Chelsea vs Newcastle LIVE: Premier League result and reaction as Cole Palmer goal proves decisive

Chelsea vs Newcastle LIVE: Premier League result and reaction as Cole Palmer goal proves decisive

Chelsea moved themselves into the top four of the Premier League with a well deserved 2-1 victory over Newcastle a Stamford Bridge.

The Blues dominated and controlled possession in the first half with Eddie Howe’s Magpies looking uncharacteristically uneasy as the match went on. Cole Palmer, always eager to impress, had the ball in the back of the net with six minutes only for the goal to be ruled out for an offside in the build-up.

However, it didn’t take Chelsea long before they went ahead. Palmer released Pedro Neto down the left wing and he squared to Nicolas Jackson for a tap-in after a quick counter attack.

Alexander Isak managed to pull one back with an awkwardly taken equaliser to send the teams into the break on level terms but it was Palmer who had the last word. Less than two minutes after the restart he slotted past Nick Pope to secure the points for the hosts.

Relive the action with our live blog below:

Chelsea vs Newcastle LIVE

  • Chelsea defeat Newcastle in the Premier League

  • 90+2’ NO PENALTY! Spot kick overturned after VAR intervention (CHE 2-1 NEW)

  • 90’ PENALTY! Nkunku brought down by Burn in the box (CHE 2-1 NEW)

  • 47’ GOAL! Palmer sends Chelsea ahead (CHE 2-1 NEW)

  • 32’ GOAL! Isak pokes visitors level (CHE 1-1 NEW)

  • 18’ GOAL! Jackson slots Chelsea into the lead (CHE 1-0 NEW)

  • 6’ DISALLOWED! Palmer finds the back of the net but drifted offside in the build-up (CHE 0-0 NEW)

Chelsea FC 2 – 1 Newcastle United FC

Palmer speaks to Sky Sports

16:23 , Chris Wilson

Chelsea talisman Cole Palmer is first to speak to Sky, and he says that Chelsea “don’t mind proving people wrong”.

“I try and go out there and play my game. That is what I do. I always try to enjoy my football game by game.

I try to not put pressure on myself. Many people on the outside try to put pressure on me to replicate what I did last season in terms of numbers.

“It is my second season playing football and I am still very, very young.”

Regarding Chelsea and fighting for top four, he said: “We just try to play our own game, block the noise out from the outside. We don’t mind proving people wrong.

“We are all young and we have a top coach, but there are improvements still.”

FT: Chelsea 2-1 Newcastle

16:15 , Chris Wilson

That result puts Chelsea back into the top four. They sit on 17 points, one behind Villa, and are above Arsenal on goal difference ahead of the Gunners’ match against Liverpool.

Newcastle remain in 12th, with 12 points from their first nine matches.

Elsewhere in the Premier League

16:12 , Chris Wilson

Two more results to report from the Premier League.

In south London, Crystal Palace beat Spurs 1-0 thanks to Jean-Philippe Mateta, while in east London, West Ham won 2-1 against Manchester United courtesy of a late penalty from Bowen.

FT: Chelsea 2-1 Newcastle

16:08 , Chris Wilson

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FULL-TIME! Chelsea 2-1 Newcastle

16:04 , Chris Wilson

An entertaining match comes to an end in west London. Chelsea take a deserved three points at home after a game that was close overall, though they certainly deserved it more than Newcastle.

Chelsea move into the top four once again!

FULL-TIME! Chelsea 2-1 Newcastle

16:03 , Chris Wilson

FULL-TIME! The referee brings it to an end!

The corner comes in but it’s cleared and Chelsea take the three points!

Chelsea 2-1 Newcastle

16:02 , Chris Wilson

97 mins

Maybe time for one more chance for the away side as Pope has the ball in the Newcastle half and punts it forward. Good defending from Cacicedo though.

Newcastle win the throw but they can’t find the gaps. They lump it forward again and Willock plays it back across goal – and James comes in with a fine defensive header to clear it over his own goal!

Chelsea 2-1 Newcastle

16:01 , Chris Wilson

96 mins

Into the final of the allotted minutes, but there’ll be a couple of extra minutes due to the VAR check for the penalty.

Chelsea 2-1 Newcastle

15:59 , Chris Wilson

94 mins

Newcastle have a chance to build an attack but it’s all too disjointed. Dan Burn fizzes in a hopeful cutback but there’s nobody there.

Nkunku leads the counter but the whistle goes for offside.

Chelsea 2-1 Newcastle

15:58 , Chris Wilson

93 mins

There’s still time for the away side here but they have to get a move on, and it’s Chelsea who still have most of the ball. A chance for Newcastle here though as Nkunku concedes a free-kick and is booked.

Maresca is booked for his reaction too!

Chelsea 2-1 Newcastle

15:56 , Chris Wilson

93 mins

So Newcastle get a second chance to take something, but will they capitalise?

Sean Longstaff was booked for dissent in the meantime.

Chelsea 2-1 Newcastle

15:56 , Chris Wilson

91 mins

PENALTY OVERTURNED!

It was certainly fleeting contact from Burn, and Simon Hooper goes to the screen before overturning his decision.

We’re into the second of six minutes of added time here.

Chelsea 2-1 Newcastle

15:54 , Chris Wilson

90 mins

PENALTY TO CHELSEA!

Chelsea burst forward and Nkunku surges into the box. Burn has his hands all over him and he drags the Frenchman down as he checked back inside – it’s given, but there’s a VAR check.

Chelsea 2-1 Newcastle

15:53 , Chris Wilson

88 mins

Chelsea are closing the game out and they win a goal kick after the ball forward runs out of play.

Newcastle make two changes as Osula and Kelly replace Hall and Joelinton.

Another goal in east London – Jarrod Bowen has converted a penalty to put West Ham 2-1 up against Manchester United.

Chelsea 2-1 Newcastle

15:51 , Chris Wilson

87 mins

Half a chance for Chelsea as Joelinton is dispossessed on the edge of his own box, but Nkunku dwells on the ball for too long and his shot is blocked.

Chelsea 2-1 Newcastle

15:50 , Chris Wilson

85 mins

Now Sanchez is booked for delaying a restart.

Into the final five minutes of normal time and Newcastle are throwing themselves forward , but Chelsea do look fairly comfortable.

Another attack breaks down as Neto runs it into Pope.

Chelsea 2-1 Newcastle

15:47 , Chris Wilson

83 mins

Newcastle lump a long free-kick forward but they’re penalised for a foul from Burn.

Chelsea 2-1 Newcastle

15:46 , Chris Wilson

81 mins

CHANCE!

Newcastle’s turn to build patiently now, but they can’t find an opening and Palmer wins possession. He exchanges passes with Nkunku in the box before laying it off to Mudryk. The Ukrainian is in plenty of space but he can only fire his shot straight at Pope!

Will Chelsea live to rue that missed opportunity?

Chelsea 2-1 Newcastle

15:44 , Chris Wilson

80 mins

Chelsea aren’t committing as many men forward now, and are trying to take the sting out of the Newcastle attack.

They build patiently, exchanging passes in midfield before the attack breaks down.

In east London, Casemiro has levelled things for Manchester United against West Ham.

Chelsea 2-1 Newcastle

15:42 , Chris Wilson

77 mins

Newcastle have some real momentum now but they’re penalised for a foul on Gusto in the Chelsea box.

The home side make two more changes – Gusto makes way for Marc Cucurella, and Christopher Nkunku replaces Nicolas Jackson.

Chelsea 2-1 Newcastle

15:40 , Chris Wilson

75 mins

CLOSE! How have Newcastle nit scored here!?

Newcastle knock the long ball forward and Isak wrestles free from the challenge from Fofana to win the ball. He’s 1-v-1 and skips past Sanchez, but the angle is too tight to hit it. He tries to skip past another challenge to get the shot away, but he’s tackled!

Joelinton was free in the box, unmarked, to tap in, but Isak didn’t square it! Had to be 2-2 that.

Chelsea 2-1 Newcastle

15:38 , Chris Wilson

74 mins

Newcastle have definitely improved since making their substitutions, but only one chance of note for them so far. They’ve found a way back into it though, for sure.

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Chelsea 2-1 Newcastle

15:36 , Chris Wilson

72 mins

Enzo Fernandez comes on for Romeo Lavia.

In other news, West Ham have gone 1-0 up against Manchester United thanks to a goal from Crysencio Summerville. Crystal Palace still lead Spurs at Selhurst Park too.

Chelsea 2-1 Newcastle

15:35 , Chris Wilson

69 mins

CHANCE!

Newcastle come forward and Joelinton releases Willock down the left. He hangs up the cross and Isak heads it towards goal, but James is there to clear it almost off the line!

Chelsea 2-1 Newcastle

15:32 , Chris Wilson

67 mins

Both sides make subs as Madueke makes way for Mykhailo Mudryk for Chelsea, and Jacob Murphy, Joe Willock and Sean Longstaff come on for Miguel Almiron, Harvey Barnes and Sandro Tonali.

Chelsea 2-1 Newcastle

15:30 , Chris Wilson

66 mins

Chelsea do look very comfortable at the moment. The away side look like they’re missing Anthony Gordon here.

Hall wins a free-kick near the Chelsea box after Madueke pulls him back. The England winger is booked for the challenge.

Schar lines it up but he curls his effort over.

Chelsea 2-1 Newcastle

15:28 , Chris Wilson

64 mins

Barnes tries to lead the Newcastle attack as he’s fed the sweeping pass from Guimaraes, but he’s dispossessed.

Tonali is the next player booked for delaying the restart.

Chelsea 2-1 Newcastle

15:26 , Chris Wilson

62 mins

Palmer feeds Neto down the left, but Chelsea are forced to work it backwards and Palmer’s ball into the box is caught by Pope.

Chelsea 2-1 Newcastle

15:25 , Chris Wilson

59 mins

Chelsea attack again but the header bounces over and the goal kick is given, though it should have been corner.

Newcaslte try and launch an attack but Hall’s ball forward is cleared.

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Chelsea 2-1 Newcastle

15:22 , Chris Wilson

57 mins

Newcastle have their first real attack of the second half and it’s a dangerous one, as Barnes threads it to the overlapping Isak. He clips a ball towards the back post but it’s great defending from James to head away, almost on his own goal line.

Chelsea 2-1 Newcastle

15:20 , Chris Wilson

55 mins

Lavia is booked for delaying the restart, and there’s a bit of a lull in attacking activity here as Madueke’s through ball goes out for a goal kick.

Chelsea 2-1 Newcastle

15:17 , Chris Wilson

54 mins

It feels like a crucial point in the game now, as Chelsea could essentially win it here if they keep this up.

Gusto fires a shot well over, but Newcastle look very ragged and disjointed at the moment.

Chelsea 2-1 Newcastle

15:16 , Chris Wilson

51 mins

Another Chelsea counter ends with Madueke hitting a weak shot at Pope. The home side are dominating once again though.

Newcastle look a bit shocked out there.

Chelsea 2-1 Newcastle

15:14 , Chris Wilson

49 mins

So the home side are ahead once more – can they keep their lead (or even extend it) this time?

They almost do, as the cross comes in from Madueke. Neto rises early and gets above Livramento, but he crashes his header against the post!

GOAL! Chelsea 2-1 Newcastle

15:11 , Chris Wilson

47 mins

GOAL! And the home side lead within a couple of minutes of kick-off!

Newcastle lose possession on halfway and Caicedo threads it to Palmer. He drives towards the box and hits a low shot to the near post – Pope gets a hand to it but he can’t keep it out!

KICK-OFF! Chelsea 1-1 Newcastle

15:09 , Chris Wilson

The away side get the second half underway in West London.

HALF-TIME! Chelsea 1-1 Newcastle

15:08 , Chris Wilson

The teams are coming back out at Stamford Bridge, so we’re moments away from the second half.

HALF-TIME! Chelsea 1-1 Newcastle

15:07 , Chris Wilson

And back at Stamford Bridge, we have an intriguing second half ahead of us between Chelsea and Newcastle.

The home side certainly dominated large parts of the first half and looked the more dangerous of the two teams. This dominance showed as Nicolas Jackson put the home side ahead within the first 20 minutes.

But the home defence switched off for a moment to allow Isak in to equalise, and since then it has been a little more equal.

Chelsea have certainly been the better of the two sides though, and they’ll fancy their chances of grabbing a win here.

Both sides will certainly need to be more clinical, and more solid at the back, if they are to come away with a win though.

HALF-TIME! Chelsea 1-1 Newcastle

15:03 , Chris Wilson

A note from around London – West Ham and Manchester United are currently level at the break, while Crystal Palace are defending a precarious lead at home to Spurs.

HAL-TIME! Chelsea 1-1 Newcastle

15:00 , Chris Wilson

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HALF-TIME! Chelsea 1-1 Newcastle

14:54 , Chris Wilson

52 mins

HALF-TIME!

Probably the last chance of the half as Caicedo and Gusto combine to foul Barnes. Newcastle can swing in a dangerous set-piece here – Hall delivers it but Burn can only direct a header up into the air, and Sanchez collects it.

The referee blows the whistle and the two teams head down the tunnel level after the first half.

Chelsea 1-1 Newcastle

14:51 , Chris Wilson

50 mins

Isak is briefly down after being caught by Fofana, but both are fine. Up the other end, Chelsea are penalised as Jackson drifted offside.

Chelsea 1-1 Newcastle

14:50 , Chris Wilson

49 mins

Sanchez comes off his line well to deal with a dangerous long ball forward.

Hall picks out Barnes with a clipped ball forwards but Gusto does well to recover the ball.

Chelsea 1-1 Newcastle

14:49 , Chris Wilson

47 mins

Chelsea win another corner as Livramento heads Gusto’s cross behind. James delivers the set-piece – and it’s headed behind for another.

Palmer will deliver this one – and Pope punches it behind!

One more in-swinger from Palmer – it’s a dangerous delivery but Pope catches it well.

Worth noting that Newcastle have neither scored nor conceded from a corner so far this season.

Chelsea 1-1 Newcastle

14:46 , Chris Wilson

45 mins

Shouts around Stamford Bridge as Guimaraes avoids a foul after sliding in on Neto.

There’ll be SEVEN minutes of added time at the end of the first half.

Chelsea 1-1 Newcastle

14:45 , Chris Wilson

44 mins

Livramento does well to win a foul from Neto, and there’ll be some brief respite for the away side. At the other end, Colwill is calm enough to play a pass back to Sanchez to clear.

Chelsea 1-1 Newcastle

14:43 , Chris Wilson

42 mins

Barnes leads the Newcastle counter and he feels he’s fouled, but it was a good challenge from Lavia.

Moments after, Burn has his hands on Madueke as he looks to latch onto a long ball forward, but the referee doesn’t give the foul.

Chelsea 1-1 Newcastle

14:42 , Chris Wilson

41 mins

Chelsea are finishing the half in the ascendancy here. Neto – who’s moved onto the right wing for now – hits a deflected shot that has wrong-footed Pope, but the ‘keeper adjusts his feet to make a good save.

