In a new interview, Todd Boehly has taken aim at the English media as the Chelsea co-owner fires back at criticism. The American businessman, along with Mark Walter, Hansjorg Wyss and Clearlake Capital, launched a successful bid to buy the Blues in March 2022. Roman Abramovich had put the club up for sale after the Russian invasion of Ukraine.

• AFP
  

  Rollercoaster start to Boehly era

  Former Chelsea owner Abramovich had been forced to sell the club in 2022 after he was sanctioned by then-UK Prime Minister Boris Johnson. Abramovich's close ties with Russian President Vladimir Putin meant the 59-year-old's assets were frozen in the wake of Russia's full-scale invasion of neighbouring Ukraine, a conflict that continues to rumble on.

  This paved the way for Boehly to take the reins at Chelsea, having initially seen a $3bn offer to buy the club rejected in 2019. A consortium fronted by the American businessman would ultimately pay £4.25bn to seal the takeover, which was approved by the British government on May 25, 2022, and on May 30, the sale was completed, ending Abramovich's 19-year ownership of the club.

  Boehly's time at Chelsea hasn't been plain sailing, with the American coming in for criticism for the way in which he has managed the club. Indeed, he opted to relieve fan favourite Thomas Tuchel shortly after taking charge, while the German's successors Graham Potter, Frank Lampard and Mauricio Pochettino also suffered the same fate.

  Chelsea, though, are on an upward trajectory with Enzo Maresca in the dugout. The Italian guided the Blues back to the Champions League in his debut season in charge, and also won the UEFA Conference League and Club World Cup in his first 12 months in west London.

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• Boehly takes criticism on the chin

  Boehly, who also has stakes in the LA Dodgers and the LA Lakers, is used to dealing with unhappy fans. Indeed, when asked by the Australian Financial Review how he deals with criticism, Boehly replied: "Sometimes my wife and my family take it differently than I take it. I just find it’s one more person that doesn’t know what they’re talking about."

  Taking aim at the media, Boehly added: "The English papers remind me every day how smart they are and how stupid I am."

  Boehly went on to express his excitement about the future of the club, saying: "You’re going to continue to watch our team evolve and grow. We’ve got them together for a long time. I’m pretty excited about what the future looks like."

  Chelsea's first season since Boehly took ownership didn't go quite according to plan as the Blues finished 12th in the Premier League. However, there has been a marked improvement in the following seasons, with Chelsea finishing sixth in the 2023-24 campaign before securing a top-four finish under Maresca last season.

  After 11 games this season, Chelsea find themselves in third place, six points behind league leaders Arsenal, following their 3-0 win over Wolves last time out.

• Getty Images Sport
  

  Chelsea's established global fan base

  The Chelsea supremo also mentioned that one of the focuses is to grow the club's global brand across the world. "We’re trying to grow a global fan base. If your fan base is continuing to grow all around the world, that should lead it to naturally believe that your revenue is going to continue to grow," Boehly said.

  Chelsea already have a well-established global fan base, which rose considerably after Abramovich initially took charge in June 2003. During his time at Stamford Bridge, Chelsea won the Premier League five times, the Champions League twice and the Europa League twice as the Blues became a European force to be reckoned with.

  And as of February 2024, Chelsea have an estimated 136.7 million social media followers across numerous platforms, including X, Facebook and Instagram.

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• Funds from Chelsea sale still frozen

  While Abramovich was forced to sell Chelsea in 2022, full proceeds from the £2.5bn sale remain frozen in a UK bank account. Abramovich wanted the funds to benefit "all victims of war" while the UK's position is that the money can only be used for "humanitarian purposes".

  "This government is working hard to ensure the proceeds from the sale of Chelsea FC reach humanitarian causes in Ukraine as quickly as possible," a Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office spokesperson said on Monday.

  "The proceeds are currently frozen in a UK bank account while a new independent foundation is established to manage and distribute the money.

  "UK officials continue to hold discussions with Mr Abramovich's representatives, experts and international partners, and we will double down on our efforts to reach a resolution."

  The UK government's position, which has not changed despite Labour's UK election win last year, is that the money can only be used for humanitarian purposes in Ukraine.

MatériaMais Notícias

O atacante Marcos Leonardo é o maior ativo do Santos e a saída do clube faz parte dos planos do jogador, mas até o momento nenhuma proposta oficial pelo atleta chegou para o clube.

