All posts by z3u9t.icu

Juventus are now reportedly keeping close tabs on Chelsea right-back Malo Gusto as they attempt to solve their defensive problems under new manager Luciano Spalletti.

Heading into the November international break, those at Stamford Bridge have reason to be optimistic. They bounced back from a 2-2 draw against Qarabag in style on Saturday, putting three past a managerless Wolverhampton Wanderers side. It was the Blues at their best, with Joao Pedro, Pedro Neto and unexpected goalscorer Gusto all getting on the scoresheet.

The dominant victory sets them up for the perfect return when they visit Burnley after the international break. It’s a game that Chelsea should win to commence an all-important week which then features games against Barcelona and Arsenal. Victory in those two would suddenly spark interesting questions about the Blues’ ambitions.

Burnley vs Chelsea

Premier League

22/11/2025

Chelsea vs Barcelona

Champions League

25/11/2025

Chelsea vs Arsenal

Premier League

30/11/2025

Leeds United vs Chelsea

Premier League

03/12/2025

Bournemouth vs Chelsea

Premier League

06/12/2025

As things stand, Enzo Maresca’s side are third in the Premier League and six points behind leaders Arsenal. If the Club World Cup winners are to be serious title challengers then victory over the Gunners is a must at Stamford Bridge.

The January transfer window is also worth keeping an eye on. Those in West London are rarely shy when it comes to splashing the cash and they’ve already been linked with moves for the likes of Crystal Palace star Daniel Munoz.

The right-back is one of the best in his position in the world and would instantly hand Reece James plenty to think about and hand Gusto quite the problem. The Chelsea man has already lost his place to James this season and rumours are now arriving about his own future.

Juventus now tracking Malo Gusto

Serie A giants Juventus are now tracking Malo Gusto, according to reports in Italy relayed by TuttoJuve. The Italian club are looking to solve their right-back problem and have identified both the Chelsea star and Atletico Madrid’s Nahuel Molina as 2026 targets.

La Liga star now dreams of Chelsea move as BlueCo gain advantage

He’s enjoying an impressive campaign.

ByTom Cunningham Nov 9, 2025

Gusto has started just six of Chelsea’s 11 Premier League games so far this season, but Maresca reiterated that he is one of his “main players” after he scored his first goal for the club against Wolves.

The versatility that Maresca praised has seen Gusto play both right and left-back as well as right-midfield throughout his career, and while that added depth is value from a player on £45,000-a-week, he’s been unable to make any of those positions his own at Stamford Bridge.

As James continues to keep the Frenchman out the side, it will be interesting to see whether he makes a decision about his Chelsea career if Juventus come calling. A move to the Italian giants, even amid their current struggles, wouldn’t exactly be a major downgrade for Gusto.

Chelsea launch move to re-sign Antonio Rudiger; he's made Real Madrid decision

Tottenham Hotspur secured a needed 2-0 victory over Brentford this afternoon to help ease the pressure on the shoulders of current manager Thomas Frank.

The win over Bees was the Lilywhites’ first in the Premier League since the win at Everton at the end of October – a run that lasted a total of five matches.

Goals from Xavi Simons and Richarlison secured all three points for the hosts, with such a result taking the side up to eighth place in England’s top-flight after 15 games.

Frank will no doubt be hoping such a result will kickstart his tenure in North London, especially after a stop-start period which has led to discontent being directed his way from the fans.

One player could well prove to be crucial over the next couple of months, especially if his showing at the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium this afternoon is anything to go by.

The stats behind Xavi Simons’ display against Brentford

After spending £52m on Simons’ signature during the summer window, many Spurs fans will no doubt have expected the attacking midfielder to make an immediate impact to life in England.

However, prior to the clash with Brentford today, he had failed to find the back of the net for his new side, but his 43rd-minute effort has finally broken such a spell at the 19th attempt.

The Dutch international also registered the assist for Richarlison’s strike in the 25th minute, with the youngster having a hand in both of the side’s efforts in North London.

Simons’ underlying stats from the triumph were just as impressive, with the midfielder completing 86% of the passes he attempted, with five of which going into the final third.

