Merson told Sportskeeda: “If you’re a fan, Tottenham away from home is Chelsea’s biggest game of the season… If they can win against Spurs, it will send a massive statement. I won’t label Tottenham as one of the ‘big boys’ in the league but they are a team that can beat a lot of teams and we’ve seen that already this season.

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“If Chelsea secure a top-four finish and win a trophy, this would become a phenomenal season for them. Anything more than that would be incredible but unlikely.

“Ange Postecoglou wants Tottenham to be entertaining that’s how they try to play. Chelsea have better players in nearly every position and may have too much for Spurs to handle.

“Prediction: Tottenham Hotspur 1-3 Chelsea.”

Chelsea’s travelling supporters have watched some of the team’s best performances so far. In their seven away games in the league this season, they’ve managed five wins, one draw, and one defeat.

Chelsea set a new record at Southampton by posting the highest xG by an away team in Premier League history (5.29).

Time to unleash Nicolas Jackson

For the first time this season, Chelsea striker Nicolas Jackson didn’t start a Premier League game for them in their 5-1 demolition of Southampton. In fact, he was left watching on the bench.

The 23-year-old’s been a mainstay in the league XI this campaign, but he was rested in midweek ahead of the Spurs clash. Surely, the fact that he’s one booking away from a suspension played a role in Maresca’s decision-making.

Jackson should be back in the starting line-up for Chelsea this Sunday after scoring eight goals in 13 league appearances this season.

Interestingly, the Senegal international has a phenomenal record versus Spurs, scoring four goals in two matches against them. This included a second-half hat-trick in the away fixture last season.