➡️ Tudo sobre o Peixe agora no WhatsApp. Siga o nosso novo canal Lance! Santos

O estafe do atleta faz o possível para atrair possíveis times interessados. De acordo com a imprensa inglesa, o Arsenal, da Inglaterra, entrou na lista de pretendentes. Entretanto, a equipe não sinalizou com nenhuma oferta pelo atacante.

➡️ Santos prepara pacote de reforços para 2024

A atual janela de transferências está longe de ser a preferida pelos times europeus para a realização de investimentos, pois a temporada já está na metade e os grandes clubes costumam já ter uma diretriz do que desejam nos seus próximos passos. Portanto, a situação de Marcos segue indefinida.

SANTOS QUER VALOR ALTO PELO ATLETA

Apesar de nenhuma proposta ter aparecido pelo centroavante, o atacante firmou um compromisso com Andres Rueda para ser negociado caso aparecesse algo na casa dos 18 milhões de euros (aproximadamente R$ 96,5 milhões)

Contudo, o presidente Marcelo Teixeira não compartilha desse desejo e deixou clara a vontade de negociar Marcos Leonardo por um valor mais alto que o pré-estabelecido.

– Existe, infelizmente, um valor contratual acertado pela diretoria atual. Isso engessa em parte essa situação. Deixamos claro que pretendemos um valor acima do que está estipulado no contrato. Os valores estão sendo diferentes daquilo que estava sendo conversado antes da nossa posse. Pretendemos intensificar essas negociações – concluiu o atual mandatário do Peixe.

New York Yankees first baseman Paul Goldschmidt left Monday's New York Yankees Spring Training game vs. the Toronto Blue Jays early because of a sore back he's been dealing with for a few days.

Goldschmidt left the game after the third inning, which caused concern. However, Goldschmidt reassured everyone after his exit that he left the game early for precautionary reasons. He "didn't want to push it," so he didn't finish the game, MLB's Bryan Hoch reported.

The first baseman also noted there is "zero" concern that he will play on Opening Day next Thursday vs. the Milwaukee Brewers at home.

Goldschmidt will be entering his first official season as a Yankee after he signed with the team in free agency following six seasons with the St. Louis Cardinals.

So far through Spring Training, Goldschmidt's averaged .313/.389/1.077. He's had 10 hits, seven runs, three home runs and 10 RBIs.

After spending a reported £446m on new additions during the summer transfer window, the majority of pundits across the country expected Liverpool to retain their Premier League title.

Florian Wirtz and Alexander Isak’s arrivals saw the hierarchy break the Reds’ transfer record on two separate occasions, subsequently sending out a huge message to the rest of the division.

However, Arne Slot has so far been unable to find the winning formula with his big-money additions, as seen by the club’s recent form within England’s top-flight.

His side have lost six of their last seven league outings, with their slump seeing the club slide down the table and all but ending their chances of regaining the trophy come the end of May.

It hasn’t derailed their recent ambitions in the transfer market though, which has led to numerous high-profile names being linked with a winter switch to Anfield.

Liverpool’s hunt for new additions in January

Over recent weeks, Liverpool have been just one side mentioned over a possible move to land AZ Alkmaar wonderkid Kees Smit in the upcoming window.

The Dutch attacking midfielder has massively impressed in 2025/26 to date, subsequently registering six combined goals and assists in his 19 appearances across all competitions.

A £25m price tag has been reported for the 19-year-old, but other sides such as Real Madrid and Manchester United also remain keen on landing his signature in the coming months.

However, Smit isn’t the only player in the Reds’ sights, with Bournemouth star Antoine Semenyo another player who has been strongly touted with a potential move.

According to Fabrizio Romano, numerous members of the club’s hierarchy have already discussed terms with the Cherries over a deal in the January market, having made a move to understand the conditions of the player’s release clause.

He also stated that a deal is expected to cost around £65m- a fee that would activate Semenyo’s clause – but that other Premier League clubs, such as Tottenham Hotspur and Arsenal, are also closely monitoring the situation.

Why Semenyo could get Isak firing at Liverpool

As previously mentioned, spirits were at an all-time high on Deadline Day for Liverpool supporters after a deal was finally announced for striker Isak from Newcastle United.

The saga dragged on for months before it reached its conclusion, with Slot’s men having to fork out an English record £125m for the services of the Swedish international.