He also won three fouls, whilst also creating two chances for his teammates – in what was undoubtedly his best showing since his big-money transfer to the Premier League.

The fanbase will no doubt be hoping that the Dutchman can continue such form, but it didn’t stop another player from reaching similar levels this afternoon.

The Spurs player who looked like Bale against Brentford

Gareth Bale was a player who often managed to get the Spurs fans off their seats as a result of his performances on the pitch during his spell in North London.

The Welshman used to torment defenders with his relentless running and his ability to go either inside or outside when travelling with the ball on the right-flank.

However, since his big-money transfer to Real Madrid in the summer of 2013, the club have greatly lacked that presence and talent off such a wing in the final third.

Brennan Johnson was often filled the void in the last couple of years, even scoring 18 times last season, but he’s ultimately struggled to nail down the position as his own.

He’s since dropped further down the pecking order in the last few months since Frank’s arrival, especially after the Dane forked out a reported £55m for the signature of Mohammed Kudus.

The Ghanaian international has started all but one league game since his arrival, with the manager once again selecting him during the victory earlier this afternoon.

He once again took centre stage in the clash with the Bees and demonstrated why the manager has faith in him to provide the goods – arguably being just like Bale with such a display.

Kudus managed to complete five dribbles during the win – the most of any player on the pitch – taking his tally to 45 this season, the highest tally of any player in the division at present.

He also managed to complete two crosses, created two chances and completed 92% of his passes – reminiscent of the numbers Bale produced during his own spell at the club.

Minutes played

80

Touches

67

Passes completed

92%

Dribbles completed

5

Crosses completed

2

Chances created

2

Duels won

9

Aerials won

100%

The winger’s excellent display was further reflected in his tally of nine duels and 100% aerials won, with the forward managing to star even when not in possession of the ball.

As a result of his showing, the forward was handed an impressive 7/10 match rating by Football London, further showcasing his impressive display against Frank’s former side.

There’s no doubt the winger has made himself one of the first players on the teamsheet, with him and Simons potentially playing a key role at the club for many years to come.

Should he continue on his current path, there’s no reason why he can’t become as pivotal as Bale was at the club – potentially taking the club to new heights in the process.

Forget Simons: Spurs "liability" is now becoming the new Ndombele

This Tottenham star is flattering to deceive in spite of his immense talent.

ByAngus Sinclair 6 days ago

Chelsea value a highly-rated first-teamer at around £100 million if they even entertain the notion of selling him this summer, coming after claims that Bayern Munich are targeting him and he'd be open to a move.

Players who could be sold by Chelsea this summer

Ian Maatsen looks set to swap Chelsea for Aston Villa, which would come as another departure after Thiago Silva's move back to Brazil, but it is believed that many more players could follow them out of the Stamford Bridge exit door.

Real Madrid set sights on £146,000-per-week Chelsea 29 year-old

Carlo Ancelotti’s side think he’s ideal.

2 ByEmilio Galantini Jun 21, 2024

Villa agreed a £37 million fee to sign Maatsen, according to Fabrizio Romano, with Midlands talent Omari Kellyman going the other way in a separate move for around £19 million – coming as an unofficial kind of swap deal.

After Maatsen, an array of Enzo Maresca's squad have been linked with high-profile exits. Romelu Lukaku, Armando Broja, Conor Gallagher, Malang Sarr, Kepa Arrizabalaga, Trevoh Chalobah, Omari Hutchinson, Lesley Ugochukwu, Marc Cucurella and Conor Gallagher come as players who could be sold by Chelsea this summer, with Todd Boehly looking to balance the books and comply in terms of PSR regulations.

Cole Palmer

7.48

Conor Gallagher

7.13

Nicolas Jackson

7.07

Moises Caicedo

6.85

Noni Madueke

6.84

Arrizabalaga is attracting interest from Real Madrid, who could look to bring the Spaniard back to the Bernabeu on a permanent deal after he spent last season there on loan. Meanwhile, Juventus have even been linked with a surprise move loan move for Cucurella, so it will be interesting which of these claims come to fruition in the next few weeks.

