Bournemouth the 'right place' for Scott - Foleypublished at 16:12 BST 22 October
16:12 BST 22 October
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Owner Bill Foley believes Bournemouth is the "right place" for midfielder Alex Scott to be and says the Cherries have not given up hope of the midfielder signing a new contract.
The 23-year-old England international has a £100m asking price after a £64m offer from Chelsea was rejected in the summer.
Speaking to Talksport, Foley said: "At this point, we're convinced we're the right place for Alex to be and to stay, and we'll keep on addressing the contract issues with Alex as we move through this year.
"We'd love to have Alex stay here and sign a new contract and be part of this team for the long haul.
"We haven't given up, but sometimes players get stars in their eyes and they think that Chelsea or Manchester City is the right place to go."
Scott, who is sidelined with a thigh injury suffered on England duty, is contracted to Bournemouth until June 2028.
Acheampong giving Alonso decision to makepublished at 12:10 BST 21 October
12:10 BST 21 October
Nizaar Kinsella Chelsea reporter
Image source, Getty Images
Josh Acheampong has started six of Chelsea's past nine matches in all competitions.
Only four players - attackers Cole Palmer and Morgan Rogers, and defenders Levi Colwill and Maxence Lacroix - have played more than his 581 minutes under new manager Xabi Alonso.
Much of that has stemmed from Xabi Alonso settling on a more consistent side.
Chelsea had conceded a league-high 12 goals before the international break but have let in only one since, including recording their first clean sheet of the season away at Everton on Saturday.
Acheampong, 20, has operated as a roaming centre-back in a back three alongside more fixed options Colwill and Lacroix, stepping into midfield or moving wide to perform the role of a traditional full-back when in possession.
He has also developed a promising understanding with right wing-back Pedro Neto, combining with him in the move that led to Joao Pedro's goal against Bournemouth, while keeping £75m signing Wesley Fofana out of the side.
Alonso has been keen to emphasise Chelsea's defensive improvement as a collective effort, with the return of Moises Caicedo from injury and his partnership alongside 36-year-old Jordan Henderson adding greater stability.
During a pre-season tour of Australia and Asia, Alonso also hammered home his policy of giving minutes to those who most deserve it, rather than on reputation.
It's in this environment Acheampong has begun featuring regularly, while also starting eight of England Under-21s' past 10 matches.
Increasingly, the young defender appears to be knocking on the door of a senior call-up should manager Thomas Tuchel seek a versatile option on the right side of defence.
'Chemistry will be built if Alonso keeps playing the same XI'published at 08:03 BST 21 October
08:03 BST 21 October
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Chelsea fan Nina Hristova says there is "no reason to tinker" for Xabi Alonso after his side secured their second impressive win in two games following the international break against Everton on Saturday.
The Blues followed up their 5-1 victory over Bournemouth with a 2-0 win at Hill Dickinson Stadium, with Jorrel Hato coming in for the injured Pep Chavarria the only change Alonso made to his starting XI.
"The victory over Everton wasn't about entertaining," Hristova told BBC Radio London.
"It was about managing a difficult match away from home against a team that doesn't ship a lot of goals, is physical, disciplined, very well equipped to frustrate and was unbeaten.
"I am delighted with the win. Getting a first clean sheet after 22 games would have been impressive against any team at this point, but doing it against that opponent in those conditions after an ill-tempered first half was more impressive than any performance this season.
"We managed to stay cool, score goals and not crack under pressure. Much credit to Alonso for his team selection, keeping it as close as he could to the team that beat Bournemouth.
"It is so important for this team to be granted time to gel and grow together. There is no reason to tinker with the starting XI. If it ain't broke don't fix it.
"This chemistry will be built if we keep playing the same XI."
Title hopefuls - pundits consider Chelsea's credentialspublished at 09:58 BST 20 October
09:58 BST 20 October
Media caption,
BBC Radio 5 Live's Monday Night Club pundits have been discussing Chelsea's Premier League credentials.