His tally of 23 league goals last campaign made many think the Reds had finally found the number nine they have craved to complete the club’s impressive attacking department.

However, the 26-year-old’s move to Merseyside has been nothing short of a disaster, with the striker only netting one goal in his first nine appearances across all competitions.

Isak’s recent showing against Nottingham Forest further highlighted his struggles, with the talisman only notching a total of 14 touches before being replaced in the 68th minute.

He’s massively struggled to make the desired impact at Anfield to date, but that could change should the hierarchy complete a deal for Semenyo this winter.

The Ghanaian international, who’s primarily a left-winger, has massively impressed at the Vitality this campaign, as seen by his tally of six goals and three assists in his 11 outings.

However, his underlying stats further highlight the quality he possesses, with such numbers certainly aiding Isak in his own quest for success on Merseyside.

Semenyo, who’s been dubbed “the best winger in the country” by former footballer Chris Waddle, has completed 1.9 take-ons per 90 – often able to get into dangerous areas with the ball at his feet.

Antoine Semenyo – PL stats (25/26)

Statistics (per 90)

Tally

Games played

11

Goals & assists

9

Take-ons completed

1.9

Chances created

1.4

Progressive passes

3.6

Passes into opposition box

1.6

Shots on target

1.3

Recoveries made

5.3

Stats via FBref

He’s also been able to add the end product to his mazy runs in the Premier League, as seen by his tally of 1.4 chances created per 90 – not to mention his goal contribution tally.

The 25-year-old has registered 3.6 progressive passes and 1.6 passes into the opposition box per 90, with such numbers potentially falling perfectly into the hands of Isak to turn around his dismal start to life at the club.

£65m in the modern market is an excellent price for a player of Semenyo’s quality, but it remains to be seen how much the board are willing to spend in January after their recent spending spree.

However, if the club are to get Isak fully up to speed in the near future, he will desperately need added support, which could make the Bournemouth star the perfect man to ignite his stint in the North West.

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Tottenham Hotspur’s efforts in the Champions League against PSG last night were a vast improvement from the North London Derby, but it still wasn’t enough to claim all three points.

Luis Enrique’s men secured a 5-3 triumph at the Parc des Princes, but the night could have been a lot better for Thomas Frank’s side at one stage.

The Dane’s side twice took the lead against the reigning Champions League winners, with Randal Kolo Muani and Richarlison putting the Lilywhites ahead before and after the break.

However, numerous moments of madness from numerous players subsequently cost the side all three points, with Frank’s side now winless in their last three outings.

During such fixtures, the first team have shipped a total of 11 goals, many of which have been down to failures of one player – as demonstrated in Paris once again yesterday.

Cristian Romero’s dismal display against PSG yesterday

After Frank’s arrival as manager over the summer, he made an immediate impact by naming numerous first-team members as part of his Spurs leadership group.

Centre-back Cristian Romero was named as part of the group, with the Argentine wearing the armband in every one of his starts for the Lilywhites this campaign.

That was no different on Wednesday night, but the 27-year-old did nothing short of lead the side to a positive result, with his various errors costing the side against PSG.

His questionable pass into the feet of Pape Sarr saw the Senegalese star robbed of possession, which led to Fabian Ruiz firing the hosts into the lead for the first time.

Romero also charged down Vitinha on the edge of his 18-yard box, but his sliding effort saw him block the Portuguese international’s strike – which resulted in a penalty and all but killed off the game.

His underlying stats also showcase his lack of positive impact at the Parc des Princes, with the defender losing 50% of the duels he entered – subsequently being dominated by the opposition’s frontline.

The Spurs star who was as bad as Romero against PSG

After the manner of the Derby Day defeat on Sunday, it was clear that manager Frank needed to make various changes to try and avenge such a disappointing result.

As a result, the Dane made five changes to his starting eleven, which also saw a switch from a five-back to a more familiar four-back system – one which Romero was at the heart of.

The likes of Lucas Bergvall and Archie Gray were handed rare starts at the heart of the side, with the duo often linking up with intricate play in large spells of the first half.

With both players aged under 20, there’s no denying that they will have huge parts to play in the immediate and long-term future for the Lilywhites in their quest for success.

However, there will certainly be question marks over a few of the other starters, with Pape Sarr one player who was unable to take full advantage of his recall to the squad.

The 23-year-old was named as a substitute against Arsenal, but was given the chance to stake his claim for a starting role again last night – but he may look back on the game as a missed opportunity.