According to Sky Germany reporter Florian Plettenberg, another big-name European club have their eyes on versatile defender Levi Colwill. Indeed, Vincent Kompany's Bayern are said to be real admirers of the Englishman who is highly-rated in west London.

Earlier this month, Plettenberg even claimed that Bayern could make a move for Colwill in addition to Jonathan Tah. A separate Sky Germany report, via The Mail, also stated that Colwill is open to joining Kompany at Bayern and willing to consider the possibility.

Chelsea think Levi Colwill is worth around £100 million

Now, as per The Athletic, Kompany's side may run into a serious roadblock if they decide to pursue Colwill further. According to their information, Colwill could fetch close to £100 million if Chelsea even decided to sell, which would surely rule Bayern out immediately in terms of doing a deal.

The 21-year-old is apparently viewed as an elite Cobham talent with the potential to blossom into one of England's best centre-backs, which is why he is deemed not for sale by the club.

Leeds United have been handed a transfer blow, with a midfield target seemingly not interested in a move to Elland Road.

Leeds’ summer transfer window so far

The 49ers Enterprises and manager Daniel Farke are preparing for another season in the Championship and have made three signings ahead of the new campaign.

Joe Rodon, who spent last season on loan with the Whites, has penned a permanent deal, whereas midfielder Joe Rothwell has joined on loan and former goalkeeper Alex Cairns has returned to seemingly play third choice behind Illan Meslier and Karl Darlow.

£11m Leeds player now also close to leaving Elland Road after Kamara

The number of exits are increasing.

ByCharlie Smith Jul 17, 2024

The focus has mainly been on outgoings, with two 2023/24 stars, Archie Gray and Glen Kamara, signings for Tottenham and Rennes respectively. Elsewhere, fringe players Marc Roca, Charlie Cresswell, Diego Llorente, Robin Koch, Kristoffer Klaesson, Jamie Shackleton and Luke Ayling have all left on permanent transfers, whereas Sam Greenwood, Darko Gyabi and Sonny Perkins have departed on loan.

A new midfielder to replace Gray and Kamara appears to be required in Yorkshire, and one player who has been heavily linked is Oliver Skipp from Spurs.

It has been reported that Farke would love to sign the midfielder this summer and that Leeds were preparing a fresh bid for the player after including him in talks during Gray’s move to north London. Recent rumours claimed that Skipp could even move to Leeds on loan with an option to buy, but it doesn’t look as if that will be the case.

Oliver Skipp to Leeds latest

According to TEAMtalk, Skipp is now a target for several Premier League clubs and isn’t considering dropping down to the Championship with Leeds as he would prefer to play at the highest level possible if he does end up leaving Spurs ahead of the new campaign.

That rules Leeds out of the equation, in what will come as a blow to the 49ers and Farke, with the report adding that the Whites will be frustrated and that Spurs are instead pushing for a straight permanent sale instead of a loan.

Skipp, on £40,000-a-week, won promotion to the Premier League under Farke at Norwich City back in 2021 and was praised by the German after the Canaries secured a deal.

"We saw the potential, we looked into his character a lot and we knew he would be fully convinced to give everything, not thinking I don’t need to work to prove I am the best in my position. Oliver is a perfect lad. So humble. He is a brilliant loan signing.

“A fantastic lad. He reminds me a little of Max Aarons in his first season, who also delivered with unbelievable consistency, with no mistakes, never injured, never ill.”

Unfortunately, it appears as if Farke won’t be able to have Skipp at Leeds this time around, so it’ll be interesting to see where the 49ers go from here, with plenty of work in the window still to do after all the departures.

Arsenal are keen to sign a Premier League winner this summer as their hunt for attacking reinforcements heats up, according to one recent report.

Arsenal waiting on departures for statement signing

Like an overflowing nightclub, it seems clear that Mikel Arteta's side are now operating on a one-in, one-out policy ahead of the upcoming Premier League campaign.

Riccardo Calafiori's arrival has been the only major piece of business in north London so far this summer, with three other deals including two young goalkeepers and the anticipated permanent move for David Raya following his loan spell in the 2023-24 season.