Chelsea 1-1 Newcastle

14:41 , Chris Wilson

39 mins

Another promising Chelsea attack as Palmer shifts it wide to Gusto before Neto has a shot deflected over for a corner.

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Chelsea 1-1 Newcastle

14:37 , Chris Wilson

36 mins

Caicedo does well to win the ball back near the Newcastle box. It’s given back to him by Jackson, and the Ecuadorian blasts an effort over from outside the box.

Chelsea 1-1 Newcastle

14:36 , Chris Wilson

34 mins

So, despite some promising attacking play from Chelsea, they find themselves level. It was a well-worked goal from Newcastle, if not the prettiest.

In other news – Palace lead Spurs 1-0 after a strike from Jean-Philippe Mateta.

Chelsea 1-1 Newcastle

14:34 , Chris Wilson

33 mins

GOAL GIVEN!

Plenty of tension as VAR takes a while to look if Isak had drifted…but he’s played onside by Fofana’s right boot!

Newcastle are level!

GOAL! Chelsea 1-1 Newcastle

14:33 , Chris Wilson

32 mins

GOAL! The visitors are level!

Tonali and Joelinton exchange passes near halfway before the Italian slides a pass across to Harvey Barnes. The England man plays in Livramento on the overlap and he squares it for Isak to tap in!

Hang on though…it looks like there could be an offside!

Chelsea 1-0 Newcastle

14:31 , Chris Wilson

31 mins

Half a chance as Isak’s glancing header at the front post is well over.

Chelsea 1-0 Newcastle

14:31 , Chris Wilson

30 mins

The match has certainly calmed down a bit but you do get the sense that Chelsea could score whenever they attack.

Newcastle launch a long free-kick from their own half, which ends with Tonali winning a corner as Palmer charged down the cross.

Chelsea 1-0 Newcastle

14:29 , Chris Wilson

27 mins

Plenty of space in midfield for Chelsea when they look to attack, but it’s Newcastle who have a chance now.

They pour men forward and Isak finds Barnes with the cutback, but the shot is blocked. The away side attack again, but two shots are blocked from within the box and Chelsea counter to win a corner.

Chelsea 1-0 Newcastle

14:26 , Chris Wilson

25 mins

Good work from Caicedo as he receives a poorly judged pass from Sanchez but wriggles free to release Palmer.

The home side come forward again, and Neto beats Livramento down the left and manages to keep the ball in play, but Gusto can’t get a clean connection with the ball at the back post.

Chelsea 1-0 Newcastle

14:24 , Chris Wilson

23 mins

Madueke’s cross is headed down by Jackson but he can’t direct it back to a Chelsea man. The home side are dominating here.

Chelsea 1-0 Newcastle

14:23 , Chris Wilson

23 mins

Chelsea launch another attack and Jackson’s pass forward deflects into the path of Neto, who curls an effort into the gloves of Pope.

Chelsea 1-0 Newcastle

14:22 , Chris Wilson

22 mins

A lull in activity at the Bridge ends with Palmer drawing a foul and a yellow card as Schar trips him.

Chelsea 1-0 Newcastle

14:21 , Chris Wilson

19 mins

Newcastle look to answer straight away as Guimaraes finds Almiron with a chipped ball into the box, but the Paraguayan can’t get his effort on target.

GOAL! Chelsea 1-0 Newcastle

14:20 , Chris Wilson

18 mins

The home side are definitely ahead now!

It all comes from a Newcastle cross too as the ball in is cleared and it falls to Palmer. On the turn, he threads a brilliant pass to the overlapping Neto and the Portuguese beats Schar down the wing, before lifting his head and finding Jackson unmarked in the area. The striker slots a simple side-foot past Pope for 1-0!

Chelsea 0-0 Newcastle

14:18 , Chris Wilson

17 mins

Good work from Fofana to shepherd the ball and head it back to Sanchez. He’s looking alright now.

Chelsea 0-0 Newcastle

14:17 , Chris Wilson

15 mins

Huge shouts for a penalty from Newcastle as Guimaraes goes down as he burst into the box, but the referee waves it away! VAR will check it presumably…

No matter anyway, as he was well outside of the area.

No goals (except disallowed ones) in the first 15 in any of the three 2pm matches.

Chelsea 0-0 Newcastle

14:15 , Chris Wilson

14 mins

Palmer’s ball forward is blocked but he has a second chance and feeds through Neto down the left. The former Wolves man wins a corner.

James swings in the corner but it’s good defending from Hall to make the block.

Chelsea 0-0 Newcastle

14:14 , Chris Wilson

12 mins

Quite a lengthy bit of treatment for Fofana but he walks off and he looks like he’ll be okay to carry on. It looks like an issue with his knee .

Newcastle win a corner after Colwill deals with a ball forward to Joelinton, and a poor delivery ends with a Chelsea throw.

On second look, Fofana still looks uncomfortable out there.

Chelsea 0-0 Newcastle

14:11 , Chris Wilson

10 mins

Hall is dispossessed by Madueke and now it’s the turn of the home side to have possession. Once again, they don’t look in any particular rush in the opening stages.

Newcastle mount a counter that ends with Guimaraes hitting a deflected shot that Sanchez collects.

Wesley Fofana is briefly down after flying into a late challenge to try and stop the counter. He receives a yellow card for the tackle too.

14:08 , Chris Wilson

7 mins

James clips a inviting early ball over the defence but Pope rushes out to clear. Nice idea from the Chelsea captain.

Newcastle have their first bit of sustained possession just into the Chelsea half, but it’s a little pedestrian at the moment.

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DISALLOWED GOAL! Chelsea 0-0 Newcastle

14:06 , Chris Wilson

6 mins

The goal is indeed disallowed as Palmer had stepped slightly offside. A second chance for Newcastle – that was far too easy for the home side.

GOAL! Chelsea 1-0 Newcastle

14:05 , Chris Wilson

4 mins

GOAL! The home side are ahead within four minutes!

James plays a pass inside and Jackson turns his man all too easily before sliding in a pass into the path of Palmer. He bursts into the box and slides a low effort across Pope and into the far corner.

Hold on though – it looks like Palmer has strayed offside…

Chelsea 0-0 Newcastle

14:04 , Chris Wilson

3 mins

Colwill is alert to head away Isak’s clipped cross, before Tonali is penalised for being offside.

Chelsea go on the counter and it falls to Madueke again after good work from Jackson, but the England winger can only drive a shot right at Pope.

Worth noting that Reece James is starting at left-back today, with Gusto in his favoured position.

Chelsea 0-0 Newcastle

14:02 , Chris Wilson

1 min

Just two points separate these two sides at kick-off, though there have been very different atmospheres around the two clubs of late.

Chelsea have the first meaningful attack as Madueke makes some space before his cross is collected by Pope.

Chelsea vs Newcastle LIVE

14:00 , Chris Wilson

KICK-OFF!

The home side get us underway in west London.

Newcastle have gone just over 600 minutes without a goal from open play – can they change that in a difficult game at Stamford Bridge?

Chelsea vs Newcastle LIVE

13:57 , Chris Wilson

Both sides are starting to emerge from the tunnel at Stamford Bridge, so we’ll be underway soon.

Chelsea v Newcastle LIVE

13:55 , Chris Wilson

We’re five minutes away from kick-off in west London.

There are 2pm kick-offs in the east and south of the capital today too – West Ham host Manchester United and Crystal Palace welcome Tottenham.

Chelsea vs Newcastle LIVE

13:50 , Chris Wilson

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Chelsea vs Newcastle head-to-head

13:47 , Chris Wilson

These two sides have met a total of 176 times, with the first meeting dating back to 1907. Overall, Chelsea have won 80, Newcastle have won 56, and 40 have ended as draws.

Chelsea won 3-2 the last time the two teams met – in this fixture last season, when Chelsea won 3-2 in March.

Newcaslte beat the Blues 4-1 at St. James’ Park 11 months ago.

Howe on Gordon

13:44 , Chris Wilson

Eddie Howe says Anthony Gordon felt a problem with his groin yesterday and so has travelled to London but won’t feature. He’s not sure how long the England winger will be out.

Match facts

13:40 , Chris Wilson

Newcastle have won two of their last four Premier League games against Chelsea, drawing one and losing one. This is as many wins as they had in their previous 13 (D1 L10).

After winning three of their first four Premier League games this season, Newcastle have since failed to win their last four, drawing two and losing two. The Magpies last went five matches without winning in the league in March 2023.

Eddie Howe has won two of his Premier League games against Chelsea in charge of Newcastle – only Alan Pardew (four wins) has beaten the Blues more in the competition for the Magpies.

Howe also beat the Blues four times while in charge of Bournemouth and could be the third manager to win 3+ Premier League games against them with two different clubs, after Kenny Dalglish (Blackburn/Liverpool) and David Moyes (Everton/West Ham).

Enzo Maresca explains why ‘slow’ learner Mykhailo Mudryk is starting to prove worth for Chelsea

13:35 , Chris Wilson

Enzo Maresca admitted Mykhailo Mudryk has been a slower learner than his Chelsea teammates but praised the winger’s performance in his side’s 4-1 win over Panathinaikos.

It was an efficient yet thorough display in Athens to maintain the visitors’ perfect start in the Conference League and the Ukrainian’s contribution was key, scoring the second goal with a brave header as well as setting up two goals for Joao Felix.

Maresca previously challenged Mudryk to seize upon his selection in the starting XI and prove the worth of his £88million transfer fee, and those words were heeded as the 23-year-old had his strongest game of the season in the Olympic Stadium.

Enzo Maresca explains why ‘slow’ learner Mykhailo Mudryk is starting to prove worth

Match facts

13:30 , Chris Wilson

Chelsea’s last three Premier League defeats have come against last season’s top-three sides (0-5 vs Arsenal in April, 0-2 vs Man City in August, 1-2 vs Liverpool last weekend). The Blues are unbeaten in 19 games against all other teams (W13 D6), scoring 54 goals across these matches.

Chelsea have named the youngest average starting XI in the Premier League this season – 23 years, 220 days. They are the only team in Premier League history to get eight games into a season without using anyone over the age of 27.

Cole Palmer has 18 goals and five assists in his last 14 Premier League appearances at Stamford Bridge for Chelsea, while Nicolas Jackson has been involved in 13 goals in his last 13 Premier League appearances (nine goals, four assists).

Across the Premier League

13:20 , Chris Wilson

Chelsea’s match is just one of the important matches near the top end of the table today, as Arsenal host Liverpool at the Emirates at 4.30pm GMT.

Much has been made of Arsneal’s potential injury woes, but can Arteta get a solid performance out of a depleted side after a few poor results of late?

There’s also an additional 2pm kick-off today, as Manchester United travel to West Ham hoping to ease some of the pressure on Erik ten Hag. They currently sit 13th in the league on 11 points, one place and one point behind Newcastle.

13:15 , Chris Wilson

Chelsea have lost just one of their 29 Premier League home games against Newcastle, winning 21 and drawing seven. Their last loss against the Magpies was a 2-0 defeat in May 2012 – a game fondly remembered by some for a brilliant brace from Papiss Cisse.

Eddie Howe: “We have to have a perception of achievement and growing as a football club”

13:10 , Chris Wilson

Speaking in his pre-match press conference, Newcastle manager Eddie Howe said that his side “need to score goals”, after suffering a small run of games without finding the net.

“It’s been at the heart of everything we’ve done since we’ve been here, to be an attacking team, and we certainly haven’t lost the intent to attack or score.

“I’d just love to see us be free and take those chances we create.

“We have to have a perception of achievement and growing as a football club to keep not just the so-called big names happy, but everyone happy and going in a forward direction.

“I’ve seen it very quickly go the other way. Myself and everyone connected at the club has a big job to try to keep that momentum positive.”

Howe also praised Anthony Gordon as “such a talent” after the winger signed a new deal at the club.

Enzo Maresca admits Chelsea lack ‘proper leader’ as he asks for ‘more personality’ from Reece James

13:05 , Chris Wilson

Enzo Maresca has told Reece James he expects more personality from Chelsea’s captain as the head coach admitted his squad is without a natural leader.

James made his first appearance of the season in the 2-1 defeat to Liverpool last weekend following a lengthy injury lay-off and did not travel with the side that beat Panathinaikos in Athens on Thursday.

The last two campaigns have been blighted by knee and hamstring problems for the 24-year-old but he was nevertheless appointed club skipper by previous boss Mauricio Pochettino last August.

“I spoke with him and I expect from him more in terms of leadership inside the changing room,” said Maresca.

“He’s on the way, he’s doing well, he’s progressing but I expect more.”

Enzo Maresca admits Chelsea lack ‘proper leader’ as he makes Reece James request

Team news

12:58 , Chris Wilson

Newcastle have made two changes to the side that lost at home to Brighton last week, and both changes come on the wings.

On the left, Miguel Almiron replaces Jacob Murphy, while Anthony Gordon – who is not in today’s squad – drops out in place of Harvey Barnes.

Team news

12:52 , Chris Wilson

Enzo Maresca has made tow changes to the side that slipped to a narrow defeat against Liverpool last week.

In defence, Wesley Fofana replaces Tosin Adarabioyo, while in midfield, Pedro Neto comes onto the left wing in place of Jadon Sancho.

Line-ups

12:47 , Chris Wilson

Chelsea XI: Sanchez; James, Fofana, Colwill, Gusto; Lavia, Caicedo; Madueke, Palmer, Neto; Jackson.

Subs: Jorgensen, Tosin, Veiga, Cucurella, Enzo, Mudryk, Sancho, Felix, Nkunku.

Newcastle XI: Pope; Livramento, Schar, Burn, Hall; Tonali, Guimaraes, Joelinton; Almiron, Isak, Barnes.

Subs: Odysseas, Ruddy, Krafth, Osula, Murphy, Kelly, Willock, Longstaff, Miley.

Chelsea are making progress at last — but a crucial task still faces Enzo Maresca

12:40 , Chris Wilson

The previous time Chelsea lost to Liverpool they were labelled the “blue billion-pound bottle jobs”. Eight months on, there was a more flattering appraisal, and from the victor. “If I would be a Chelsea manager, I would say if we can play like this at Anfield, we can compete for a top-four position,” said Arne Slot. This wasn’t a repeat of the Carabao Cup final, the extra-time failure against Jurgen Klopp’s kids, or their last trip to Anfield, the 4-1 walloping in January.

There was more respectability in a reverse. “We don’t like to lose, but if we have to, we choose this way,” said Enzo Maresca, who pronounced himself “proud but also upset”. The Italian may have been exaggerating when he said: “We controlled most of the game”. Slot’s verdict on his 2-1 win may have been fairer. “In an ideal world, we would have outplayed them completely but it was an equal game,” he said.

Chelsea are making progress at last — but a crucial task still faces Enzo Maresca

Predicted line-ups

12:30 , Chris Wilson

Here are The Independent’s predicted line-ups – we’ll have concrete team news at around 12.45pm.