Xabi Alonso's side are currently fourth in the table, having taken 13 points from seven games, but former Premier League striker Chris Sutton has warned against getting "so excited and giddy" about the prospect.
The Observer's Rory Smith said: "If Chelsea don't make the Champions League spots this season, with their squad and no European football, it would be a mere calamity.
"Given the way they are improving and the rate that Xabi Alonso is solving problems, if Arsenal dip a bit and Manchester City are docked points, there is a world in which Chelsea could at least challenge for the title."
Sutton interjected to ask: "Why are you getting so excited and giddy about Chelsea? They beat Everton, who haven't got any players, and they beat Bournemouth, who hadn't won a game up until last weekend and had a better xG on the day.
"They have also lost to Brentford 3-0 this season, so I don't understand what you're getting so excited for?"
"However, Alonso has an attack that works really well with Cole Palmer, Morgan Rogers and Joao Pedro, and Moises Caicedo being back in contention is really important because he is potentially their best player.
"There is a question mark over the defence, but Alonso has solved problems in his first two months of being manager so there is plenty of reason to be excited as a Chelsea fan."
Everton 0-2 Chelsea - the fans' verdictpublished at 09:43 BST 19 October
09:43 BST 19 October
Media caption,
We asked for your thoughts after Saturday's Premier League game between Everton and Chelsea.
Here are some of your comments:
Everton fans
Robert: Another disappointing performance. It's clear we need a top forward and have done for some time, but whoever is in charge never seems to rectify this glaring issues.
Paul: When top teams play well, like Chelsea did in the second half, we are going to struggle. That's just where we are. But if we took our chances in the first half, then it's a different game. We desperately need to try something different upfront. Charly Alcaraz, Brennan Johnson, Tyrique George or the young lad Braiden Graham must be worth a go. It isn't all bad, we are still in a good place, and have been picking up points, so there is plenty of optimism still.
Alex: That was not a good team performance, especially at home. Merlin Rohl and Harrison Armstrong were the standout players. Mykolenko and Tarkowski were pretty solid, too. It was on off day for both Dewsbury-Hall and Garner who made very little impression on the game. The usual issues with Thierno Barry will come back to haunt us. The fact that we still haven't sorted out the issues up front since Lukaku left is embarrassing.
Chelsea fans
George: It's this type of performance that signals the new era for Chelsea - solid, mature and resolute. Xabi Alonso has galvanised a group and created a structure for the team to express themselves as a collective. Clean sheet, chances and becoming difficult to beat. Alonso seems to have a plan which is well-thought-out, methodical, and progressive. I'm now excited and not nervous.
Tristan: Stunning. Finally getting a clean sheet and what a place to get it. That was the best game I have seen Pedro Neto play. I feel a bit anxious because we're getting injuries like Reece James and Emiliano Martinez but that win for me keeps Chelsea's title hopes alive.
Chris: Chelsea need to ditch Cole Palmer. The world thinks he is a dream, six shots on goal, and he missed every one of them. He was simply not reliable enough. Always starts the season with a whoosh and a bang, but returns to the inconsistencies that lost him his England place.
Martinez to return in 'a few weeks' after jaw operationpublished at 09:15 BST 19 October
09:15 BST 19 October
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Chelsea goalkeeper Emiliano Martinez says he will be back "in a few weeks" after breaking his jaw in the 2-0 Premier League win at Everton on Saturday.
The 34-year-old Argentina international and Everton defender Jarrad Branthwaite clashed heads in the second half at Hill Dickinson Stadium.
Martinez needed treatment for eight minutes before leaving the pitch on a stretcher. He was taken to hospital, where Chelsea said he had "successful" surgery.
On Sunday, he posted a photo of himself wearing a hospital gown on social media.
"Thanks to everyone for the messages. The operation went well," he wrote.
"The most important thing is that we won, and kept a clean sheet. In a few weeks we'll be back."