Much of that has been down to sales; the Gunners parted ways with academy talent Emile Smith Rowe in a deal worth £34m last week, but that was their first sale of the summer with five more players leaving either on loan or for free.

As a consequence of Smith Rowe's exit, Mikel Merino's arrival from Real Sociedad, ostensibly to play in the same midfield role, has accelerated with personal terms having been agreed for the EURO 2024 winner.

The same is likely to happen in their frontline, with both Eddie Nketiah and Reiss Nelson free to leave this summer should their valuations be met. Arsenal are believed to be holding out for £30m to part ways with Nketiah, while Nelson is attracting attention from across the Premier League as he seeks his own new challenge away from north London, just 12 months on from penning a new deal at the Emirates Stadium.

Should they depart, the Gunners are eyeing up a former Premier League winner to replace them.

Arsenal target Premier League striker

That comes as reports link Arsenal with a surprise move for Bournemouth striker Dominic Solanke, with the English striker having enjoyed an excellent 2023-24 season with the Cherries.

Solanke still has three years left to run on his £70,000 a week deal at the Vitality Stadium, but has also been linked with a move to north London rivals Tottenham as clubs look to prise him away from the south coast.

The 26-year-old was part of Chelsea's Premier League title-winning squad in 2016/17 and has since forged a career for himself at Bournemouth, and found the net on 19 occasions last season, his best-ever Premier League return.

Dominic Solanke's impressive form at Bournemouth

Season

Goals

2023-24

19

2022-23

6

2021-22 (Championship)

29

Now, Caught offside claim that Arsenal "have turned their attention" to Solanke after refusing to pay the asking price for Sporting CP striker Viktor Gyokeres, with a deal for the Swede now considered "very unlikely".

They add that Bournemouth do not want to sell the striker this summer, but that his contract on the south coast "contains a £65m release clause" which can be activated by any of the "big six" Premier League sides.

Edu could re-sign £197,000-per-week ex-Arsenal star to replace 26-year-old

The Gunners may look to a former hero.

ByEmilio Galantini Aug 3, 2024

It means that Solanke could end up being a far cheaper option than the likes of Gyokeres or Victor Osimhen, who the Gunners have also been linked with, while Solanke is also "believed to be open" to the idea of leaving the Vitality Stadium this summer.

Is he the striker Arsenal should be looking to sign in the final weeks of the window?

With the Championship campaign underway and the end of the transfer window approaching, Queens Park Rangers have reportedly reached an agreement to sign a player who was once dubbed the next Lionel Messi.

QPR transfer news

Those at Loftus Road have enjoyed a solid summer of arrivals so far, with Zan Celar the standout of the six fresh faces welcomed by Marti Cifuentes. The forward has previously played for the likes of AS Roma and may well rediscover his best form at QPR in the Championship. Still just 25 years old, there's still every chance that Zelar proves to be an excellent acquisition.

The forward, delighted with the move, told QPR's official website: “I am very excited. I can’t wait to start, join the team, join my new team-mates, start training and start matches. I think I will adapt well.

His first league start did not go to plan however, as Lucas Andersen's opener against West Brom on Saturday was answered by a clinical hat trick from the Baggies' Josh Maja, leaving the Hoops with nothing to show from their home curtain raiser.

In better news, Cifuentes' attack looks set to be boosted by another impressive arrival. According to Fabrizio Romano, QPR have reached an agreement to sign Karamoko Dembele from Stade Brestois, with the winger set to travel to complete his medical and confirm a deal worth a reported €3m (£2.6m), with add-ons.

Coming through the ranks at Celtic, Dembele was dubbed the next Lionel Messi, before eventually heading for the exit door. Now 21 years old, he finally found his form again on loan at Blackpool last season to earn a move to QPR this summer.

"Fantastic" Dembele is Championship-ready

After finally rediscovering his form in League One for Blackpool last season, Dembele is more than ready to make the step into the Championship and into Cifuentes' side. Dan Bennett of HaytersTV was recently full of praise for the winger, saying that Dembele "can be a fantastic player" if used well in England's second tier.