Chelsea XI: Sanchez; James, Fofana, Colwill, Gusto; Fernandez, Caicedo; Madueke, Palmer, Sancho; Jackson

Newcastle XI: Pope; Livramento, Schar, Burn, Hall; Joelinton, Guimaraes, Tonali; Barnes, Isak, Gordon.

Team news

12:25 , Chris Wilson

Marc Cucurella and Wesley Fofana are both back available for Chelsea after serving suspensions, while Reece James returned from injury last weekend.

Newcastle, meanwhile, remain without Callum Wilson after a set-back in the striker’s recovery, with Sven Botman, Kieran Trippier and Jamaal Lascelles also sidelined.

When is Chelsea vs Newcastle?

12:20 , Chris Wilson

Chelsea vs Newcastle is due to kick off at 2pm GMT on Sunday 27 October at Stamford Bridge.

Viewers in the United Kingdom can watch the match live on Sky Sports Main Event and Sky Sports Premier League, with coverage from 1pm GMT. Subscribers can stream via Sky Go.

Is Chelsea v Newcastle on TV today? Kick-off time, channel and how to watch

Chelsea vs Newcastle LIVE

12:10 , Chris Wilson

Chelsea will hope to bounce back from defeat against Liverpool as Enzo Maresca’s side welcome Newcastle United to Stamford Bridge.

Having found form under their new manager, the loss at Anfield was the second successive Premier League game in which they had dropped points.

They now take on a Newcastle side that would climb above their hosts with three points, though are without a win in four fixtures.

Eddie Howe’s visitors have drawn a blank in their last two outings and will hope to remedy their attacking ailments here.

Chelsea vs Newcastle LIVE

12:00 , Chris Wilson

Good afternoon and welcome to The Independent’s live coverage of today’s early kick-off between Chelsea and Newcastle United at Stamford Bridge.

The Blues are looking to return to winning ways after a loss against Liverpool last week, and the Magpies are doing the same after a surprise loss at home to Brighton.

We’ll have all the latest build-up, team news and updates right here.


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Stamford Bridge, home of Chelsea Football Club (The FA via Getty Images)

Chelsea vs Brighton & Hove Albion LIVE: Premier League latest score, goals and updates from fixture

Stamford Bridge, home of Chelsea Football Club (The FA via Getty Images)

Follow live coverage as Chelsea face Brighton & Hove Albion today in the Premier League. Another top-flight season will be covered in full right here with The Independent, as reigning champions Manchester City look to make it an unprecedented five titles in a row come the end of 2024/25.

The likes of Arsenal and Liverpool will be chasing Pep Guardiola’s side, but just as fascinating will be the race for Champions League places, with more teams than ever before having designs on top-four finishes. Chelsea remain big-spending, Manchester United’s latest rebuild continues and both Tottenham and Newcastle will expect improvements this year – yet it was Aston Villa who snared fourth last term.

Meanwhile, it’s Southampton, Leicester City and Ipswich Town who made it back to the elite after promotion last year and each will have hope they can make it more than a one-year stay. Follow the latest live action from the Premier League below:

Chelsea FC 4 – 2 Brighton & Hove Albion FC

Chelsea vs Brighton & Hove Albion

17:02

A sensational four-goal display from Palmer – who truly could have had more – powers Chelsea past Brighton 4-2 at Stamford Bridge. Despite starting the match the better of the two sides and taking a lead within seven minutes, Hurzeler’s side were then taken apart by an incredible solo performance by Palmer, who became the first player in Premier League history to find the back of the net four times in the opening half of a game. The pick of the bunch was a free-kick from 30 yards out – his third of the day – giving Verbruggen absolutely no chance by putting it right in the top corner. Sanchez gifted Baleba a goal late in the opening period to leave the Seagulls down by two at the interval, but they were unable to get any closer, with Maresca’s side organised at the back, giving their opponents few opportunities to test Sanchez. Both Palmer and Jackson could have added to the hosts’ tally in the second half, but manful defending from Dunk prevented an even greater margin of victory. Chelsea win with an xG of 3.19 ahead of matches this week against Gent and Nottingham Forest in the Europa Conference League and Premier League respectively, while Brighton fall to their first defeat of the year after an output of just 1.05 xG and host Tottenham in eight days. That concludes our commentary of the Premier League fixture between Chelsea and Brighton – we hope you’ve enjoyed it!

Chelsea vs Brighton & Hove Albion

17:02

FULL-TIME: CHELSEA 4-2 BRIGHTON

Chelsea vs Brighton & Hove Albion

17:00

Palmer and Nkunku work a short-corner routine that looks to trouble the Brighton defence, but it’s smartly worked all the way back to Sanchez from the flag, with Chelsea looking to see out the 4-2 victory.

Chelsea vs Brighton & Hove Albion

16:58

The fourth official indicates five minutes will be added to the end of the match for stoppages.

Chelsea vs Brighton & Hove Albion

16:58

Veiga manages to push the ball off the foot of Minteh, with Enciso quick to latch upon it – firing a hurried strike from a long way out that sails high over Sanchez’s crossbar.

Chelsea vs Brighton & Hove Albion

16:57

Dunk has attempted 100 passes in this game; it’s the third time this season that a Brightonplayer has attempted 100 or more in a single match in the Premier League and more than any other player in this game (ahead of Baleba – 50 passes).

Chelsea vs Brighton & Hove Albion

16:55

It looks to be job done for Chelsea, who have less than five minutes to hold on for a third-consecutive Premier League win. Results around the grounds mean that Maresca’s side currently sit in second place – one point behind Manchester City – as things stand, while Liverpool and Aston Villa still have the chance to jump them in the table later this weekend.

Chelsea vs Brighton & Hove Albion

16:52

Estupinan manages to get into the penalty area near the byline after a Chelsea giveaway in their defensive third, but the left-back has his pocket picked by Gusto, who times his challenge well before winning a throw-in to sap a bit more time off the clock.

Chelsea vs Brighton & Hove Albion

16:49

Minteh cuts inside from the right and sends a skipping cross into the penalty area for Ferguson, but the striker doesn’t gamble on the delivery, allowing Sanchez to get there first.

Chelsea vs Brighton & Hove Albion

16:45

Lavia is introduced for just his third Premier League appearance for Chelsea, with the booked Fernandez protected with 11 minutes to go.

Chelsea vs Brighton & Hove Albion

16:45

Substitution Daniel Nii Tackie Mensah Welbeck Evan Joe Ferguson

Chelsea vs Brighton & Hove Albion

16:45

Jackson is recalled to the bench with an assist – but not a goal – to his name. Nkunku gets a chance to add to his personal tally, after a hat-trick performance against Barrow in the League Cup on Tuesday.

Chelsea vs Brighton & Hove Albion

16:45

Fofana commits to a late sliding challenge on Enciso, catching the Brighton substitute just outside the penalty area. It’s a free-kick for the visitors, while the Chelsea defender is shown a yellow card.

Chelsea vs Brighton & Hove Albion

16:44

Brighton are one of four sides still unbeaten in the Premier League this season coming into this weekend’s games, though their last three have all been drawn (two total wins). They’ve never gone unbeaten in their first six games from the start of a top-flight campaign before.

Chelsea vs Brighton & Hove Albion

16:43

With a quarter-hour left to go in the game, Brighton have not threatened enough in the second half to convince Chelsea they are capable of the comeback. After nine shots and an xG of 0.86 in the first period of play, Hurzeler’s side have only managed three off-target efforts and an expected goals of just 0.05, despite maintaining more than 50 per cent possession before and after the restart.

Chelsea vs Brighton & Hove Albion

16:40

Chelsea won both Premier League meetings with Brighton last season, despite having a player sent off in each game. It’s one of just two occasions a team has won consecutive meetings with an opponent despite going down to 10 men (also Middlesbrough against Sunderland in 2002), while the Blues have never had a player sent off in three-consecutive meetings with an opponent.

Chelsea vs Brighton & Hove Albion

16:36

Substitution Georginio Lucius Rutter Yankuba Minteh Moat

Chelsea vs Brighton & Hove Albion

16:36

Substitution Ferdi Erenay Kadıoğlu Julio César Enciso Espínola

Chelsea vs Brighton & Hove Albion

16:35

Substitution Jadon Malik Sancho Mykhailo Mudryk

Chelsea vs Brighton & Hove Albion

16:35

CUCURELLA SCORES BUT IT WON’T COUNT! Sancho’s inswinging corner is flicked on at the near post by Neto, with the ball dropping kindly to Cucurella inside the six-yard box. The left-back does well to control the ball before whacking it past Verbruggen with a raised boot, but it won’t count after an offside in the build up!

Chelsea vs Brighton & Hove Albion

16:35

Substitution Marc Cucurella Saseta Renato Palma Veiga

Chelsea vs Brighton & Hove Albion

16:33

Jackson breaks into the penalty area after a wonderful disguised pass from Palmer and looks to beat the goalkeeper from a close-range left-footed effort, but Dunk slides across and manages to divert the effort wide for a corner.

Chelsea vs Brighton & Hove Albion

16:33

Julio makes an enterprising run through the middle of the pitch before spreading play out to the right for Rutter. The winger slips a pass into the penalty area for the overlapping Ayari, who goes down after a tangle of legs with Cucurella. The referee is in a good position to spot the incident and allows play to continue, which infuriates the Brighton forwards.

Chelsea vs Brighton & Hove Albion

16:31

Chelsea make their first change of the contest – sending on even more firepower – with Neto taking over from Madueke on the right wing.

Chelsea vs Brighton & Hove Albion

16:31

Hinshelwood’s delivery from the free-kick doesn’t quite find Dunk at the far post, causing a bit of a panic in the penalty area, but Cucurella is able to eventually clear the danger quite emphatically.

Chelsea vs Brighton & Hove Albion

16:28

Ahead of a Brighton free-kick, the referee calls Estupinan and Gusto over to have a word about some pushing and shoving. The visiting left-back needs to be careful – under the close eye of the match official after his earlier booking.

Chelsea vs Brighton & Hove Albion

16:26

Jackson has been involved in 14 goals in his last 14 Premier League games for Chelsea (nine goals, five assists), two more than he’d managed in his first 27 appearances (nine goals, three assists).

Chelsea vs Brighton & Hove Albion

16:24

JUST WIDE! Brighton are caught trying to play out from the back, with Verbruggen’s pass to Wieffer intercepted by a determined Caicedo, who immediately prods the ball forward for his team-mate. With only the goalkeeper to beat, Palmer can’t quite find the back of the net with his right foot, sending it whistling wide of the near post!

Chelsea vs Brighton & Hove Albion

16:23

Substitution Adam Harry Webster Igor Julio dos Santos de Paulo

Chelsea vs Brighton & Hove Albion

16:23

Substitution Mats Wieffer Yasin Abbas Ayari

Chelsea vs Brighton & Hove Albion

16:20

Baleba’s interception immediately puts Brighton on the attack, but Rutter chooses the unselfish option, looking to split the lines with a pass for Welbeck, instead of shooting with room ahead of Cucurella. It’s the wrong choice, with Chelsea almost immediately able to clear their lines.

Chelsea vs Brighton & Hove Albion

16:19

Cucurella and Sancho work an effective one-two pass on the left wing, putting the full-back in a good position for a cross. His high, hanging delivery is attacked by Jackson, who puts his header disappointingly wide of the mark.

Chelsea vs Brighton & Hove Albion

16:19

CLOSE TO A FIFTH! Sancho’s inswinging corner is headed away initially by Welbeck, but only as far as Palmer 20 yards from goal. Full of confidence, the England international controls the clearance with his knee before hitting a well-timed volley towards goal. The effort forces Verbruggen to cover the top of his goal, but the ball flies narrowly over!

Chelsea vs Brighton & Hove Albion

16:16

Palmer has become the first Premier League player in history to score four goals before half-time in a single match – an incredible feat for the young forward.

Chelsea vs Brighton & Hove Albion

16:15

OFF THE LINE BY WEBSTER! Palmer turns provider, scooping an unbelievable first-time cross over the top of Brighton’s defence for Jackson, who manages to hold his run until the last possible second. With only the goalkeeper to beat, the striker rounds Verbruggen and sends an off-balance shot towards the open net – only to be denied by Webster, who comes flying across the goal-line to make an acrobatic stop!

Chelsea vs Brighton & Hove Albion

16:15

Estupinan charges forward, beating Madueke for pace before threading it through to Mitoma. In trademark style, the winger looks to cut inside ahead of Gusto and have a shot but his touch lets him down, allowing Fofana to cut across and end the move.

Chelsea vs Brighton & Hove Albion

16:12

Palmer feeds the ball through to Jackson, who waits for the pass to catch up to him before turning and lashing a left-footed shot that’s pushed behind for a corner by Verbruggen.

Chelsea vs Brighton & Hove Albion

16:11

Chelsea get the match restarted from the kick-off!

Chelsea vs Brighton & Hove Albion

15:56

Behind by two goals, Brighton have little option but to come forward and attack; a risky strategy considering just how open and porous their back line has been in the first half. Perhaps Moder could be a useful option in the second half to help protect the defence and keep the ball, while Enciso is a possible entrant either in attack, or in the middle of the park to help create more penetration. Minteh is also a danger down the flanks, while Chelsea will be looking to keep everything in front of them and preserve their deserved lead. Lavia could be introduced for just his third Premier League appearance for the Blues – possibly in place of the booked Fernandez – while Nkunku will likely see the pitch in an attempt to improve on his record of four goals in his last three matches.

Chelsea vs Brighton & Hove Albion

15:56

An absolutely mad first half at Stamford Bridge comes to a close with Chelsea ahead by four goals to two, thanks to a four-goal first-half performance from Palmer and some poor play at the back from both sides. Brighton started the more positive of the two teams, controlling possession and linking up in neat triangles, eventually taking the lead after just seven minutes thanks to Rutter – scoring after Caicedo’s blocked clearance. It appeared an early deficit was just what Palmer needed to get going, with the England international hitting the woodwork and having a goal chalked off for offside – only to find the back of the net three times in the ensuing 10 minutes – including a superb free-kick from 30 yards out. A Sanchez mistake gave Brighton the chance to pull one back through Baleba, but Palmer was once again there to restore the Blues’ two-goal advantage, slotting an acute-angle finish past Verbruggen for four goals in 40 minutes. Enzo Maresca’s side have produced an xG of 1.95 (1.72 of that coming from Palmer alone), while Brighton scored twice on just 0.72.

Chelsea vs Brighton & Hove Albion

15:55

HALF-TIME: CHELSEA 4-2 BRIGHTON

Chelsea vs Brighton & Hove Albion

15:54

Hurzeler will just be looking to get his side into the half-time interval, where he can deliver additional instructions after seeing a lot of positives and negatives in the first period at Stamford Bridge. Brighton have certainly had their moments going forward, but look to be missing the presence of both Veltman and Van Hecke.

Chelsea vs Brighton & Hove Albion

15:48

Rutter gets to the corner of the penalty area and cuts inside ahead of Cucurella before hitting a low drive that’s blocked by a well-placed Fernandez.