Sarr certainly wasn’t solely to blame for the host’s third goal, but his lack of awareness after Romero’s pass saw him lose possession in the build-up to Luiz’s emphatic finish.

Minutes played

84

Touches

44

Passes completed

26

Errors leading to goals

2

Possession lost

7x

Tackles won

50%

Dribbled past

2x

Blocks made

0

He also could have done more to prevent Willian Pacho’s strike, with the Senegalese international unable to get ahead of the defender to clear the loose ball in the penalty area.

The youngster’s underlying stats were just as poor, with the midfielder only able to win 50% of the tackles he entered, whilst also being dribbled past twice.

Sarr’s lack of positive impact was highlighted in his tally of possession lost, as he gave the ball back to the opposition on seven separate occasions – often presenting a careless figure in possession.

There’s little denying he put in a shift when out of possession, but he did so to little avail, ultimately leading to journalist Alasdair Gold handing him a 5/10 match rating upon the final whistle.

After such a showing, it’s evident that Bergvall and Gray are both ahead of him in the pecking order, with Sarr needing a huge reaction in the upcoming matches to dislodge the pair.

As for Romero, it was yet another evening to forget, but given his role as captain, he must pick himself and the rest of the team up ahead of Saturday’s clash with Fulham.

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They aren’t the finished project, but Chelsea have built an impressive squad over the last few years.

The likes of Moises Caicedo, Enzo Fernández, Cole Palmer, Estevao and Reece James, for example, would get into most Premier League teams.

However, if there is one weakness in the side, it’s probably at centre-back, as without Levi Colwill and Wesley Fofana, the options at Enzo Maresca’s disposal aren’t all that inspiring.

Fortunately, Chelsea have been linked with an impressive defender who has been compared to William Saliba and Gabriel Magalhães.

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For example, the Blues have been among a handful of sides credited with significant interest in Crystal Palace’s Adam Wharton, and have even been linked with Juventus wonderkid Kenan Yıldız.

However, while both players would most certainly improve Maresca’s squad, they wouldn’t improve the centre-back depth, unlike Ousmane Diomande.

Yes, according to a recent report from TEAMtalk, Chelsea have reignited their interest in the up-and-coming Sporting CP star.

In fact, the report goes further, revealing that the West Londoners are planning to hijack Crystal Palace’s move for the Ivorian international.

However, to do that, the Pensioners would have to match or even exceed the Eagles’ supposed bid of around £44m.

It could therefore be a complicated and somewhat costly transfer to get over the line, but given Diomande’s ability, potential, and the fact he’s been compared to Saliba and Gabriel, it’s one Chelsea should pursue.

How Diomande compares to Saliba and Gabriel

Now, while Chelsea fans might not want to admit it, and understandably so, Saliba and Gabriel have been the best centre-back pairing in the Premier League for at least a season now.

Therefore, it’s a huge claim to suggest another defender is like a combination of the two, a claim respected analyst Ben Mattinson made when he described Diomande as “a hybrid between Gabriel and Saliba” just last year.

Now, when it comes to the Brazilian, the similarities are rather difficult to miss, as while he’s just an inch shorter, the Ivorian international is still a titan of a player at 6 foot 3.

This stature allows the 21-year-old “monster,” in the words of Mattinson, to overpower opposition attackers and put in challenges that a more slight centre-back would find difficult.

How about the Frenchman, then? What makes the Abidjan-born star similar to him?

Well, despite his impressive physicality, the former Midtjylland gem is no slouch on the ball and has a passing range most defenders could only dream of.

Moreover, according to FBref, the Arsenal star was statistically the most similar centre-back to the Sporting man across last season’s Champions League.

Non-Penalty Expected G+As

0.01

0.03

Progressive Carries

0.36

0.36

Passing Accuracy

93.2%

92.2%

Expected Assists

0.01

0.01

Live Passes

58.8

56.5

Interceptions

0.96

0.91

You can gain a better understanding of how FBref arrived at this conclusion by examining the underlying metrics that the pair ranked closely.

These metrics included non-penalty expected goals plus assists, progressive carries, passing accuracy, expected assists, live passes, interceptions, and more, all per 90.

Ultimately, while he is still young and untested in the top leagues, Diomande looks like an exceptional talent, and given his similarities to Gabriel and Saliba, Chelsea should be doing all they can to sign him.