Throughout a campaign of revival last time out, Dembele managed an impressive eight goals and 13 assists. If he can replicate that in the Championship then QPR's reported deal worth just £2.6m will suddenly look like one of the bargains of the summer throughout English football.

Still just 21 years old, there's plenty more to come from Dembele, starting with this season at QPR as the London club hope for a season away from relegation trouble.

West Brom are now closing in on a new forward as they look to continue their push for promotion from the Championship in the second half of the season.

West Brom transfer latest

West Brom and Tony Mowbray were on the hunt for more firepower in the wake of an injury to top scorer Josh Maja, which has left the Baggies short at the top of the pitch.

That is an issue that they partially solved with the loan arrival of Tottenham forward Will Lankshear earlier in the week, with the teenage striker set to play a big role at the club for the remainder of the season as they battle to keep a hold of their play-off berth and perhaps even challenge those currently gunning for automatic promotion.

The Baggies have also landed midfielder Isaac Price from Standard Liege, but are set for a busy final few hours of the January transfer window as they fight to keep hold of their players and add fresh blood to their ranks.

One player who does seem set to depart is goalkeeper Alex Palmer, with Ipswich Town having pounced to sign the West Brom ever-present as they look for a new man between the posts in their bid for Premier League survival, agreeing a deal that is reportedly set to net West Brom £2m.

At the other end of the pitch, the Baggies have been linked with a move for Chelsea forward Marc Guiu but face significant competition for his signature, and it remains unclear if Chelsea will even let him leave before the deadline as they look to shuffle their loans.

However, there is better news for another forward, who is now just a step away from being unveiled as a West Brom player.

Forward undergoing medical ahead of Baggies move

That comes according to Danish outlet Tipsbladet, relayed by Sport Witness, report that in-demand striker Tammer Bany is currently undergoing a medical in Madrid ahead of what will be a record departure to West Brom in the final hours of the window.

Bany, who was described by one Danish scout as a “class” player, was linked with several clubs including Celtic across the past month.

2025 winter transfer window: Every done deal from the Championship

Every winter transfer from the second tier can be found here.

ByStephan Georgiou Feb 3, 2025

However, the 21-year-old Dane now appears to be bound for the Hawthorns, with the report claiming that “a club-record fee of DKK 30m [€4.02m]”, around £3.3m, has been agreed with West Brom to take him away from Randers FC.

Both Bany and his agent are allegedly in Madrid, with the striker undergoing a medical in the Spanish capital before signing his contract in the midlands ahead of the deadline.

His arrival would certainly add more firepower to Mowbray’s ranks, despite Bany having managed just two goals and four assists in 15 Danish top flight games, with the majority of those appearances coming as a substitute.

Tammer Bady’s goalscoring record (Career)

Appearances

20

Goals

2

Assists

4

Minutes per goal/assist

145

Still just 21 years old, he could be one for the future as much as for the present, but an additional attacker will certainly be a bonus for the Baggies as they look to secure a route back to top-flight football.

Mikel Arteta and newly-appointed sporting director Andrea Berta have been handed a summer striker boost, as one marquee forward is prioritising a move to Arsenal when it comes to preferred destinations.

Andrea Berta's striker targets for Arsenal this summer

Berta’s official arrival at the Emirates Stadium has brought plenty of excitement with it, especially now Arteta has admitted that Arsenal are set for a “big” first transfer window led by the ex-Atletico Madrid chief

Leroy Sane set for imminent Arsenal transfer decision after "concrete talks"

The German is set to leave on a free as things stand.

ByEmilio Galantini Apr 2, 2025

One of many items on Berta’s agenda is reportedly the acquisition of a prolific new striker, following long-term injuries to Gabriel Jesus and Kai Havertz, who won’t be returning to the field before next season.

Everton (away)

April 5th

Brentford (home)

April 12th

Ipswich Town (away)

April 20th

Crystal Palace (home)

TBD

Bournemouth (home)

May 3rd

A goal-scoring vocal point up front has long been viewed as the missing piece of Arteta’s jigsaw, and it is believed that Berta will seek to finally acquire one during his debut summer window at the club.