Who is Martinez replacement Penders?published at 08:23 BST 19 October
08:23 BST 19 October
Nizaar Kinsella Chelsea reporter
Image source, Getty Images
With difficult matches to come, there will be questions over whether Mike Penders, who became Chelsea's youngest goalkeeper to play in the Premier League at the age of 21, is ready for the demanding run of fixtures ahead.
That concern would be heightened if tests confirm Emiliano Martinez suffered a concussion, with Premier League protocols typically requiring a minimum 14-day return-to-play process.
Chelsea signed Penders from Genk for £17m in 2024 before loaning him back to the Belgian club. He then spent last season on loan at sister club Strasbourg, where he impressed in both the Conference League and Ligue 1.
Genk have developed a reputation for producing elite goalkeepers, and Penders is frequently compared to Thibaut Courtois by those who know him best.
Like the Real Madrid goalkeeper, Penders stands at 6ft 7in and has recently served as his understudy in the Belgium national team set-up.
He has worked with the same legendary youth goalkeeping coaches, Guy Martens and Gilbert Roex, who also helped develop Koen Casteels, Maarten Vandevoordt, now at RB Leipzig, Lucca Brughmans, who will join Liverpool next summer from Genk, and Nordin Jackers of Club Brugge.
They specialise in developing goalkeepers who are good with their feet, including Penders, who recorded the highest average position while playing out from the back under Rosenior at the Ligue 1 club early last season.
Roex, who has known Penders since his academy days, believes he is capable of matching Courtois' level of success at Chelsea, Atletico Madrid and Real Madrid.
He said: "We have produced a lot of great goalkeepers, but Mike is the one with the potential to reach the same level as Thibaut. His sense of calm is gold in goalkeeping."
Germany's Florian Wirtz, 23, has no intention of leaving Liverpool as reports suggest possible interest from Chelsea, who are coached by his former Bayer Leverkusen boss Xabi Alonso. (CaughtOffside), external
Everton 0-2 Chelsea: What Alonso and Neto saidpublished at 16:20 BST 17 October
16:20 BST 17 October
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Chelsea boss Xabi Alonso, speaking to TNT Sports about the win: "We are very happy with the result. With the performance, we needed one of these wins away when we have played very professional, very serious and looking solid. A very good win."
On what he was most pleased about: "We looked in control of the game. There were moments for sure when we had to defend, especially in the first half. There were a few minutes, but overall the team looked mature, we were knowing what to do in each moment, knowing we will have a moment and that happened in that second half.
"After that, we were good with the ball, we were creating chances, not conceding much and to win away is always tough. We got the clean sheet, we knew it was a matter of time and finally we got it."
On the first clean sheet for the club since January: "We need to keep working, it's just one game. One [for the rest of the season] will be very poor, so we need to get more clean sheets for the rest of the league games, but for sure, the first one feels good.
"We need to keep working this way, working well, being serious and knowing wherever we go we can play in an efficient and professional way."
Chelsea goalscorer Pedro Neto speaking to TNT Sports: "We are really pleased. Shame for Emi [Martinez] but we wish you all the best. This win is for him."
On keeping a clean sheet: "We need a clean sheet to be honest. I think we did a very good game. Emi deserved this, Mike [Penders] did as well."
On his first goal: "We know that they came man-to-man. In the second half, we adjusted some stuff. We tried to get the best of the man-to-man press and we got away. We got the cross and I could finish well, so really happy."
On his composed finishes: "This comes a little bit from the new coach of the national team that says when you are near to the area you need to pass to the goal, so I'm really happy with that."
On continuing this winning form: "It's really important. We know it's tough to play away, even at home there are no easy games. We came here with personality, with good intentions to win the match and really happy with the result."
Did you know?
Chelsea have won the nine of the last 10 Premier League games when Pedro Neto has scored (L1), with the Portuguese players netting his first ever brace in the competition (187th appearance).
Chelsea won their first Premier League away game while keeping a clean sheet since last November (2-0 against Burnley).
Neto decides game but all eyes on Martinezpublished at 16:17 BST 17 October
16:17 BST 17 October
Emlyn Begley BBC Sport journalist
Image source, Getty Images
Pedro Neto scored his first double in a Premier League game in what was his 187th appearance in the English top flight, but the focus was not on him at the full-time whistle.