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The pitch in Mirpur continues to frazzle the batters, who have to find a way even though they know spinners will call the shots

Mohammad Isam20-Oct-2025Big picture – tackling spin top of teams’ agendaHow to bat on this Mirpur pitch is a question that might be baffling both Bangladesh and West Indies ahead of the second ODI, to be played on Tuesday. The Bangladesh batters spent a long time in the middle, visualising, the day before the game, all standing in a circle, with head coach Phil Simmons providing the sermon. West Indies have suggested that they picked up a clue or two by watching their opponents in the first ODI, which produced just 340 runs in 88.4 overs.What’s for certain is that Bangladesh will double down on their spin-to-win strategy after they added Nasum Ahmed to the ODI squad. The left-armer picked up five wickets in three T20Is against Afghanistan recently, a tally bettered only by Rashid Khan in that series. He will complement Tanvir Islam, Mehidy Hasan Miraz and Rishad Hossain, who took a six-wicket haul this weekend.Related

'I stuck to my process' – Rishad makes light work of dark pitch

Bangladesh, however, are looking for improvement in the batting. They put up a modest 207 in the first ODI, with Towhid Hridoy the only half-century-maker. Newcomer Mahidul Islam also made an important contribution (46 off 76). But, overall, Bangladesh batted slowly. They are yet to get out of the habit of playing too many dot balls and finding too few boundaries.West Indies will also look for batting improvement after getting bowled out for 133. Brandon King and Alick Athanaze went after the spinners in the first game but both of them fell to Rishad, and that was followed by a collapse. There was not much resistance from even the likes of Shai Hope and Roston Chase, the only batters in the line-up to have previous experience of playing ODIs in Bangladesh.The bowlers therefore will once again have to keep West Indies in the contest. Jayden Seales took three wickets while Khary Pierre, playing his first ODI in five years, bowled well for just one wicket. But Chase and Gudakesh Motie have to get among the wickets, especially in these conditions.Form guideBangladesh WLLLL
West Indies LWWLLRishad Hossain picked up six wickets in the first ODI•AFP/Getty ImagesIn the spotlight – Rishad Hossain and Brandon KingRishad Hossain coming to Bangladesh’s rescue both with the bat and the ball in the first ODI is exactly what is expected of him. Six wickets and a quick 26 would be too much to ask of him every day, but a legspinner has to provide breakthroughs where other bowlers fail. Another bag of wickets could bring the ODI series to a favourable end for his team.Brandon King was one of the few West Indies batters to show a positive mindset in the first ODI. He struck boundaries with ease until Rishad had him caught behind for 44 off 60. As long as King was at the crease, West Indies had hope. He added 51 runs for the opening stand with Athanaze, who also attacked the Bangladesh spinners while the ball was new. King, though, carried on for a bit more. The problem was King getting out after getting set, something he can’t afford to do.Team news – WI lose Shamar, Blades to injuriesBangladesh usually rotate their fast bowlers every game so Hasan Mahmud or Tanzim Hasan Sakib are likely call-ups.Bangladesh (probable): 1 Soumya Sarkar, 2 Saif Hassan, 3 Najmul Hossain Shanto, 4 Towhid Hridoy, 5 Mahidul Islam, 6 Mehidy Hasan Miraz (capt), 7 Nurul Hasan (wk), 8 Rishad Hossain, 9 Tanzim Hasan Sakib, 10 Tanvir Islam, 11 Mustafizur RahmanA day out from the game, West Indies appeared likely to trust the same batters to do better on this difficult Dhaka pitch. Can they cope with the injury-enforced absences of Shamar Joseph and Jediah Blades? Akeal Hosein and Ramon Simmonds have been added to the squad as their replacements for the remaining two ODIs.West Indies (probable): 1 Brandon King, 2 Alick Athanaze, 3 Keacy Carty, 4 Shai Hope (capt, wk), 5 Sherfane Rutherford, 6 Roston Chase, 7 Gudakesh Motie, 8 Justin Greaves, 9 Romario Shepherd, 10 Khary Pierre, 11 Jayden SealesKhary Pierre came away with figures of 10-2-19-1 on Saturday•AFP/Getty ImagesPitch and conditions – complexion of the pitch in focusThere is unlikely to be much change in the pitch, which looked unusually dark, for the second ODI. There is dry weather in the forecast.Stats and trivia – Pierre returns after five years Tanvir Islam bowled his most expensive over in international cricket in the first ODI, when he conceded 18 runs. Bangladesh used just seven (of 39) overs of pace in the first ODI, only the fifth occasion they have bowled seven or fewer overs in a match that they won. Khary Pierre returned to the West Indies playing XI after missing 73 ODIs since January 2020. Quotes”It is a lot of pressure if you don’t do well on these kind of surfaces. I just try to keep it simple and stick to my plans. I think once you put the ball in the right areas and do not go wicket-hunting, I think it will be the best suitable for the wicket. You can leak runs if you try to go wicket-hunting.”