Chelsea vs Brighton & Hove Albion

15:47

The fourth official indicates eight minutes will be added to the end of the half for stoppages.

Chelsea vs Brighton & Hove Albion

15:47

Estupinan sends an outswinging corner towards the six-yard box looking for a late goal, but Fofana and Cucurella combine to clear Chelsea’s lines.

Chelsea vs Brighton & Hove Albion

15:46

Sancho has now contributed an assist in each of his last three games, while Palmer takes his personal tally this season to six goals – only behind Erling Haaland.

Chelsea vs Brighton & Hove Albion

15:43

Assist Jadon Malik Sancho

Chelsea vs Brighton & Hove Albion

15:42

Goal Cole Jermaine Palmer

Chelsea vs Brighton & Hove Albion

15:42

Madueke sends a skipping cross towards the penalty spot for Sancho on the other side, but a brave Verbruggen comes a long way off his line to make sure he’s first to it.

Chelsea vs Brighton & Hove Albion

15:41

MADUEKE GOES WIDE! Chelsea again expose Brighton’s high line, sending the ball right over the top for Madueke. Hinshelwood tries his best to keep pace with the winger but he’s taken out of the play inside the penalty area, only for Madueke to send his acute-angle shot rippling the side-netting!

Chelsea vs Brighton & Hove Albion

15:41

Despite already bagging a hat-trick in 30 minutes, Palmer could have even had more this game, with the forward denied by the frame of the goal and a narrow offside margin, in what could have been an outrageous five-goal spell. He’s on top form – replicating his production from last year

Chelsea vs Brighton & Hove Albion

15:41

BRIGHTON PULL ONE BACK! 3-2! It’s a poor goal for Chelsea to concede, with Sanchez virtually passing it right to Baleba 18 yards from goal. From there, it’s a simple finish for the midfielder, who takes a touch to bring the ball under his control before slotting a cool finish past the goalkeeper to pull the lead back to one!

Chelsea vs Brighton & Hove Albion

15:37

Cucurella is extremely late challenging Hinshelwood for the ball, catching the midfielder and upending him instead. It’s a yellow card for the now Chelsea – former Brighton – full-back.

Chelsea vs Brighton & Hove Albion

15:32

Goal Cole Jermaine Palmer

Chelsea vs Brighton & Hove Albion

15:31

Brighton’s defence is yet again breached, with Madueke getting past Dunk and Webster 30 yards from goal, until he’s tripped and send to the ground by a desperate Estupinan. It’s a yellow card for the left-back, while Chelsea demand a red.

Chelsea vs Brighton & Hove Albion

15:31

Yellow Card Enzo Jeremías Fernández

Chelsea vs Brighton & Hove Albion

15:30

Penalty Goal Cole Jermaine Palmer

Chelsea vs Brighton & Hove Albion

15:28

Yellow Card Lewis Carl Dunk

Chelsea vs Brighton & Hove Albion

15:27

There is a lengthy VAR check after the disallowed goal, with the team of referees checking to ensure that Madueke started his run in an offside position. There is also a case to be made that Sancho was unable to hold his line during the pass across the face of goal as well – with the video assistants agreeing with the on-field decision.

Chelsea vs Brighton & Hove Albion

15:26

ANOTHER GOAL CHALKED OFF! Chelsea move the ball up from the back centrally, with Jackson picking up possession inside the centre-circle. The striker immediately plays a pass forward for the pacey Madueke, who latches onto it and drives into the penalty area. Looking to provide for a team-mate, he squares a pass across the face of goal for Sancho, who finishes from close range, but yet another offside call denies Chelsea by the narrowest of margins!

Chelsea vs Brighton & Hove Albion

15:23

Assist Nicolas Jackson

Chelsea vs Brighton & Hove Albion

15:22

Goal Cole Jermaine Palmer

Chelsea vs Brighton & Hove Albion

15:22

PALMER SCORES BUT IT WON’T COUNT! Again looking for the same connection, this time Fernandez puts some air under his pass, lifting the ball over the top of the defence for the run of Palmer from inside his own half. This time, the forward makes no mistake, slotting his finish past the goalkeeper, but he’s denied by the linesman’s flag, with offside the call!

Chelsea vs Brighton & Hove Albion

15:21

OFF THE POST! INCREDIBLE! Fernandez splits the Brighton defence with a superb pass forward for Palmer, putting the ball perfectly in the forward’s stride. The England international’s first touch lets him down somewhat but he still manages to drag Verbruggen off his line before chipping a cheeky finish over him – only to be denied by the base of the post!

Chelsea vs Brighton & Hove Albion

15:20

Brighton are moving the ball with speed and purpose in midfield, interchanging neatly in triangles to get past the Chelsea press as they look to build attacks down the wing. Baleba and Hinshelwood have worked well in tandem with their respective full-backs, forcing the hosts onto the back foot early.

Chelsea vs Brighton & Hove Albion

15:19

INSTINCTIVE SAVE FROM SANCHEZ! Hinshelwood and Baleba link up delightfully in midfield, giving Welbeck the chance to run down the right wing to latch onto the ball. The striker eventually delivers a cross into the six-yard box from a position near the byline, which takes a dangerous deflection on its way through, forcing the Chelsea goalkeeper to stick out an arm and swat it away with a closed fist!

Chelsea vs Brighton & Hove Albion

15:18

Estupinan’s ensuing corner-kick is floated to the near post, but Jackson is back to do his defensive duties, powering the ball away with his head.

Chelsea vs Brighton & Hove Albion

15:16

Estupinan delivers a lovely cross into the penalty area looking for the run of Welbeck, with Cucurella forced into a diving header to turn the ball behind for a Brighton corner.

Chelsea vs Brighton & Hove Albion

15:13

Sancho glides into the penalty area after linking up with Cucurella, but his low, left-footed cross into the six-yard box is a tame delivery that is easily gathered by Verbruggen.

Chelsea vs Brighton & Hove Albion

15:13

After being looked at both on the pitch and on the touchline, Rutter has been cleared to return to the fray, having given his side an early lead away from home!

Chelsea vs Brighton & Hove Albion

15:12

Brighton take the lead but there’s no time for celebration, as the medical staff are on to the pitch to take a look at Rutter, who appears to have collided with Sanchez during his headed attempt that led to the goal. Chelsea players are circling referee Peter Bankes looking for a foul the other way, but their appeals are denied, as the goal stands!

Chelsea vs Brighton & Hove Albion

15:08

Assist Carlos Noom Quomah Baleba

Chelsea vs Brighton & Hove Albion

15:08

There are a number of Chelsea players who will be looking to make a good impression against their former club, with Sanchez, Cucurella and Caicedo all coming from Brighton to Stamford Bridge. No doubt the two outfield players will be desperate to score, while the goalkeeper will be looking for a third-consecutive clean sheet; with Jorgensen having featured in Chelsea’s League Cup match against Barrow.

Chelsea vs Brighton & Hove Albion

15:07

Hinshelwood’s lax pass back to Wieffer is intercepted by Jackson, who plays the ball unselfishly across the edge of the 18-yard box for Sancho. The winger takes a touch to set himself before firing a shot but it’s blocked by a desperate Dunk.

Chelsea vs Brighton & Hove Albion

15:04

A lovely piece of skill gets Mitoma past Gusto down the left wing, but Caicedo comes across to help narrow down the angle, with the Japan international’s cross eventually caught by Sanchez.

Chelsea vs Brighton & Hove Albion

15:02

Brighton get the match underway from the kick-off!

Chelsea vs Brighton & Hove Albion

14:48

Brighton make three alterations to the XI that drew 2-2 with Nottingham Forest on Sunday. Webster takes the spot of the unavailable Jan Paul van Hecke at centre-back, while Kadioglu is handed a first Premier League start with the absence of Joel Veltman. The final swap is in midfield, where Samuel Adingra is left out for Wieffer.

Chelsea vs Brighton & Hove Albion

14:48

Chelsea make one change to the side that beat West Ham 3-0 seven days ago, with Gusto in for Adarabioyo at right-back, which pushes Fofana inside to centre-back.

Chelsea vs Brighton & Hove Albion

14:48

BRIGHTON SUBS: Tariq Lamptey, Igor Julio, Julio Enciso, Jakub Moder, Yankuba Minteh, Jason Steele, Yasin Ayari, Evan Ferguson, Imari Samuels.

Chelsea vs Brighton & Hove Albion

14:48

BRIGHTON XI (4-3-3): Bart Verbruggen; Pervis Estupinan, Lewis Dunk, Adam Webster, Ferdi Kadioglu; Carlos Baleba, Mats Wieffer, Jack Hinshelwood; Kaoru Mitoma, Danny Welbeck, Georginio Rutter.

Chelsea vs Brighton & Hove Albion

14:48

CHELSEA SUBS: Axel Disasi, Tosin Adarabioyo, Pedro Neto, Mykhailo Mudryk, Filip Jorgensen, Joao Felix, Christopher Nkunku, Renato Veiga, Romeo Lavia.

Chelsea vs Brighton & Hove Albion

14:48

CHELSEA XI (4-2-3-1): Robert Sanchez: Marc Cucurella, Levi Colwill, Wesley Fofana, Malo Gusto; Enzo Fernandez, Moises Caicedo; Jadon Sancho, Cole Palmer, Noni Madueke; Nicolas Jackson.

Chelsea vs Brighton & Hove Albion

14:48

With 15 minutes to go before kick-off, let’s take a look at how the two sides are lining up – starting with our hosts!

Chelsea vs Brighton & Hove Albion

14:38

Just one point and one place behind Chelsea, Brighton have gotten off to a flying start under new, young coach Fabian Hurzeler, with the Seagulls avoiding defeat in each of their first seven matches in all competitions. Despite the positive start, today’s visitors have gone three league games without a win, drawing against Arsenal, Ipswich Town and Nottingham Forest. A side usually known for its attacking prowess, Brighton have seemingly found their rhythm defensively, with only Liverpool and Arsenal conceding fewer goals after five matches.

Chelsea vs Brighton & Hove Albion

14:32

Chelsea have bounced back from a disappointing 1-1 draw with Crystal Palace in the Premier League on the first of September, winning each of their last three matches in all competitions by an aggregate score of 9-0. Yet to experience victory in front of the Stamford Bridge faithful this campaign, Enzo Maresca’s sixth-placed side could jump all the way into second by the end of play today with three points and some help from elsewhere.

Chelsea vs Brighton & Hove Albion

14:32

Hello and welcome to our LIVE commentary of the Premier League fixture between Chelsea and Brighton!

Chelsea vs Brighton & Hove Albion

13:00

Follow all the goals and latest action from the Premier League here with The Independent. Team news and line-ups coming up shortly…


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West Ham vs Chelsea LIVE: Premier League result and reaction after visitors cruise to victory

Chelsea produced a strong performance to capitalise on an abject West Ham United showing and climb into the Premier League’s top four.

An early double from Nicolas Jackson set the visitors on course before Cole Palmer added a third in the second half to make certain of victory for Enzo Maresca’s side. After an unsettled start to the season amid off-field chaos and on-field questions, this was a third win on the bounce for Chelsea as they continue to show signs of real promise under their new manager. Jadon Sancho, making his first start, again impressed while the sometimes profligate Jackson took both of his goals nicely.

It was a rather more fretful afternoon for Julen Lopetegui, the West Ham boss casting a frustrated figure on the touchline. Midfielder Guido Rodriguez was hooked after just 35 minutes as Lopetegui tried unsuccessfully to spark his side into life. Audible boos were heard at half time while plenty of home fans headed for the exit with 15 minutes still to play after another lacklustre performance.

Re-live all the action from the London Stadium in our live blog below:

West Ham vs Chelsea LIVE

  • Chelsea climb into top four with win over lacklustre West Ham

  • Nicolas Jackson strikes twice as Cole Palmer and Jadon Sancho impress in win

  • FT: West Ham 0-3 Chelsea

  • 47’ GOAL! Jackson slides through Palmer, who rifles a high finish past Areola [WHU 0-3 CHE]

  • 18’ GOAL! Caicedo plays Jackson clean through and the striker finishes with aplomb [WHU 0-2 CHE]

  • 10’ CLOSE! Palmer sweeps wide from a quick counter [WHU 0-1 CHE]

  • 4’ GOAL! Jackson sneaks behind the defence to score an early goal [WHU 0-1 CHE]

Nicolas Jackson brace helps Chelsea ease to victory as West Ham fans turn on Julen Lopetegui

14:49 , Chris Wilson

Goals from Nicolas Jackson and Cole Palmer secured another away win for Chelsea and raised serious questions about West Ham‘s direction under new boss Julen Lopetegui.

The Spaniard looked furious as his expensively-assembled side crashed to a humiliating 3-0 defeat at home to their London rivals.

Jackson scored twice, the first within three minutes of kick-off, and Palmer added a third just moments into the second half.

It means all Lopetegui has to show for a £120m outlay on nine summer signings since replacing David Moyes is three home defeats, a scrappy win at Crystal Palace and a last-gasp draw with Fulham.

Just five matches in and the London Stadium crowd – many of whom wanted Moyes out despite the Scot overseeing the club’s most successful period in decades – turned on the new manager midway through the second half.

Chelsea ease to victory as West Ham fans turn on Lopetegui

FT: West Ham 0-3 Chelsea

15:10 , Chris Wilson

Lopetegui says that West Ham “suffered very early on, [with] two goals”.

“If you want to compete you have to be consistent. After this it is more difficult.

“We had more chances than them in the first half, we had one penalty, maybe two, and we said that one goal is going to be key in changing the match, but after we conceded a goal too.

“[We’re] very sad, very disappointed, for the fans above all, but we know that the league is long, and we have to look forward and have to change things.”

15:02 , Chris Wilson

Enzo Maresca is speaking to TNT now, and he says he is “very happy”.

“They are a very good team, they have some fantastic players, but overall it think we deserved to win the game.

“It’s quite easy, if they [the players] don’t buy [into it] they don’t play!

“They have been open minded, we have been a bit intense, but this is the moment when I need to insist.”

He adds that he is most happy with “Nicolas and Cole, because the way we prepared was to set them against three players. [They scored] the goals but especially the work off the ball.”

FT: West Ham 0-3 Chelsea

14:57 , Chris Wilson

Bowen is speaking to TNT now, and he says that he doesn’t think “we were ever in the game really”.

“I think the goals they scored were every easy, almost gifts. You have to be switched on at every moment, and they punished us.[We’re] disappointed all round.”

He says that “a number of things” went wrong.

“As a player you have to lead and rally everyone together, but I just thought we gave them too much respect in the end. I dont think we did enough today to punish them.

“We came out second half, almost nothing to lose, and we concede a goal after a minute.

“[It was] a disappointing day, but the game is done, we accept the defeat.

“The games are coming thick and fast.It’s still early in the season, still a lot of games to go, and now it’s about rallying together as a group.”

FT: West Ham 0-3 Chelsea

14:51 , Chris Wilson

Since making his debut for Chelsea in September 2023, Cole Palmer has contributed to more goals in the Premier League than any other player, with 39 G/A. Haaland is next up, with 38.