The Portuguese showed good composure for both goals, which came in the opening minute of the second half and then the 90th minute, with 11 minutes added on after that.
Chelsea were good value for the win and threatened to add to their tally, most notably when Moises Caicedo's stunning volley hit the angle of post and crossbar.
Cole Palmer had six shots, including a clever lob from Morgan Rogers' through ball which landed on the roof of the net.
They will now wait for news of the injury affecting keeper Martinez, who went straight to hospital after being carried off the pitch. Belgian Penders, 21, made his Premier League debut when he came on.
Between them, the two goalkeepers helped Chelsea to their first clean sheet in the league since 17 January, ending a run of 22 games with conceding.
Everton v Chelsea: How the players ratedpublished at 15:37 BST 17 October
15:37 BST 17 October
Media caption,
Chelsea starting XI:
Emiliano Martinez: The Argentina goalkeeper was fortunate not to be punished after taking too long over a goal-kick and conceding a corner. He also made a number of saves, although none proved particularly demanding. Martinez was later carried off on a stretcher after a collision with Jarrad Branthwaite in worrying scenes. 6
Josh Acheampong: Acheampong looked a threat going forward but was booked for a late challenge on Grealish in the first half. 6
Maxence Lacroix: One of Lacroix's best performances since joining Chelsea. He saw a header from a corner cleared off the line and defended impressively throughout. 7
Levi Colwill: A relatively quiet afternoon for the centre-back, who was rarely troubled defensively. 6
Pedro Neto: The Portugal winger scored 43 seconds after the restart after threatening shortly before half-time with a long-range effort. He was involved in much of Chelsea's attacking play but picked up a needless booking for dissent. Neto took his second in the 90th well after a blocked free-kick landed at his feet inside the box. 8
Jordan Henderson: Influential throughout, contributing in all areas of the pitch. His set-piece delivery was strong and he also saw a shot blocked. 7
Moises Caicedo: Relished the physical battle in midfield and came close to scoring with a superb first-time volley that struck the crossbar just before half-time. 7
Jorrel Hato: The Dutch defender, Chelsea's only change from last week's win, provided the assist for Neto's first goal and was composed in possession. 7
Cole Palmer: A relatively quiet display by his standards, although he looked dangerous whenever he got on the ball. He tested the goalkeeper early on and later lifted an inventive effort over the bar. 6
Morgan Rogers: The club-record signing showed his competitive edge throughout. His clever backheel played a key role in the build-up to Chelsea's goal. 7
Joao Pedro: A rare subdued performance from the Brazilian, who had enjoyed an excellent run of form coming into the match. Pedro squandered a good chance to seal victory in the 86th minute. 5
Chelsea substitutes::
Mike Penders (on 74, Martinez): In less than optimal circumstances, the young Belgian goalkeeper came on for his Premier League debut for an injured Martinez. Penders made a good punch from a cross with his first action in the 84th minute but flapped at the next one before making a simple save. 6
Marco Palestra (on 90+1, Hato)
Danny Welbeck (on 90+1, Joao Pedro)
Romeo Lavia (on 90+1, Caicedo)
Geovany Quenda (on 90+11, Neto)
Subs not used: Fofana, Barco, Nicoll-Jazuli, Estevao, Quenda
You can also listen to today's 5 Live Premier League commentaries on your smart speaker. Just say "Alexa, ask BBC Sounds to play Brentford v Liverpool" or "Alexa, ask BBC Sounds to play the Ipswichmatch", for example.
New this season: Live match updates
Fans of Premier League clubs can now get real-time scores live on their phone lock screen for every game.
Simply follow your favourite football teams on the BBC Sport app for updates throughout the 2026-27 season.
Everton v Chelsea: Key stats and talking pointspublished at 19:21 BST 16 October
19:21 BST 16 October
Matthew Hobbs BBC Sport journalist
Everton host Chelsea in a meeting of fifth and sixth in the Premier League table.