أعلن الحساب الرسمي لبطولة دوري أبطال أوروبا، عن التشكيل المثالي للجولة السادسة والتي أجريت منافساتها ومبارياتها أمس وأول من أمس.

وضم التشكيل المثالي العديد من اللاعبين الرائعين الذين برزوا وتألقوا هذا الأسبوع، وقادوا فرقهم لتحقيق نتائج إيجابية في إطار منافسات الجولة السادسة.

ويقود التشكيل المثالي النجم الفرنسي لنادي ريال مدريد كيليان مبابي الذي سجل سوبر هاتريك، خلال فوز فريقه برباعية لثلاث اهداف أمام أولمبياكوس اليوناني.

أقرأ أيضاً.. بوروسيا دورتموند يحدد موقفه من بيع شلوتربيك إلى برشلونة أو بايرن ميونخ تشكيل الجولة السادسة المثالي لدوري أبطال أوروبا:

حراسة المرمى: فليكن “باير ليفركوزن”

خط الدفاع: كوكوريلا “تشيلسي” – شوتين ” آيندهوفن” – خوسيه ماريا خيمنيز “أتلتيكو مدريد” – عنان خلايلي “سانت جيلواز”

خط الوسط: دي كيتيلاري ” أتالانتا” – روبرت “كوبنهاجن” – ديكلان رايس “آرسنال”- فيتينيا “باريس سان جيرمان”

خط الهجوم: كيليان مبابي “ريال مدريد”- بيير أوباميانج “مارسيليا”.

جدير بالذكر أن كيليان مبابي فاز بتصويت أفضل لاعب في الجولة، وتفوق على منافسة فيتينيا نجم باريس سان جيرمان وبيير أوباميانج مهاجم مارسيليا وسيرهو جراسي مهاجم بوروسيا دورتموند.

Chelsea’s opening goal in the 1-1 draw against Arsenal on Sunday should have been disallowed under IFAB Law 11.

Arsenal unable to take all three points against ten-man Chelsea

With Moises Caicedo being shown a straight red card after fouling Mikel Merino in the first half, the Gunners would’ve been expecting to pick up what could be a crucial three points at Stamford Bridge, but the hosts refused to lie down.

In fact, Trevoh Chalobah opened the scoring for Enzo Maresca’s side just after half-time, although the north Londoners were ultimately able to come away with a point, as Mikel Merino was able to level things up just over ten minutes later.

Speaking after the game, Maresca made it clear he had no problem with Caicedo being given his marching orders, although he did question why Tottenham Hotspur’s Rodrigo Bentancur was not sent off for a similar challenge last month.

However, Mikel Arteta may have complaints of his own, with VAR being accused of going “completely blind” and missing Enzo Fernandez in an offside position during Chalobah’s opening goal.

IFAB’s Law 11 describes offside offences, and Fernandez’s position battling against Cristhian Mosquera certainly meets the criteria for ‘interfering with an opponent’.

A player in an offside position at the moment the ball is played or touched* by a team-mate is only penalised on becoming involved in active play by:

• interfering with play by playing or touching a ball passed or touched by a team-mate or
• interfering with an opponent by:
  • preventing an opponent from playing or being able to play the ball by clearly obstructing the opponent’s line of vision or
  • challenging an opponent for the ball or
  • clearly attempting to play a ball which is close when this action impacts on an opponent or
  • making an obvious action which clearly impacts on the ability of an opponent to play the ball

However, the goal stood and Maresca’s side managed to hold out for a draw, despite having ten men for most of the game, so Arteta arguably has a right to feel aggrieved the Gunners were unable to extend their lead at the top.

Arsenal should have taken three points regardless

Although there is a case to be made that Chalobah’s goal should’ve been ruled out, Arsenal will be kicking themselves, given that Caicedo’s early red card presented them with a golden opportunity to pick up a victory.