FT: West Ham 0-3 Chelsea

14:48 , Chris Wilson

Jackson adds that his confidence is “growing higher with my teammates, they help me a lot and they have confidence in me”

“We keep going. This one is finished and next week we go onto another one.

“The most important thing is for the team to win.

“I am happy to play always. To fight for the team and the team to win is the most important thing.”

FT: West Ham 0-3 Chelsea

14:43 , Chris Wilson

Palmer and Jackson spoke to TNT after the final whistle, with the Englishman saying that the London Stadium is “a tough place to come”

“A good three points, we are happy.

“Everybody knows he [Nicolas Jackson] is a top player – he needs to keep going. The Chelsea fans and players rate him highly – we know what he is capable of.

“There will always be noise, we try to block it out and listen to the manager. We have a good manager and it can only help us to get better.”

FT: West Ham 0-3 Chelsea

14:38 , Chris Wilson

While we wait for some reaction, below are the 3pm kick-offs for today.

Aston Villa v Wolves

Fulham v Newcastle

Southampton v Ipswich

Tottenham v Brentford

Leicester City v Everton

Liverpool v Bournemouth

FT: West Ham 0-3 Chelsea

14:33 , Chris Wilson

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FT: West Ham 0-3 Chelsea

14:27 , Chris Wilson

A dominant display from Chelsea that puts them into second place in the league for now.

The away side were sharp and clinical when they needed to be, and in truth it was a surprisingly easy result for them.

For West Ham, it was an abject performance that was seriously poor in some areas, with some truly terrible defending. The attacking play was better in some places, but you really have to question what Lopetegui was doing today.

FULL-TIME! West Ham 0-3 Chelsea

14:24 , Chris Wilson

95 mins

Tosin blocks Kudus’ shot on the edge of the box and Chelsea counter for the final time, and it ends with Felix driving a low shot just wide of the near post.

The final whistle goes and Chelsea take the three points in this London derby.

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West Ham 0-3 Chelsea

14:23 , Chris Wilson

92 mins

Chelsea get yet another chance to counter but Felix’s pass to Neto is a little wayward.

Soler is booked for a late challenge on Cucurella, and there’s a VAR review for a red card, but it’s dismissed by the ref.

West Ham 0-3 Chelsea

14:20 , Chris Wilson

90 mins

There’ll be four minutes of added time here.

West Ham 0-3 Chelsea

14:18 , Chris Wilson

88 mins

This match was decided a while ago and that is reflecting in the final 10 minutes of play, with neither side really looking like scoring now. Chelsea try to counter, but Soler brings down Felix.

West Ham 0-3 Chelsea

14:16 , Chris Wilson

87 mins

Bowen lays it off to Soler on the edge of the box but his shot is blocked.

West Ham 0-3 Chelsea

14:15 , Chris Wilson

86 mins

A bit of pinball in the Chelsea box ends with the offside flag going up anyway. Plenty of empty seats at the London Stadium now.

West Ham 0-3 Chelsea

14:13 , Chris Wilson

83 mins

The match is petering out as we approach the final few minutes. Enzo Fernandez is replaced by Kiernan Dewsbury-Hall.

West Ham 0-3 Chelsea

14:11 , Chris Wilson

80 mins

Shouts for another penalty for West Ham, but nothing given before Creswell swings in an inviting early cross that runs across goal and past Soucek and Bowen.

West Ham 0-3 Chelsea

14:09 , Chris Wilson

78 mins

Another Chelsea corner is delivered, this one by Neto, but it’s eventually cleared as West Ham fans begin to exit the stadium in their droves. An alarming performance, with a huge lack of intensity from their side.

West Ham 0-3 Chelsea

14:05 , Chris Wilson

75 mins

Another promising Chelsea counter as it’s flicked to Madueke on the right wing, but his is cleared away for a corner.

Caicedo ends up clipping in the cross to the back post and it’s headed back across goal to Nkunku, who’s unmarked, but he can only direct his header too close to a scrambling Areola.

West Ham 0-3 Chelsea

14:03 , Chris Wilson

72 mins

The home side bring on Aaron Creswell and Andy Irving for Paqueta and Emerson.

West Ham 0-3 Chelsea

14:01 , Chris Wilson

71 mins

Kudus tries to lead a West Ham counter but he’s scythed down by Cucurella, who is booked.

West Ham 0-3 Chelsea

14:00 , Chris Wilson

69 mins

Kudus gets in behind the Chelsea defence, but his cut-back cross is caught by Sanchez. West Ham attack again, but once more it’s a poor cross straight into the hands of the Chelsea ‘keeper.

West Ham 0-3 Chelsea

13:58 , Chris Wilson

68 mins

More activity now! Two nice combinations in as many minutes from Chelsea as Fernandez lays it off to Caicedo, whose shit is deflected behind.

Felix delivers the corner, but Areola punches it away, though Chelsea win another corner almost straight away.

Fernandez takes this one short, and it ends with Felix floating a ball towards the back post, with the offside flag eventually raised.

West Ham 0-3 Chelsea

13:56 , Chris Wilson

66 mins

A lull in activity here, probably due to the changes made by both sides upsetting the rhythm of the game.

A good Chelsea move ends with Felix smashing a half-volley into the side-netting.

West Ham 0-3 Chelsea

13:53 , Chris Wilson

63 mins

Antonio wins another corner as Chelsea prepare more changes. Once again, out of nowhere, Chelsea clear it and break, and they have a three-on-one. It goes wide to Madueke, and he bursts into the box before firing a shot that’s too close to Areola.

Palmer and Jackson come off for Joao Felix and Christopher Nkunku.

West Ham 0-3 Chelsea

13:51 , Chris Wilson

60 mins

Disasi’s first major involvement is to head Wan-Bissaka’s cross behind for a corner. Bowen swings it in, but Sanchez collects easily. Chelsea counter, with plenty of space and the numerical advantage, but Jackson and Madueke can’t make the most of it.

West Ham 0-3 Chelsea

13:48 , Chris Wilson

58 mins

Wan-Bissaka clips a cross towards the back post that Kudus hits back across goal, but it’s cut out at the last, before Soucek fires at Sanchez from distance.

West Ham 0-3 Chelsea

13:46 , Chris Wilson

56 mins

Soler overlaps with Bowen and clips in a cross towards Antonio, but it’s headed away. The home side come again, with Kudus trying to send it long to Antonio, but Sanchez is there to intercept.

Fofana and Sancho come off for Axel Disasi and Pedro Neto.

West Ham 0-3 Chelsea

13:43 , Chris Wilson

53 mins

Paqueta dribbles past a couple of men in the box but can’t get the shot away under pressure, before Palmer is fouled on the break.

Michail Antonio and Carlos Soler replace Summerville and Alvarez.

The home crowd boo as Summerville is replaced.

West Ham 0-3 Chelsea

13:41 , Chris Wilson

50 mins

West Ham try to mount a decent attack but Paqeuta’s cross is cut out by Tosin, before Bowen gets onto the clipped ball over the top and fizzes a half-volley straight at Sanchez at the near post.

GOAL! West Ham 0-3 Chelsea

13:38 , Chris Wilson

47mins

GOAL!

Chelsea counter quickly, started by Nicolas Jackson, with the striker holding the ball up in his own half. He makes the one-two with Jackson, who drives towards the box before slipping in a through ball into the path of Palmer. The England winger is on his weaker foot but it’s no problem, as he rifles a high finish past the ‘keeper.

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West Ham 0-2 Chelsea

13:36 , Chris Wilson

46 mins

No changes from either side at half-time. West Ham attack but it’s cut out.

KICK-OFF! West Ham 0-2 Chelsea

13:34 , Chris Wilson

Back underway in east London.

HT: West Ham 0-2 Chelsea

13:33 , Chris Wilson

Both sides are emerging from the tunnel again at the London Stadium, so we’ll be back in action soon.

HT: West Ham 0-2 Chelsea

13:28 , Chris Wilson

A poor first half from the home side overall, with the defending for the two goals among some of the worst you will see this season.

In attack, they managed to create some decent opportunities, but this game has got away from them and their defensive fragility looks like it could be revealed again at any moment.

For Chelsea, they’ll go into the break absolutely delighted, but also a little confused as to how they’re 2-0 up while barely having to take their foot off the gas.

The home fans will be hoping for a way back into the game, but it’s difficult to see one at this point, even if Chelsea do sometimes look fragile in defence themselves.

13:25 , Chris Wilson

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HALF-TIME: West Ham 0-2 Chelsea

13:19 , Chris Wilson

A free-kick almost finds its way to Kilman, but the home side win the corner, which is eventually cleared.

The referee blows the whistle and the hosts are booed off at half-time.

A poor performance in the first 25 minutes, with some ridiculous defending, and though they got back into it a bit in the last few minutes, it looks like too little too late.

West Ham 0-2 Chelsea

13:17 , Chris Wilson

45 mins

Mavropanos heads the free-kick wide, and there’ll be two minutes of added time here.

West Ham 0-2 Chelsea

13:17 , Chris Wilson

44 mins

Madueke is in behind down the right and he clips in a cross, but there was nobody there to meet it. Summerville leads a West Ham counter, and he wins a free-kick on the edge of the area.

Fofana is booked for dragging him down.

West Ham 0-2 Chelsea

13:15 , Chris Wilson

42 mins

Sanchez and Kudus fight for a ball and the West Ham man wins it, but he can only hook a cross well past his teammates before the home side concede a free-kick.

West Ham 0-2 Chelsea

13:13 , Chris Wilson

40 mins

Great work again from Kudus to skip past Cucurella in the box and cross it t Soucek, who rifles a low shot straight at Sanchez.

West Ham 0-2 Chelsea

13:11 , Chris Wilson

37 mins

Soucek replaces Guido Rodriguez.

Bowen is fouled on halfway, but West Ham can’t build anything as Paqueta runs it out of play.

West Ham 0-2 Chelsea

13:08 , Chris Wilson

36 mins

Summerville leads the home side’s counter as he almost gets on to the end of the through ball from Wan-Bissaka, but it runs to Sanchez.

Tomas Soucek is preparing to come on for the home side.

West Ham 0-2 Chelsea

13:06 , Chris Wilson

34 mins

Once again Chelsea get into the West Ham box too easily down the left, but despite good feet from Sancho they can’t make anything of it.

West Ham 0-2 Chelsea

13:05 , Chris Wilson

32 mins

DISALLOWED GOAL!

West Ham think they’ve pulled one back after some great play, but Kudus was well offside.

Nice combinations on the edge of the Chelsea box before the Ghanaian is slipped through, but he had strayed offside before rifling the shot past Sanchez.

The home side have grown into the game in the last five minutes or so, and arguably should’ve had a penalty too!

West Ham 0-2 Chelsea

13:03 , Chris Wilson

29 mins

The commentators say they are ‘surprised’ that hasn’t been given, VAR went with the original decision from referee Sam Barrott. VAR says the contact was ‘fleeting’.

West Ham come again as Bowen sends in a corner, but it’s headed away.

West Ham 0-2 Chelsea

13:00 , Chris Wilson

26 mins

Good play from West Ham as they clip it wide to Kudus, who brings it down on his chest and cuts in before hitting a deflected shot to Sanchez.

Moments later there are shouts for a penalty as it looks like Summerville is pulled down, but the ref waves it away. VAR are looking at it, but Chelsea clear.

West Ham 0-2 Chelsea

12:57 , Chris Wilson

25 mins

Good defensive work from Caicedo to stop the run from Kudus, but the home side win the ball back once more. This is their first little period of sustained pressure.

West Ham 0-2 Chelsea

12:55 , Chris Wilson

23 mins

A good defensive header from Colwill gives West Ham a corner after their first good bit of attacking play so far.

Bowen swings it in, but both attempts are headed away before he slips a ball into the box for Paqueta. The Brazilian returns the pass, but Bowen fires well wide after attempting a first-time side-footed finish.

West Ham 0-2 Chelsea

12:53 , Chris Wilson

20 mins

West Ham go on the offensive and manage to win a corner, but you’re already wondering whether it’s too little too late.

The ball in is headed away, but the home side keep possession until it eventually runs to Sanchez once more.

GOAL! West Ham 0-2 Chelsea

12:51 , Chris Wilson

17 mins

GOAL! Another one for the away side! So simple once again.

Enzo lays it off to Caicedo in the centre circle, and the Ecuadorian plays a first time pass that immediately splits the West Ham defence. Jackson is clean through again, and he surges into the box before slipping an accomplished finish past Areola.

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West Ham 0-1 Chelsea

12:48 , Chris Wilson

15 mins

The set-piece is taken by Paqueta, but it’s straight at the Chelsea wall. They keep possession but are forced backwards, until Paqueta tries a clipped through ball that runs to Sanchez.

West Ham 0-1 Chelsea

12:46 , Chris Wilson

13 mins

West Ham are struggling to settle here, and they don’t look comfortable when defending or in possession.

Another long ball forward goes straight to a Chelsea defender, and the away side are happy to keep possession near their box briefly, before it’s fired wide to Palmer and then Madueke, but the attack breaks down.

Emerson leads the counter but he’s so isolated, though he does well to win a free-kick near the edge of the area.

West Ham 0-1 Chelsea

12:43 , Chris Wilson

10 mins

CLOSE!

Sanchez comes to meet the long ball and Chelsea just about manage to clear.

The away side build from the back, with Cucurella sliding in a pass to Jackson in the channel. The striker darts inside and squares it to Palmer, who sweeps a shot just wide of the far post.

West Ham 0-1 Chelsea

12:40 , Chris Wilson

7 mins

Great play from Bowen to turn Tosin on halfway, and he wins a free-kick. It’s spread wide for Kudus, and he whips in a lovely early cross that just creeps over the head of Summerville.

West Ham 0-1 Chelsea

12:38 , Chris Wilson

6 mins

That goal was almost surreal. Jackson was pretty much clean through from halfway! Almost looks like he couldn’t even believe it was that easy.

The home side look to get back into it straight away but the attack breaks down.

Chelsea come again, but Sancho’s pass in-behind runs to Areola.

GOAL! West Ham 0-1 Chelsea

12:37 , Chris Wilson

4 mins

GOAL! West Ham have fallen asleep! What on Earth has happened there?

Chelsea win a free-kick near halfway and Jackson takes it quickly. He exchanges passes before making the run in-behind the defence, and he’s in acres of space as he surges into the box.

It’s a tight angle but he produces a great finish to sneak it past Areola.

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West Ham 0-0 Chelsea

12:35 , Chris Wilson

3 mins

Palmer is clipped early on but the referee plays advantage. West Ham maybe giving an indication of what Chelsea are in for there.

The home side get their first chance to counter and it’s led by Kudus. He drives into the box and hits a half-cross, half-shot straight at Sanchez.

West Ham 0-0 Chelsea

12:34 , Chris Wilson

2 mins

Not a single starter or sub from today’s squad was involved the last time Chelsea won here, in 2021.