While Fabrizio Romano expects Berta to make an important offer for Alexander Isak, the Swede’s reported £150 million price tag may be too big of a hurdle for Arsenal to jump over, and Newcastle United are unlikely to be kind in negotiations.

More realistic targets, and ones of similar quality, come in the form of RB Leipzig starlet Benjamin Sesko and Sporting CP striker Viktor Gyokeres.

Arsenal wanted to sign Sesko last year, making a proposal to the Slovenia international which was ultimately turned down (Fabrizio Romano). However, reports this year suggest Berta could move for Sesko and make a second Arsenal attempt for his signature.

Meanwhile, David Ornstein has reported that Arsenal are growing increasingly interested in Gyokeres as another option, with the Sweden international enjoying yet another prolific campaign in the Primeira Liga.

Gyokeres has racked up a sensational 42 goals in 42 appearances over all competitions, including 11 extra assists, leaving little wonder he’s turning Arsenal’s head.

Viktor Gyokeres really wants to join Arsenal from Sporting CP

The 26-year-old, understandably, is also wanted by his former boss Ruben Amorim at Man United, while other elite European clubs like Real Madrid, Barcelona, PSG and Bayern Munich are in the mix.

That is according to Portuguese news outlet A Bola, who also write that Gyokeres has Arsenal at the “top of his preferences” in what could be seen as a major boost for Arteta and Berta.

The former Coventry star has an £84 million release clause, and while the bidding will start at around £58 million, A Bola claim he’s likely to leave for a value closer to his release clause – as Sporting are anticipating an auction for his services.

Even a fee in and around the clause would arguably be worth the punt, as Gyokeres’ exceptional goalscoring record really does speak for itself, not to mention plaudits from past teammates like Jake Bidwell, who called him “unstoppable”.

“The way he plays as well, with his aggression, the two (qualities) go hand in hand with how well he has done,” said Bidwell to the MEN.

“He all of a sudden realised how quick and strong he was and had the confidence to use it, and mixed with the aggression, it’s made him pretty unstoppable.”

Tottenham Hotspur are in for a crucial summer window under Ange Postecoglou and have now set their sights on a prolific scorer to bolster the pedigree of their forward line.

Tottenham Hotspur's summer transfer plans come to light

Upon assessment, Spurs have endured a disappointing campaign littered with inconsistency, yet could still snatch a backdoor route to Champions League qualification via clinching the Europa League title in May.

Ange Postecoglou has needed to weather the storm this season and the Australian’s job security is said to be uncertain amid recent reports that Mauricio Pochettino could succeed the former Celtic boss.

Either way, he remains in position for now, and their transfer strategy this summer could begin with a move to north London for River Plate star Franco Mastantuono. Having made initial contact, the Lilywhites believe they could strike and deliver for a fee under his reported £38m release clause.

On the same token, Tottenham are in pole position for Wolverhampton Wanderers’ full-back Rayan Ait-Nouri, who is under contract in the West Midlands until the summer of 2026.

Sizing up potential targets on expiring deals could be a handy strategy, especially when factoring in the amount of finance left over to strengthen in other areas of the field.

Chelsea (A)

Premier League

Southampton (H)

Premier League

Eintract Frankfurt (H)

Europa League

Wolverhampton Wanderers (A)

Premier League

Eintracht Frankfurt (A)

Europa League

Evaluating areas to bolster, Spurs’ forward line stands out more than most due to Dominic Solanke’s injury frustrations, which have limited the Three Lions international to 33 appearances this term.

Help could be on the way this summer, with Postecoglou now turning his attention to one of Europe’s most prolific goalscorers, as per recent reports.

Tottenham in talks to sign Lille forward Jonathan David

According to a report in France via Sport Witness, Tottenham are in active discussions to sign Lille forward Jonathan David following the Canada international’s excellent return of 23 goals and 10 assists in 41 appearances during 2024/25.

Arsenal and Manchester United are also on the case, while Borussia Dortmund provide further competition for his signature from the continent. Deemed an attractive option on the market due to his impending free agent status, the 25-year-old would favour a move to England over other destinations.

"Unbelievable" Tottenham star key to Ange now open to joining Real Madrid

Ange Postecoglou could have a job on his hands convincing one star to remain at Tottenham Hotspur.