Arteta concurs that it was two points dropped, saying after the game: “I think overall it’s been a really positive week because the difficulty was immense.

“But I have this flavour that today we should have and we could have won the game and we haven’t. That’s a learning point from it.”

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That said, the north Londoners shouldn’t be too disheartened, as getting a point at Stamford Bridge is still a good result, and they have a healthy lead at the top of the Premier League table, currently sitting five points clear of Man City.

Newcastle United resume their Premier League campaign after the international break hesitant about what the near future holds.

Indeed, back-to-back away defeats to West Ham United and Brentford very much exposed Newcastle’s weaknesses, as a lethargic defence was caught out in both games in London, alongside the midfield ranks looking equally as ropey.

In particular, Joelinton has fallen short of his usual high standards in recent defeats, with only three duels won by the midfielder at the London Stadium, who was once referred to as an energetic “machine” by Magpies teammate Kieran Trippier.

He could well be dropped for some fresh blood centrally, therefore, as Manchester City do battle with the Toon to close out November up next.

In an ideal reality, though, Eddie Howe’s men would still have Elliot Anderson to call upon, as the former St James’ Park product continues to excel for both Nottingham Forest and England.

Why Newcastle would love Anderson back at St James' Park

Once upon a time on Tyneside, a far rawer, younger Anderson would be clamouring for more senior minutes at his boyhood club.

Unfortunately, that failed to come to fruition, courtesy of an injury-ravaged final season at the Toon. In total, Anderson would make just a paltry three league starts during this swansong year.

But, the revitalised 23-year-old has never looked back since leaving the Magpies behind, with the Forest number 8 now setting the standard for midfielders in the Premier League this campaign, even as his side loiter towards the bottom of the division.

It was yet another classy display from Anderson last time out in league action before the break interrupted Forest’s flow, winning five duels and making seven ball recoveries, keeping a nervous Leeds largely at bay in a vital 3-1 win. While he excelled again, Joelinton limped off against the Bees scared for what his first-team future holds.

He also shone for England to further pile on the Newcastle misery, as only six of his 136 passes didn’t reach their intended target against Serbia and Albania.

Thomas Tuchel even heralded him as “one of the best midfielders in the Premier League” in the build-up to the Serbia encounter.

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Safe to say, Newcastle desperately wish they still had the much-talked-about 23-year-old on their books, but Howe could start to unearth a new version of Anderson back on Tyneside.

Newcastle's next Anderson

Newcastle will need to ensure they don’t suffer another Anderson-style clanger soon, with Yankuba Minteh also sold prematurely by the Magpies, before he then exploded into life at Brighton and Hove Albion.

If they aren’t careful, they could lose Lewis Miley down the line, with the 19-year-old now ready for some “serious minutes” at his boyhood employers, according to journalist Liam Kennedy, after starring as a combative, yet skilful midfielder in flashes for Howe and Co in recent matches.

Much like Anderson has proven on the big stage countless times now for the Tricky Trees, Miley hasn’t looked fazed at all this season when also being dropped into the deep-end, particularly when he shone against Benfica in Champions League action to receive these rave reviews.

Indeed, the teenage sensation won all of his tackles on the night and also won four duels, while further exiting the field of play with only four passes going astray.

To further back up his similarities to the departed Anderson, the 19-year-old also stood out for the Three Lions at U21 level during the break when facing the Republic of Ireland.

Minutes played

75

Goals scored

0

Assists

0

Touches

73

Accurate passes

58/61 (95%)

Key passes

1

Tackles won

1/1

Interceptions

1

Clearances

1

Blocked shots

1

Ball recoveries

2

Total duels won

3/6

Miley has also being tipped for greatness at international level, far beyond his current age bracket, notably hailed as “England’s next superstar” by BBC pundit Pat Nevin.

Again, much like his showing against Benfica, Miley stood out as a calm and assured operator, also capable of getting stuck in, with a 95% pass accuracy, coupled with three tackles and ball recoveries being amassed.

Of course, Newcastle would love to have the finished product of Anderson at their disposal. But, to win him back, it is reported that it could take an eye-watering reported £100m to regain his services.

Therefore, Miley could be their next best bet, having been branded a “mature” performer by Howe this season when used irregularly. That word not only aptly describes the Toon’s budding midfielder but also Anderson.

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