The away side have started fairly confidently though, knocking it around the back with plenty of composure.

KICK-OFF! West Ham 0-0 Chelsea

12:31 , Chris Wilson

KICK-OFF!

The home side get us underway at the London Stadium.

West Ham vs Chelsea LIVE

12:25 , Chris Wilson

Not far from kick-off in east London, with both sides about to take their place in the tunnel.

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Maresca speaks to TNT

12:23 , Chris Wilson

Chelsea manager Enzo Maresca tells TNT that it “nice to be back” at West Ham, where he “spent almost two years” as assistant manager, “with some good players and good human beings.

“For sure the results are always important. The main thing is to see how the team progress and adapt. I think we’re going in the right direction.”

On Jadon Sancho starting, he says: “It was not simple [choice] because we have more players. But we decided on Jadon and hope it is the right decision.”

Chelsea match facts

12:20 , Chris Wilson

Chelsea could win their opening three away games of a Premier League season for the first time since 2017/18.

The Blues’ 1-0 win at Bournemouth last weekend ended a run of 20 consecutive away matches in all competitions without a clean sheet.

In 2024, only Manchester City, Arsenal and Liverpool have earned more points in the Premier League than Chelsea’s 42.

The Blues have been shown 16 yellow cards this season, more than any other side in the top flight. Eight of those came in their last game against Bournemouth.

Christopher Nkunku has currently scored more goals for Chelsea (6) than he has made starts (5).

Match facts

12:15 , Chris Wilson

West Ham could begin a season with three straight home league defeats for the first time if they were to lose today. The Hammers have faced a league-high 73 shots across their opening four matches, and they have failed to keep a clean sheet in 11 home league games since a 0-0 draw versus Brighton in January.

Lopetegui’s side have won only two of their 12 Premier League home fixtures in 2024 (D6, L4), beating Brentford 4-2 and Luton 3-1.

The Hammers are the first club to play their opening five matches of a Premier League season in London since Charlton Athletic in 2006-07. Their first league game outside the capital isn’t until early November.

Michail Antonio could become the first player to reach 100 Premier League goal involvements for West Ham today – he currently has 67 goals and 32 assists.

West Ham v Chelsea head-to-head

12:10 , Chris Wilson

These two sides have met a total of 122 times, with the first meeting taking place in 1923. Chelsea have won 55 matches, with West Ham winning 44 and 23 ending as draws.

Chelsea have won 30 of the 56 Premier League meetings between the two – they’ve only beaten Tottenham more often in the division (35 times).

The home team won both Premier League matches last season: 3-1 for West Ham at the London Stadium and 5-0 for Chelsea at Stamford Bridge.

12:05 , Chris Wilson

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Chelsea start WSL season and new era with win

12:00 , Chris Wilson

Their men are in action this afternoon but Chelsea’s women can kick back and relax having got the job done, just about, at Kingsmeadow last night. Jamie Braidwood was there to watch the start of the Sonia Bompastor era.

Chelsea require an unexpected hero to get Sonia Bompastor era off to winning start

Enzo Maresca backs players over strike threat

11:50 , Chris Wilson

Footballers are playing too many games and not enough is being done to protect them, according to Chelsea head coach Enzo Maresca.

In the same week that Manchester City’s Rodri suggested fotballers could strike in response to fixture congestion and a lack of consultation from governing bodies, Maresca said that refusing to play “could be an idea” and hinted he believes players would be right to take action against the number of games they are being made to play.

Chelsea and City are due to take part in FIFA’s inaugural Club World Cup in the United States next summer, further limiting the amount of downtime players will get in between seasons following Euro 2024 and ahead of the 2026 World Cup.

Asked whether he felt there were too many games in the current football calendar, Maresca said: “Yes, no doubt.

“In terms of games, it’s too much. I don’t think we protect players. We can say what we think and for me it’s completely wrong the amount of games that we have.

“The only ones that can do something are the players and we can help them. In the last two weeks some of the players have tried to explain what they think. I think it’s a good starting point.

“Some of them have said (they could strike). I think it could be an idea for them.”

Rodri warns players could strike over increase in fixtures: ‘We are close to that’

Julen Lopetegui not pre-occupied by potential Lucas Paqueta betting ban

11:40 , Chris Wilson

West Ham boss Julen Lopetegui has not spoken with Lucas Paqueta about the FA gambling charges and possible suspension hanging over the Brazilian, and admitted he is reluctant to load too much creative responsibility on to the playmaker after a muted beginning to the season.

The 27-year-old is facing a lengthy ban if found guilty of breaching regulations relating to “spot fixing” in four Premier League matches during the 2022/23 season, when it is alleged he deliberately got booked in order to influence the betting market.

The Hammers have made a mixed start to life under Lopetegui with just one win in their first four league fixtures, and are yet to pick up a point at home ahead of Saturday’s meeting with Chelsea at the London Stadium.

The limited impact made so far by Paqueta, whose only goal involvement came via a penalty in the 2-1 defeat to Aston Villa, has not helped as the former Real Madrid and Spain coach seeks to transform the team’s playing style from the defensive football favoured by predecessor David Moyes into a more expressive brand of play.

The drawn-out nature of the FA’s disciplinary process means the former Lyon winger is likely to be available to play for much of this season, and the manager said he is satisfied with what he has seen so far.

“I’m happy with his behaviour and his commitment,” said Lopetegui. “He’s working very hard, he’s trying to understand what we want. We’re trying to help him to be better and better. He’s an important player.

“I don’t want to put this kind of responsibility on one player. He has to do the best he can about the offensive phase and defensive phase.

“When he is focused on the defensive work he is a much better player and we try to encourage him to always be focused in a defensive way as well as an offensive way.

“He managed (the betting scandal) in a good way. We try to help him, because until now he is one player more.

“But we don’t talk about (the charges). We talk about football, about the next match and about life. But not about this.”

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Ben Chilwell handed Chelsea lifeline as Enzo Maresca considers him for selection

11:30 , Harry Latham-Coyle

Ben Chilwell has been handed a Chelsea lifeline after head coach Enzo Maresca confirmed he is under consideration for selection after returning to training with the first team.

The England defender appeared to have no future at Stamford Bridge in August when he was not included in the core group of 22 or 23 players the Italian considered to be his first-team squad, and was told he could leave.

However, he has been named amongst the club’s 25-man squad eligible to play in the Premier League, and ahead of Saturday’s trip to face West Ham Maresca said the situation had changed.

Ben Chilwell handed Chelsea lifeline as Enzo Maresca considers him for selection

Chelsea team news

11:27 , Chris Wilson

Enzo Maresca had made three changes to the side that snuck a 1-0 win against Bournemouth last week. In defence, Axel Disasi drops out for summer signing Tosin Adarabioyo, with Wesley Fofana moving to right-back.

Captiain Enzo Fernandez returns to midfield in place of Renato Veiga, while Pedro Neto drops out for fellow summer signing Jadon Sancho, who got the assist last week along with the man of the match award.

West Ham team news

11:22 , Chris Wilson

West Ham manager Julen Lopetegui has made just two changes to the side that drew to Fulham last weekend. Kudus moves into the striker position, with Michail Antonio replaced by Crysencio Summerville.

Tomas Soucek makes way for Lucas Paqueta as an attacking midfielder.

West Ham line-up

11:19 , Chris Wilson

West Ham XI: Areola; Wan-Bissaka, Mavropanos, Kilman, Emerson; Alvarez, Rodriguez; Bowen, Paqueta, Sumerville; Kudus.

Subs: Fabianski, Creswell, Soler, Coufal, Antonio, Ings, Todibo, Soucek, Irving.

Line-ups

11:17 , Chris Wilson

Chelsea XI: Sanchez; Fofana, Tosin, Colwill, Cucurella; Caicedo, Enzo; Madueke, Palmer, Sancho; Jackson.

Subs: Jorgensen, Badiashile, Disasi, Neto, Veiga, Dewsbury-Hall, Mudryk, Felix, Nkunku.

Team news on the way…

11:10 , Harry Latham-Coyle

A 12.30 kick off means a bit of morning Premier League team news – we will very soon find out this afternoon’s combatants at the London Stadium. Will Enzo Maresca stick with a settled side? Does Julen Lopetegui have a curveball up his sleeve?

Enzo Maresca urges his Chelsea players to ignore external noise

11:00 , Harry Latham-Coyle

Enzo Maresca told his Chelsea players to continue to shut out external noise after they secured a second Premier League win of the season with a 1-0 victory at Bournemouth last weekend.

The Blues remained in the headlines during the September international break after reports emerged of a rift between co-owners Todd Boehly and Behdad Eghbali.

It is the latest off-field problem for Maresca to handle after he fielded various questions over the future of several players during a busy summer of transfer activity.

Enzo Maresca urges his Chelsea players to ignore external noise

West Ham vs Chelsea LIVE

06:25 , Harry Latham-Coyle

A very good morning and welcome along to The Independent’s live coverage of the opening clash of the Premier League weekend. It’s to the east of London we head as West Ham prepare to host Chelsea in an intriguing little lunch-time number to whet the appetite ahead of a busy weekend in the English top flight.

Kick off is at 12.30pm BST.


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Marc Cucurella holds off Daichi Kamada (Chelsea FC via Getty Images)

Chelsea v Crystal Palace LIVE: Result and final score from Premier League clash after Eberechi Eze levels

Marc Cucurella holds off Daichi Kamada (Chelsea FC via Getty Images)

A second-half equaliser by Eberechi Eze gave Crystal Palace their first point of the Premier League season as they secured a 1-1 draw away to Chelsea on Sunday, bouncing back from a poor start to grab a share of the spoils after a much-improved second half.

The home side broke the deadlock in the 25th minute after Palace defender Marc Guehi made an ill-advised raid forward and lost the ball. The Blues countered quickly, with Nicolas Jackson scoring from close range from a pass by Cole Palmer.

Outplayed for most of the opening 45 minutes, Palace eventually turned their fortunes around after the break and Eze equalised in the 53rd minute, picking up the rebound from Cheick Doucoure’s blocked shot and curling the ball beautifully into the net from outside the box.

Both sides had chances to grab a winner in the second half with Levi Colwill going close for Chelsea and Palace’s Daichi Kamada forcing a fine save, but despite just over eight minutes of stoppage time neither side could find another goal and the game ended in a stalemate.

Chelsea FC 1 – 1 Crystal Palace FC

Chelsea vs Crystal Palace

15:42

The spoils were shared at Stamford Bridge for the first time in this fixture since 1995 as Crystal Palace equalised to earn their first point of the season in a 1-1 draw with Chelsea. Jackson put the hosts ahead during a dominant first-half performance before a magnificent curling effort from Eze in the 53rd minute put Palace back on level terms. The shot from outside the box gave Eze the joint most goals (five) from outside the area in 2024, level with Phil Foden. Chelsea were left to rue missed chances as their early dominance meant they finished the game with an expected goals (xG) total of 2.27. Conversely, Palace proved clinical with the chance they had, finishing the match on 0.44xG. It leaves Chelsea just three points ahead of their opponents in 11th, while Palace move up to 16th after registering that first point.

Chelsea vs Crystal Palace

15:32

FULL-TIME: CHELSEA 1-1 CRYSTAL PALACE

Chelsea vs Crystal Palace

15:30

COULD HE?! Wharton sends the ball in from the right and it falls to an unmarked Mitchell. He struggles to get it out of his feet and his shot is blocked and hastily cleared. Mitchell so close to a birthday winner at the death.

Chelsea vs Crystal Palace

15:28

Palace get forward but are low on numbers. Sarr does well to win a corner out of the chance, however, and this could be their last chance of the game.

Chelsea vs Crystal Palace

15:28

Joao Felix picks the ball up on the turn and floats towards the Palace goal with the ball glued to his feet. It’s a brilliant run but the shot is not and Henderson has little to do to collect the weak attempt headed his direction.

Chelsea vs Crystal Palace

15:26

Chelsea are building the pressure at Stamford Bridge as they camp around the Palace box, looking for a point of entry. Visitors are doing just enough to keep them at bay for now…

Chelsea vs Crystal Palace

15:26

JACKSON CLOSE AGAIN! Jackson beats Clyne to a ball over the top in the box but Henderson does superbly again for Palace and makes himself big to block the shot. A big moment in this game perhaps.

Chelsea vs Crystal Palace

15:24

SIDE-NETTING! Chelsea counter after some danger in their own box and Jackson finds space to shoot. His shot, however, flies into the side-netting with the net bulging the wrong way.

Chelsea vs Crystal Palace

15:24

Eight minutes of additional time announced.

Chelsea vs Crystal Palace

15:22

Palmer shows his frustration at his own mistake and volleys the ball after it had gone out straight at the hoardings.

Chelsea vs Crystal Palace

15:20

While Chelsea looked dominant in the first half with a far superior expected goals tally, in the second-half they have been largely matched by the visitors as Chelsea have a total xG of 0.22 after the break and Palace has 0.18.

Chelsea vs Crystal Palace

15:20

Yellow Card Daniel Muñoz Mejía

Chelsea vs Crystal Palace

15:18

Substitution Daichi Kamada Jeffrey Schlupp

Chelsea vs Crystal Palace

15:16

Crystal Palace get forward in their numbers with Kamada supported by Munoz on the right. Kamada’s cross is blocked, however, and Chelsea attack at the other end through Mudryk. Both sides, however, struggle to find the decisive pass as Cucurella sees his cross cut out by Munoz at the other end.

Chelsea vs Crystal Palace

15:16

Substitution Chukwunonso Tristan Madueke Christopher Alan Nkunku

Chelsea vs Crystal Palace

15:14

As we enter the closing stages of the game. the players seem to have run out of steam with the pace of the game just dropping gin the last few minutes. Will the spectre of full-time rejuvenate the game?

Chelsea vs Crystal Palace

15:12

Fofana gets forward for Chelsea and attempts to play a ball into the box from the centre of the Crystal Palace half. He spots a runner at the far post but the ball is overhit and flies off the backline with little trouble for the visitors.

Chelsea vs Crystal Palace

15:10

CLOSE FOR KAMADA! Munoz attacks down the right for Crystal Palace before pulling the ball back for Kamada who is making a run towards the box. He picks it up in his stride and fires a stinging shot at goal which tests Sanchez. The Chelsea goalkeeper just does enough to keep it out.

Chelsea vs Crystal Palace

15:08

Mudryk makes an instant impact winning a free-kick level with the box out on the left side. Palmer delivers well to the back post, but Colwill cannot get it under control, and instead, it spirals off the back line for a goal kick.

Chelsea vs Crystal Palace

15:06

With 15 minutes remaining in this match, both teams are struggling to create chances that cause substantial threat. There has not been a draw in this fixture since 1995, however. Will we see a breakthrough?

Chelsea vs Crystal Palace

15:04

Gusto does depart here after going down with injury and on comes Mudryk. Can he make the difference at Stamford Bridge?

Chelsea vs Crystal Palace

15:04

Gusto goes down again clutching his hamstring this time. It is being stretched out and looks to be cramped, but Chelsea are already thin at right-back with James also out injured.