BySean Markus Clifford Mar 21, 2025

Labelled ‘magical’ by Alexandre Gangue-Ruzic, he has also been subject to a previous offer from West Ham United, but their interest has since fallen on deaf ears.

Continuing his fine spate of performances across the Channel, David also radiates a desire to bring others into play, with the forward creating 27 chances and completing 14 dribbles on league duty. Over the course of his career, he has struck 144 times in 327 outings.

In the midst of fierce competition, the onus now is on Postecoglou and Daniel Levy to sell him a project that cannot be refused even if Spurs end up heading into next season without the lure of continental football.

Heading into Sunday’s clash at St James’ Park, both Chelsea and Newcastle United found themselves locked on 63 points in the Premier League.

But, come the full-time whistle, the gulf in class between the two Champions League chasing outfits was obvious, with both Sandro Tonali and Bruno Guimaraes sharing out the goal-load to hand Eddie Howe’s Toon a richly deserved 2-0 win.

Of course, the Magpies’ quest for a golden three points was undoubtedly helped by Nicolas Jackson receiving a red card deep into the first half, with the ex-Villarreal striker enduring yet another torrid afternoon leading the line for Enzo Maresca’s men.

Jackson's horror show on the road

The 23-year-old does have somewhat of a healthy goal return next to his name this season at 12 strikes overall, but all the main talking points from the clash on Tyneside would centre on his dismissal, away from his hot-and-cold ability to find the net.

Indeed, after planting an elbow into the face of Newcastle defender Sven Botman, the inconsistent Blues attacker would be sent off, meaning he is now suspended until the end of the Premier League season.

There was still 65 minutes of the match left after Jackson’s moment of madness, but the damage had already been done on Chelsea’s end, meaning Newcastle eventually strolled to a 2-0 victory to gain an upper hand to finish inside the coveted top five.

Jackson didn’t even test Nick Pope with a single effort on goal before clashing with the Magpies centre-back, with Maresca now tasked with deciding who to start up top now in the remaining top-flight contests to come ahead of the suspended striker.

Other Chelsea first-teamers could also feel the wrath of the manager’s team selection moving forward, with this fellow underperformer in attack only lasting ten more minutes than Jackson before being hooked.

Chelsea's other big underperformer

Nobody wearing Chelsea blue would come away from the 2-0 defeat with much praise, with Romeo Lavia another who looked out-of-sorts in the midfield department, especially when his casual nature on the ball centrally led to Tonali’s speedy opener.

But, Lavia would at least see out 75 minutes on the St James’ turf, with Noni Madueke half a tactical substitution due to Chelsea being reduced to ten men, and half an alteration made purely out of his ineffectiveness in attack when he lasted just 45 minutes.

Minutes played

45

Touches

16

Accurate passes

8/9 (89%)

Shots

0

Successful dribbles

0/1

Dribbled past

2x

Total duels won

0/4

At times, Madueke was merely a spectator to the constant waves of Newcastle attacks, with the 23-year-old dribbled past more times than he could conjure up successful dribbles himself.

Moreover, the ex-PSV Eindhoven winger could trudge off the pitch at the half-time interval and not return off the back of failing to register a single effort on the home side’s goal, alongside failing to win a single duel from four attempts. In stark contrast, even as Newcastle bossed proceedings, Jacob Murphy would win four duels as a committed warrior for Howe’s hosts.

It could well be time for Maresca to experiment with something fresh down the left channel, therefore, with 19-year-old sensation Tyrique George capable of playing down that flank, alongside an equally hit-and-miss Jadon Sancho.

The Italian will just pray that any changes he does makes to his XI pays off, with the Blues now slipping down the league, whilst Newcastle bask in the glory of third position.

Whenever Chelsea seem to be settling into their groove, another bump seemingly appears in the road, with just two Premier League games now left for the Blues to make any European dreams come true.

The next Cole Palmer: Chelsea in contact to sign "generational" £60m talent

Chelsea are looking to make the new Cole Palmer their first summer signing

ByRoss Kilvington May 10, 2025