BBC Sport examines some of the key themes going into their meeting on Merseyside on Saturday.
Everton manager David Moyes was critical of his players after they let a 2-1 lead slip at Hull City on Sunday but a draw at the MKM Stadium was enough to maintain Everton's unbeaten start.
This is just the third time in the Premier League era that Everton have gone undefeated in their opening six matches. Should the Toffees avoid defeat against Chelsea on Saturday, they would match the club's longest unbeaten start from the beginning of a Premier League season.
That run of seven games was set in 2006-07 when Everton would go on to finish sixth and qualify for Europe during Moyes' first stint on Merseyside.
The Scot targeted a return to European football last season and Everton were in contention for much of the campaign before falling just short. Their chances of achieving that ambition in 2026-27 may well depend on the goals of centre-forward Thierno Barry, who has scored six times, just two short of last season's total with at least 34 games to go.
The 23-year-old is playing in only his third season in an elite European league having joined Everton after one campaign with Villarreal and after netting against both Ipswich Town and Hull, he is vying to score in three successive matches at this level for the first time.
Visitors Chelsea have an in-form forward of their own in Joao Pedro, who has been involved in more goals than any other Premier League player so far.
The Brazil international scored twice as Chelsea put five past Bournemouth last weekend, taking his tally to five goals and three assists in just five matches.
Chelsea's triumph against the Cherries also underlined their current capacity to start quickly. The Blues have scored five goals in the opening five minutes of Premier League matches so far – 17 teams in the competition are yet to do so even once.
Chelsea, though, do not always travel well to the blue half of Merseyside. Their first game at Hill Dickinson Stadium last season ended in a 3-0 defeat, while they won on just one of their final eight visits to Goodison Park.
Moyes, meanwhile, has won eight of his past 13 home games as a manager in this fixture - four times with Everton and four with West Ham United.
Sutton's predictions: Everton v Chelseapublished at 19:03 BST 16 October
19:03 BST 16 October
Everton are still unbeaten and, as well as their results, they have really impressed me with the way they have played so far.
Bournemouth had a better xG than Chelsea last weekend, but lost 5-1. That game showed again how Xabi Alonso's side are going to be enjoyable to watch this season but very difficult to predict.
You just don't know what you are going to get with Chelsea at the moment but at least you know what to expect from Everton.
They are always so well organised and should probably have beaten Hull City last time out, with the number of good chances Thierno Barry had.
I can see them making things awkward for Chelsea and maintaining that unbeaten start.
'Want a fully fit James in our side' or 'enough is enough'? - fans on latest injurypublished at 18:04 BST 16 October
18:04 BST 16 October
Image source, Getty Images
We asked you to tell us how you are feeling about skipper Reece James, who is set to be sidelined for three months after undergoing knee surgery.
Here are some of your comments:
Jack: He's one of our own and always will be. I hope he can bounce back quickly, but the injuries are too frequent now - it's impossible to ignore the fact that he hasn't been a reliable part of the squad for years.
John: Disappointing news for James and the club, but I think we now have enough cover with Jordan Henderson, Romeo Lavia, Moises Ciacedo and Valentin Barco and the potential youngsters within the squad.
Rob: Reece is blue through and through and will be more disappointed than anyone else about this set-back. We all want a fully fit Reece James in our side.
Stuart: Shame about James, but Chelsea are - controversial - better without him. He slows the game down too much. We should have sold while he was fit ages ago.
James: Such a shame for James to be injured again, but Chelsea need a captain who can be counted on fitness-wise. I feel this is a good time for Henderson to take over, or perhaps Levi Colwill if we are looking for one of our own to lead.
John: First of all, want to say that I love James and I hope that he gets back to full fitness as soon as possible. However, in a season that we are playing only once a week and he's not able to stay fit, it's a big problem. It's not just the fact he's unavailable, he's actually not able to play in wing-back anymore. At what point do we say enough is enough?
Image source, Getty Images