Chelsea vs Crystal Palace

15:00

Glasner uses the stoppage in play to introduce a fresh face upfront as Sarr replaces Mateta as striker for the visitors.

Chelsea vs Crystal Palace

15:00

A stoppage in play at Stamford Bridge as Gusto receives treatment for an injury he received during defensive duties receiving studs to his ankle.

Chelsea vs Crystal Palace

14:58

Madueke floats a ball across the box from the right with Jackson running in at the far post. It looked perfectly positioned but Henderson also read the ball well and plucks it out of the air before Jackson could double his tally.

Chelsea vs Crystal Palace

14:56

Despite the scores now being tied, Chelsea still lead on expected goals (xG). The hosts boast 1.87xG while Palace still only remain on 0.13 despite Eze’s goal.

Chelsea vs Crystal Palace

14:54

Jackson pushes Guehi in the back to find space for himself upfront to give away a foul. The yellow card came when the striker continued to play on and put the ball in the net after play had been stopped.

Chelsea vs Crystal Palace

14:52

Munoz breaks away from his Chelsea marker on the right side before switching play to Eze who is in space on the left just outside the box. His shot is blocked early but Palace are looking far more of a threat since their goal.

Chelsea vs Crystal Palace

14:48

The first switch for Chelsea sees Joao Felix enter the field for fellow summer signing Neto.

Chelsea vs Crystal Palace

14:48

Crystal Palace attack once more and look far more spritely after that goal. Kamada sees his cross from the right blocked by Cucurella but Palace win the corner. It’s fired into the near post but cleared by Palmer.

Chelsea vs Crystal Palace

14:46

Palace come knocking. Munoz loops a cross in from the right of the box which Richards clips back into the mix to force a clearance from the Chelsea defence. It’s looking nervy.

Chelsea vs Crystal Palace

14:44

Goal Eberechi Oluchi Eze

Chelsea vs Crystal Palace

14:42

SAVED!! Henderson superb for the visitors in these opening minutes. Palmer sends the resulting free-kick towards goal but Henderson gets up well to tip it over the bar.

Chelsea vs Crystal Palace

14:40

Substitution William James Hughes Cheick Oumar Doucouré

Chelsea vs Crystal Palace

14:40

Should it be red? Hughes fells Palmer as he surges towards the box and gives away a foul in a dangerous position. The contention comes as Hughes is already on a yellow card but Gillett does not reach for his cards on this occasion.

Chelsea vs Crystal Palace

14:36

And we are back underway as the hosts kick-off in the second-half.

Chelsea vs Crystal Palace

14:36

The teams are back out and ready to go for the second-half of action.

Chelsea vs Crystal Palace

14:32

Chelsea have looked the far stronger of the two sides at the break and duly lead 1-0 against Crystal Palace at Stamford Bridge. Jackson’s first goal of the Premier League season marks the difference between the two London clubs. Madueke and Palmer combined to provide a simple finish in the 25th minute, setting up a chance worth 0.97xG for Jackson’s goal. It means Palmer now has 15 assists for Chelsea in the Premier League, the most in Europe’s top five leagues since his debut in September 2023. He certainly contributed to Chelsea’s expected goals (xG) total of 1.77 at the break. Crystal Palace, on the other hand, have struggled to get into the game, finishing the half with just 0.07 xG. Oliver Glasner may look to his bench if he wants to see his side have a chance of picking up their first points of the season.

Chelsea vs Crystal Palace

14:22

HALF-TIME: CHELSEA 1-0 CRYSTAL PALACE

Chelsea vs Crystal Palace

14:20

Crystal Palace have a free-kick from nearly 30 yards out. With just seconds remaining on the clock, Eze tries his luck but his attempt flies wide of the near post.

Chelsea vs Crystal Palace

14:18

Three minutes of added time announced in the first half at Stamford Bridge.

Chelsea vs Crystal Palace

14:16

After receiving from Palmer on the edge of the box, Gusto takes aim from range. It is a low and powerful effort but appears to be blocked by his own teammate Madueke before it can even see a sight of goal.

Chelsea vs Crystal Palace

14:14

SAVED! Palmer sprays play out to Neto on the left who has the chance to put a cross in. Jackson is waiting in the box and does well to get his head to it and place his shot on target but the header is tame and Henderson can rise to catch easily.

Chelsea vs Crystal Palace

14:12

Crystal Palace are building momentum themselves with a spell of possession, stringing passes together in the centre of the pitch. Nothing comes of it, however.

Chelsea vs Crystal Palace

14:10

Neto plays in a cross from the left that causes problems for Henderson. It is low and straight at the near post but the Palace goalkeeper spills the initial block and has to scramble to collect the ball.

Chelsea vs Crystal Palace

14:06

As Chelsea now lead 1-0, the likely outcome of the match swings decisively in their favour. The hosts now have a win probability of 74% with Crystal Palace’s diminished to just 9%.

Chelsea vs Crystal Palace

14:04

Yellow Card Wesley Tidjan Fofana

Chelsea vs Crystal Palace

14:04

Chelsea are looking the far brighter side after that goal. They get forward again as Madueke beats Hughes for pace once more on the right. He cuts inside but drags his shot wide of the near post.

Chelsea vs Crystal Palace

14:02

There is a brief stoppage following the goal as Crystal Palace followed concussion protocol for Henderson, who received a knee to the head from his own teammate after scrambling to try and save the goal. He is deemed okay to carry on for now.

Chelsea vs Crystal Palace

13:58

Assist Cole Jermaine Palmer

Chelsea vs Crystal Palace

13:56

Goal Nicolas Jackson

Chelsea vs Crystal Palace

13:56

MADUEKE AGAIN!! Henderson pulls off a delightful save at point-blank range from Madueke’s header to keep the scores level at Stamford Bridge. After Palace’s flirt with getting back into the game, Chelsea have come back with a vengeance.

Chelsea vs Crystal Palace

13:56

SHOULD HAVE SCORED?! The hat-trick hero at Wolves Madueke receives a dinked ball over the top of the Palace defence and finds himself in behind with a sight of goal. Though under pressure Madueke has a clear space to shoot but pokes just wide of the post.

Chelsea vs Crystal Palace

13:54

While much of the opening 20 minutes have all gone Chelsea’s way, Crystal Palace are certainly feeling their way back into this one. That Wharton chance has given renewed impetus!

Chelsea vs Crystal Palace

13:50

WHARTON GOES NEAR! It’s Palace’s first chance of the game but it’s probably also the best of the game. Lovely interplay on the right for the visitors creates space for Wharton on the edge of the box. He gets a shot away under pressure which forces Sanchez into a save low to his left but the English midfielder would have hoped to make better contact.

Chelsea vs Crystal Palace

13:48

Chelsea have been dominant so far and Crystal Palace will do well to hold them off for the entirety of the match if this momentum continues. The hosts currently boast a 70% share of possession in the match so far.

Chelsea vs Crystal Palace

13:46

Jackson gets away from the Palace defence and Hughes pulls him back to stop any further danger. He goes into the book for his troubles, however.

Chelsea vs Crystal Palace

13:46

CLOSE FOR PALMER! Chelsea’s superstar finds space to shoot on the edge of the box just right of centre and looks to curl a shot towards the far post with the inside of his foot. The crowd were expectant but the ball just sailed wide of the post.

Chelsea vs Crystal Palace

13:44

Kamada is lucky to get away with just a talking to as he commits three fouls in quick succession. The Chelsea players are not happy to see no card after Neto’s reprisal following Kamada’s latest trip.

Chelsea vs Crystal Palace

13:42

Chelsea are currently sending the majority of their attacks down the right side where Wharton is doing well to cover and stop them getting much further than just inside the Palace half.

Chelsea vs Crystal Palace

13:40

Tussles all over the pitch as players grapple with each other for the ball. Neto shows his frustrations by tripping Munoz from behind and is awarded the yellow card.

Chelsea vs Crystal Palace

13:38

Chelsea are building some momentum by maintaining possession with a string of quick passing. Wharton, however, does superbly to cut out the move as Chelsea look to surge forward and turn away from pressure to keep the ball.

Chelsea vs Crystal Palace

13:34

Chelsea win a free-kick out on the left as Neto is tripped. Palmer swings it into the box but it is headed away at the first time of asking by the Palace defence.

Chelsea vs Crystal Palace

13:34

Palace come flying out of the blocks to put pressure on the hosts early. It is perhaps a little too intense as Gillett gives a foul to Chelsea deep in their own half.

Chelsea vs Crystal Palace

13:32

Palace get us underway at Stamford Bridge!

Chelsea vs Crystal Palace

13:32

The teams walk out onto the pitch at Stamford Bridge led by referee Jarred Gillett. Not long until we get underway here…

Chelsea vs Crystal Palace

13:28

Will Eze finally get his goal? The Palace forward has been involved in more shots than any other player in the Premier League this season (16 – 12 shots, 4 chances created) but is yet to register a goal or assist.

Chelsea vs Crystal Palace

13:22

Crystal Palace are without new signing Chadi Riad who was substituted after 10 minutes in their midweek clash with Norwich due to a knee injury. Matheus Franca also remains absent for the south London side. Kamada returns to the starting line-up after featuring as a substitute in their 2-0 home defeat to West Ham.

Chelsea vs Crystal Palace

13:22

Chelsea are without the services of Reece James through both suspension and injury as well as Romeo Lavia (hamstring) and Moises Caicedo (ankle) through injury. Madueke earns another start for the hosts after his hat-trick last weekend, but Mudryk drops to the bench. The Ukrainian is replaced by Neto who is handed his first Premier League start by Maresca after coming on as a substitute in Chelsea’s previous two league matches.

Chelsea vs Crystal Palace

13:18

CRYSTAL PALACE SUBS: Joel Ward, Ismaila Sarr, Jeffrey Schlupp, Cheick Doucoure, Remi Matthews, Kaden Rodney, Franco Umeh-Chibueze, Justin Devenny, Asher Agbinone.

Chelsea vs Crystal Palace

13:18

CRYSTAL PALACE (3-4-3): Dean Henderson; Marc Guehi, Chris Richards, Nathaniel Clyne; Tyrick Mitchell, Will Hughes, Adam Wharton, Daniel Munoz; Eberechi Eze, Daichi Kamada, Jean-Philippe Mateta.

Chelsea vs Crystal Palace

13:18

CHELSEA SUBS: Axel Disasi, Tosin Adarabioyo, Mykhailo Mudryk, Filip Jorgensen, Joao Felix, Christopher Nkunku, Kiernan Dewsbury-Hall, Cesare Casadei, Renato Veiga.

Chelsea vs Crystal Palace

13:18

CHELSEA (4-2-3-1): Robert Sanchez; Marc Cucurella, Levi Colwill, Wesley Fofana, Malo Gusto; Enzo Fernandez, Moises Caicedo; Pedro Neto, Cole Palmer, Noni Madueke; Nicolas Jackson.

Chelsea vs Crystal Palace

13:08

Crystal Palace remain in search of their first win of the Premier League season after defeats to Brentford and West Ham so far this season. Just as they have struggled against sides from the capital this season, Palace have also had a torrid time in their history against Chelsea. The west Londoners have beaten Palace in 13 straight meetings dating back to March 2018. Only Manchester City (a current run of 14 against Bournemouth) have ever had a longer winning run against an opponent in English Football League history. Palace come into the match off the back of a 4-0 victory against Norwich City in their midweek League Cup fixture.

13:02

Hello and welcome to live text commentary of Chelsea Vs Crystal Palace at Stamford Bridge in the Premier League this Sunday!

Chelsea vs Crystal Palace

13:02

Chelsea will be hoping to continue their winning run after picking up their first three points of the season last weekend in a 6-2 victory away at Wolves. The west London club fell to opening day defeat to defending champions Manchester City but Noni Madueke’s hat-trick at Wolves brought them up to eighth place in the table on three points. A chaotic transfer window for the hosts means they are now without Conor Gallagher who scored a brace last time the sides met when Chelsea won 3-1 at Selhurst Park. Enzo Maresca’s side come into the match fresh from qualifying for the UEFA Conference League, winning 3-2 on aggregate despite falling to a disappointing 2-1 defeat in Switzerland on Thursday.

Chelsea vs Crystal Palace

13:00

Lineups are announced and players are warming up.

Chelsea vs Crystal Palace

11:30

Follow all the goals and latest action from the Premier League here with The Independent. Team news and line-ups coming up shortly…


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Chelsea v Manchester City LIVE: Premier League result and final score after Mateo Kovacic scores stunner

Erling Haaland scored his 91st goal in his 100th appearance for Manchester City on Sunday as the champions kicked off their Premier League title defence with a lively 2-0 away win over Chelsea.

The big Norwegian, fed by Bernardo Silva, forced his way between Marc Cucurella and Wesley Fofana and finished neatly past Robert Sanchez in the 18th minute.

Former Chelsea midfielder Mateo Kovacic made sure of victory for the visitors six minutes from time, racing through a disorganised Chelsea midfield and thumping the ball into Sanchez’s net.

Chelsea, in their first Premier League outing under new manager Enzo Maresca, fashioned some hopeful attacking moves through Cole Palmer, Nicolas Jackson and recent signing Pedro Neto but were largely outclassed by their more composed visitors.

Chelsea vs Man City LIVE

  • Chelsea host champions Manchester City with kick-off at 4.30pm BST | Live on Sky

  • Raheem Sterling’s agent issues statement after winger left out of Chelsea squad

  • Chelsea XI: Sanchez; Gusto, Fofana, Colwill, Cucurella; Lavia, Caicedo, Fernandez; Palmer, Jackson, Nkunku

  • Man City XI: Ederson; Lewis, Akanji, Dias, Gvardiol; Kovacic, Bernardo; Doku, De Bruyne, Savinho; Haaland

  • GOAL! Chelsea 0-1 Man City (Erling Haaland, 19 min)

Chelsea FC 0 – 2 Manchester City FC

The more things change at Chelsea, the more they stay the same

19:15 , Chris Wilson

For all the ructions of Chelsea’s summer and the potential for huge upheaval this season, the campaign has started in as predictable a manner as it could have. Erling Haaland scored. Manchester City won 2-0. There was even the little lesson of Mateo Kovacic scoring the clinching goal after beating the two £200m-plus midfielders signed to replace him, with Enzo Fernandez not exactly showing the kind of resolve that would be expected of a captain.

His temporary elevation to that status will bring questions after a summer where he was forced to apologise to teammates after being caught on video chanting racist and homophobic slurs against members of the French team amid Argentina’s Copa America celebrations.

It was almost fitting that the game had two off-field stories before it – or the season – had even started. That came with the Chelsea line-up, which should be less surprising given that the sheer number of players is going to create issues every week.

The more things change at Chelsea, the more they stay the same

FULL-TIME! Chelsea 0-2 Man City

19:10 , Chris Wilson

City’s other goalscorer, Erling Haaland, told Sky Sports that today was “three points, [and] a perfect start”.

