Chelsea

Sophie Brown
BBC Sport journalist

"Very professional, very serious and looking solid," was how manager Xavi Alonso evaluated Chelsea's win at Everton last weekend.

The 2-0 victory included what is becoming something of a Chelsea trademark – a quickfire goal, with Pedro Neto scoring at the very start of the second half. That was the third time in the Premier League this season that Alonso's side had scored in the opening minute of either half.

But it was what happened at the other end of the pitch that will have surely pleased the Spaniard most, with Chelsea keeping their first clean sheet in the league since January, a run of 23 matches.

Alonso pointed out that "it's just one game"; and although Chelsea are in the top four, only five clubs have let in more goals in this season's Premier League, while even two of the three sides in the relegation zone have conceded fewer.

The Blues are now aiming for back-to-back clean sheets for the first time since December, and will be hopeful of achieving that against a Tottenham side who have struggled this season, and scored just once away from home.

Chelsea have won their past six league matches against Spurs, and have lost just one of their past 16 London derbies at Stamford Bridge.

Tottenham fans will be well aware that they have won just one of their past 36 league visits to the Bridge, and have picked up just two points in the past eight trips.

Given their record, it is probably never a good time to visit Chelsea, but Spurs did at least finally get a league win this season with their victory over Coventry on Monday.

Extra reason to celebrate was Omar Marmoush's first goal since his £59m move from Manchester City, along with the return from long-term injury of Dejan Kulusevski.

And the catalyst for the victory was James Maddison, who on his first start for 18 months needed just 14 minutes to make his mark, scoring Spurs' first first-half goal of the season.

Their three goals – all of which came from outside the box – doubled their Premier League tally for the season, and earned them just a fourth league win in 2026.

But Chelsea is not a happy hunting ground, and the away fans will be fearing Tottenham could lose a seventh consecutive London derby for the first time in their league history.

Nizaar Kinsella
Chelsea reporter

Image source, Getty Images

Just as they did 10 years ago, Chelsea are thriving after moving a winger into a wing-back role, with Pedro Neto the latest player to benefit.

A decade ago, it was Victor Moses who made the switch, adapting to Antonio Conte's then-innovative system and helping Chelsea to a 13-match winning run en route to the Premier League title in 2017.

Neto scored twice from wing-back in Chelsea's 2-0 win at Everton's Hill Dickinson Stadium on Saturday.

Perhaps Xabi Alonso saw something in Neto that the player did not initially see in himself and now the Blues are getting the best of both worlds.

Despite operating as a wing-back, he is averaging 5.3 touches in the opposition box per 90 minutes compared with 3.6 last season.

His successful dribbles have risen from 1.6 to 1.8 per 90 minutes, while his dribble success rate has increased from 43.5% to 52.6%. He is also creating more chances, with his average climbing from 1.8 to 2.0 per 90, including an increase in open-play chances created from 1.5 to 1.8.

His defensive responsibilities have also increased significantly, with tackles rising from 0.7 to 2.0 per 90 and possessions won increasing from 2.9 to 3.9, all in the Premier League.

It owes to Neto's athleticism, which he has previously attributed in part to growing up in a family of roller-hockey players, allowing him to impact both ends of the pitch.

A decade ago, Moses transformed himself under Conte to great effect. Neto has not had to change quite as much. Instead, his switch from winger to right wing-back under Alonso has amplified the qualities that were already there.

Read the full article here

Nat Hayward
BBC Sport journalist

Chelsea boss Xabi Alonso has been speaking to the media before Saturday's Premier League game against Tottenham at Stamford Bridge (17:30 BST).

Here are the key lines from his news conference:

• Alonso began by providing an update on the fitness of goalkeeper Emiliano Martinez, who suffered a broken jaw in the win over Everton last weekend: "He's doing better. He had the surgery. Day by day he's feeling better, but we have to wait. A few weeks, hopefully less than more, but we need to wait. The good thing is he is feeling better. We need to listen to the specialists. Considering it was a bad one he is doing good."

• The Blues boss added Malo Gusto is "fine" and available, while fellow full-back Pep Chavarria is "still training a little bit more but he is not going to make it".

• On Emmanuel Emegha, who is yet to make his debut after arriving from Strasbourg in the summer: "He's feeling better but we need to wait."

• On 21-year-old goalkeeper Mike Penders, who will start in place of Martinez on Saturday: "He is ready. He has been training well, played a couple of cup games where he has showed he has a good level. In a few minutes against Everton he showed his personality and qualities. That's why we have a squad for these situations, and we are fully convinced Mike can play very well."

• Asked about Penders not being considered ready to be first choice in the summer, Alonso responded: "We wanted to have the best possible options so we moved for Emi. Mike is a keeper for now and for the future, learning with an experienced keeper like Emi. We are happy with Mike, he is prepared."

• On comparisons being made between Penders and international team-mate and former Chelsea goalkeeper Thibaut Courtois: "A lot. Not just for the nationality - for the stature, both left-footed, both dominant in the air. I spoke with Thibaut at the World Cup and even he said he can see similarities with Mike."

• On his first taste of the rivalry with Spurs: "Every derby is special, you feel the energy and excitement from the stands. We need to use that energy on the pitch because we need to connect well. We need to have good emotional control as well because there is a lot of passion and commitment from both sides. Playing football with heart is what we want."

• On opposition coach Roberto de Zerbi, he added: "He has very clear ideas. It is still early days with many things to play in the season. We will see tomorrow."

• Asked if he is aware of Chelsea's strong Premier League record against Tottenham: "I knew about it, but tomorrow is another game. We need to prove again that we can continue that run and knowing it is a special game so we need to play with heart, head and intelligence."

Listen to full live commentary of Chelsea v Tottenham on BBC Radio 5 Live and BBC Sounds from 17:30 BST on Saturday

Follow all of Friday's Premier League news conferences and the rest of the day's football news

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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.

Chelsea have joined Galatasaray in the hunt for Brighton's 23-year-old Sweden midfielder Yasin Ayari. (Teamtalk), external

Want more transfer stories? Read Thursday's full gossip column

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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.

Read the article in full here

Image source, Getty Images

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."

Listen to the full chat below or on BBC Sounds here

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?"

Smith replied: "It is absolutely fair to say the collapse against Brentford is the big cloud above all of this.

"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."

Hear more from the conversation below or listen to the full episode on BBC Sounds

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.

Image source, Getty Images

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."

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."

Read more on Penders here

Bournemouth could ask for more than £100m for English midfielder Alex Scott, 23, who is attracting interest from Chelsea and Liverpool. (Football Insider), external

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

Want more transfer stories? Read Monday's full gossip column

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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).

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.

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

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