“First games are always hard, for everyone, it doesn’t matter if you had a pre-season or not. I had a long pre-season but I don’t feel perfect, I’m not in the perfect state. It’s good to get that win.

On his goal, he says that he “knew exactly what to do, I think it was a really good goal”.

“I remember last year he made a really good save against me, it had been irritating me for a long time, so yeah, it was a perfect goal.

“The best players are the best on the easiest things. Touching it with your right and passing with your left. That’s the important thing. Pep [Guardiola] says this to me all the time.

“I want to get more involved, that’s what Pep wants. But in games like this, do I need to be that more involved? That’s the million-dollar question. I want to get more assists and become a better player.”

WATCH: Kovacic seals it for City

19:00 , Chris Wilson

Here’s the second goal, courtesy of Mateo Kovacic.

FULL-TIME! Chelsea 0-2 Man City

18:53 , Chris Wilson

Manchester City goalscorer Mateo Kovacic spoke to Sky Sports first, and says that “it’s always tough when you miss big players”.

“I had a longer break so I could recover better, I wanted to be ready for the beginning of the season,” he adds, before stating that he played a hybrid version of Rodri’s usual role.

“I play today some kind of his role, but we are always missing Rodri because he is, if not the best player, one of the best in the world.

“I don’t score many goals and when you score you want to celebrate. But I have a huge respect for Chelsea, I spent five years here.

“I scored but that is not always the most important thing for me, the most important is winning.

“This team is so hungry and it’s a pleasure to be a part of it and win titles.”

Chelsea v Manchester City player ratings: Mateo Kovacic sparkles as Christopher Nkunku flounders

18:48 , Chris Wilson

Manchester City comfortably saw off Chelsea in their opening Premier League game of the season at Stamford Bridge.

Erling Haaland and Mateo Kovacic scored the goals as City earned a 2-0 win against Enzo Maresca’s side.

And below is how the players rated:

Chelsea v Man City player ratings: Kovacic sparkles as Nkunku flounders

Match stats

18:43 , Chris Wilson

The possession was just 52 per cent in City’s favour, with Chelsea having 10 shots to City’s 11, and three on target to City’s five.

For those who prefer the xG measure, Chelsea actually ‘won’ on xG – 1.23 to City’s 0.82. That is the lowest expected goals measure that City have had this calendar year.

FULL-TIME! Chelsea 0-2 Man City

18:38 , Chris Wilson

So, a promising start for Enzo Maresca as his new look Chelsea side showed signs of attacking flair, invention and stability in parts of the match. Nevertheless, they eventually fell to City’s superior firepower, but they’ll take a few positives from today, and on another day they could’ve come away with a point.

For City, business continues as usual. The loss of Rodri gave them less stability than they usually have, especially in defence, and the attack lacked the final bit of quality on a couple of occasions, but they know they’ll likely iron those mistakes out within a few weeks.

Not a lot to take definitively, but an interesting opening match for both sides.

18:33 , Chris Wilson

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FULL-TIME! Chelsea 0-2 Man City

18:28 , Chris Wilson

FULL-TIME!

The referee brings the match to an end and City take three points in their season opener! Chelsea got close at times, but you need a finishing touch if you want to beat the champions.

Chelsea 0-2 Man City

18:27 , Chris Wilson

95 mins

One of the last actions of the match as Fernandez unleashes a driven shot from outside the box, but it’s straight at Ederson.

Chelsea 0-2 Man City

18:26 , Chris Wilson

94 mins

City are happy to just keep the ball in the corner and run down the clock, though there’s no chance of them giving this lead away.

Chelsea 0-2 Man City

18:25 , Chris Wilson

91 mins

There are five minutes of added time but this match is over as a contest, as Doku is fouled once more.

Chelsea 0-2 Man City

18:22 , Chris Wilson

89 mins

Caicedo is just the second player to be booked today as he brings down Doku. Moments later, the Belgian does brilliantly to wriggle through three Chelsea defenders into the box, but his cutback is intercepted.

Chelsea 0-2 Man City

18:20 , Chris Wilson

88 mins

Chelsea are charging forward trying to get back into it, but they’re leaving themselves open at the back. City are knocking it around to a chorus of ‘ole’ from their fans.

GOAL! Chelsea 0-2 Man City

18:18 , Chris Wilson

85 mins

GOAL! And it’s a former Chelsea man!

Really poor on the whole from Chelsea. The ball is cleared straight to Kovacic, who is unmarked in acres of space. He drives forward towards the box and Fernandez doesn’t challenge him, so he goes for goal with an effort from outside the area. It’s not a brilliant effort and Sanchez should save it, but he palms it onto the base of the post and into the back of the net!

Chelsea 0-1 Man City

18:16 , Chris Wilson

84 mins

City really do look very comfortable now, controlling the pace of the game and refusing to concede possession. Doku does eventually run into trouble, but City win it back quickly.

Chelsea 0-1 Man City

18:14 , Chris Wilson

81 mins

Cucurella stays down after clearing the ball, and Chelsea will bring on Renato Veiga in his place.

City charge forward again, led by Doku, but they’re forced to recycle possession. It comes back to Foden, and before long it’s back with Ederson.

Chelsea 0-1 Man City

18:10 , Chris Wilson

77 mins

Chelsea fans think they have a penalty shout, but Kovacic’s hand was in a natural position. It was brilliant play from Palmer and Gusto to get into that position though.

The corner is cleared, and though Chelsea keep possession, they end up knocking it out of play for a goal kick.

Chelsea 0-1 Man City

18:08 , Chris Wilson

75 mins

Strangely, Chelsea aren’t really playing like a team desperately hunting an equaliser at home in their first game of the season. It’s very pedestrian.

City continue to search for a second, but Doku’s attempted through ball to Haaland is cut out.

Chelsea 0-1 Man City

18:06 , Chris Wilson

72 mins

The first chance of note quite a few minutes as De Bruyne fires a shot wide when he could have played in Foden.

Moments later, City swept forward again, with Lewis playing the one-two with Silva before trying to square it to Haaland, but it’s put behind for a corner.

Chelsea 0-1 Man City

18:04 , Chris Wilson

69 mins

Chelsea fans will be hoping that they’ve landed a real bargain with the signing of Marc Guiu, who cost just £5m from Barcelona as a result of a release clause. He’s one of the Blaugrana’s youngest ever goalscorers.

There is a lull in activity here as both sides struggle to gain a foothold at the moment.

Chelsea 0-1 Man City

17:59 , Chris Wilson

67 mins

Chelsea make two changes – Marc Guiu comes on for Jackson, while Kiernan Dewsbury-Hall replaces Lavia.

Chelsea 0-1 Man City

17:58 , Chris Wilson

65 mins

City are knocking it around but there isn’t a lot of penetration to their play – but they do score a disallowed goal!

They try the simple clip in to Haaland and he takes it down on his chest before failing to get the shot away properly. He rakes his boot across the leg of Colwill as he tries to shoot, and Lewis fires the ball into the back of the net on the rebound, but it’s overturned and Haaland is instead given a yellow card.

Chelsea 0-1 Man City

17:54 , Chris Wilson

62 mins

All of a sudden it’s Chelsea with all the chances! They come forward again and the cross comes in. Fernandez heads it past the goal but Gusto is there to clip it back in – it’s headed clear, though Lavia comes in to head back towards goal, and Jackson is there to wrestle with the defender and get a shot away from point blank range, but it’s straight at Ederson! Bit chaotic there.

Chelsea 0-1 Man City

17:52 , Chris Wilson

58 mins

Pedro Neto comes on for Christopher Nkunku, who’s probably been Chelsea’s best player so far today.

City are starting to try and impose themselves a bit more on this half, but it’s Chelsea with the best chance so far. They work the ball to the right wing and it’s Fernandez to fizz in an early cross. It’s a great ball, right into the gap between ‘keeper and defenders, but Rico Lewis tracks back well to put it behind for a corner.

Chelsea 0-1 Man City

17:49 , Chris Wilson

56 mins

Scrappy over the last couple of minutes, with both sides giving away cheap fouls and sloppily losing possession.

Foden hasnt been able to have the same attacking impact as Savinho yet, with City often forced to go backwards rather than forwards (or inside) at the moment.

Chelsea 0-1 Man City

17:44 , Chris Wilson

52 mins

CLOSE! City collect possession as well and it’s moved to De Bruyne near the edge of the box. His pass in is deflected perfectly into the path of Silva, who then squares it to Haaland in the box.

The Norwegian opens up to curl it into the far corner, but he hasn’t wrapped his foot around it enough and it’s a fairly simple save for Sanchez.

Chelsea 0-1 Man City

17:43 , Chris Wilson

51 mins

Gusto gives it away cheaply before doing brilliantly to track back and win it back, but Caicedo’s clipped ball into Jackson is collected by Ederson.

Chelsea 0-1 Man City

17:41 , Chris Wilson

48 mins

A slow start to this half, with City taking plenty of possession but not creating anything with it.

Palmer slips it through to Fernandez in the box, but he collides with Jackson and the opportunity goes begging.

Chelsea 0-1 Man City

17:39 , Chris Wilson

47 mins

Sanchez with a poor pass straight to De Bruyne, but the Belgian can’t capitalise as he clips a cross beyond the sky blue shirts in the box.

KICK-OFF! Chelsea 0-1 Man City

17:37 , Chris Wilson

The home side get the second half started.

City have brought on Phil Foden in place of Savinho – looks like that niggling injury got to the Brazilian in the end.

HALF-TIME! Chelsea 0-1 Man City

17:36 , Chris Wilson

The teams are emerging from the Stamford Bridge tunnel now, so we’ll be back underway soon.

Chelsea certainly look like they can salvage at least a point here, though they have to be careful not to let this match run away from them.

HALF-TIME! Chelsea 0-1 Man City

17:32 , Chris Wilson

A mixed half for both sides, defined by that moment of brilliance from Haaland.

Both teams had chances – City probably just about edged it on balance – but failed to apply the finishing touches on all but one occasion.

City look good going forward but a little more edgy at the back, while Chelsea have caused problems going forward and have overall done fairly well in defence bar that one moment.

We’re in for an interesting second half.

HALF-TIME! Chelsea 0-1 Man City

17:28 , Chris Wilson

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HALF-TIME! Chelsea 0-1 Man City

17:22 , Chris Wilson

50 mins

More penalty shouts as Nkunku goes down under plenty of sliding challenges and blocks, but nothing given again. The Frenchman perhaps could’ve done better there, having been sent almost clean through by Jackson.

The referee blows the whistle and the two teams head down the tunnel at 1-0 to City.

Chelsea 0-1 Man City

17:20 , Chris Wilson

48 mins

Gusto does well to stand his ground and dispossess Doku, and Chelsea go on the attack. It ends up falling to Enzo on the edge of the box, but he’s under plenty of pressure and never really has it under control. He collides with Dias on the edge of the box and there are shouts for a penalty, but nothing given.

The World Cup winner stays down for now, but he should be okay.

Chelsea 0-1 Man City

17:17 , Chris Wilson

46 mins

There’ll be at least five minutes added on to what has been an entertaining, if unspectacular, half of football. Chelsea look buoyed by that disallowed goal and their forward players are combining nicely at times.

DISALLOWED GOAL! Chelsea 0-1 Man City

17:16 , Chris Wilson

43 mins

Both City men are fine to play on, and their teammates are keeping plenty of the ball at the moment. When Chelsea do win it though, it’s in dangerous areas.

And there’s an example! Nkunku nips in to win possession and Chelsea sweep it wide to Palmer. He cuts inside and unleashes a fairly powerful shot but it’s straight at Ederson. The Brazilian should hold onto it, but he spills it and it falls to Jackson, who taps in!

However, the Senegal man had wandered offside as Palmer shot, so it’s disallowed!

Chelsea 0-1 Man City

17:12 , Chris Wilson

40 mins

A brilliant counter-attack chance for City but it’s ruined by Doku. Savinho does brilliantly to carry out of his half and release the Belgian on the overlap. City suddenly have a three-v-two with Haaland and De Bruyne in support – Doku tries to slide the Norwegian clean through, but it’s right at the defender and City have to settle for a long-range effort from Silva.

Both Savinho and De Bruyne are down and receiving treatment.

Chelsea 0-1 Man City

17:10 , Chris Wilson

38 mins

Fernandez tracks back brilliantly to dispossess Silva and get Chelsea out of trouble in their own box. Moments later he’s shooting in the opposition box after good combination work from Palmer, Nkunku and Jackson, but it’s deflected behind for a corner.

Chelsea 0-1 Man City

17:08 , Chris Wilson

36 mins

Savinho has beaten Cucurella twice in as many minutes, but he couldn’t put the cross in on either occasion.

Moments after, Doku collects in a central area outside the box and fires in a deflected shot that Sanchez does well to tip over.

Chelsea 0-1 Man City

17:06 , Chris Wilson

34 mins

Despite that touch Fernandez is one of the Chelsea players who’s having a good game so far, along with Nkunku and Lavia. Palmer is yet to really get into the game, but he’ll pick his moment.

A reprieve for Nico Jackson too, as he raced clear, beat a couple of the sliding challenges from City and slid a weak shot straight at a defender, but it was offside anyway.

Chelsea 0-1 Man City

17:03 , Chris Wilson

32 mins

Chelsea fans think they have a shout for a penalty but in truth it’s a terrible touch from Fernandez, who was receiving the ball on the edge of the box under the challenge from Savinho.

Chelsea 0-1 Man City

17:02 , Chris Wilson

30 mins

Rico Lewis slides in to intercept – he’s played well so far today, as he did in the Community Shield. You’d have thought City will call upon his flexibility many times this season, especially since he looks so comfortable in more attacking positions too. Have they already found the Kyle Walker replacement, or does his future lie in another position?

The match has calmed down now, with Chelsea happy to knock it around their half for the moment and City declining to press them.

Chelsea 0-1 Man City

16:59 , Chris Wilson

28 mins

Chelsea are building better attacks now but the pace of it all is still pretty hectic, as Nkunku clips a ball over all the blue shirts and then Palmer delivers one straight to Ederson.

Chelsea 0-1 Man City

16:57 , Chris Wilson

24 mins

Chelsea have some sustained possession now but it’s very frantic and not very cohesive. Caicedo tries to fizz a through ball into Jackson, but it’s straight to Akanji.

Moments after, Nkunku thinks he’s won the ball and is clean through, but he’s penalised for pulling Akanji back.

Chelsea 0-1 Man City

16:53 , Chris Wilson

22 mins

Problems for Chelsea now, as the midfield can’t get a hold of the match. Silva ships a pass across to De Bruyne, who has plenty of space as he opens his body up to shoot, but it’s wide of the far corner.

GOAL! Chelsea 0-1 Man City

16:51 , Chris Wilson

19 mins

GOAL! Out of nothing, but is it offside?

Doku has it on the left wing and he fizzes a pass into the box. Silva can’t control it but he can stretch out a leg to poke it to Haaland. The Norwegian still has a lot to do, but he takes a touch into his path, shrugs off the challenge from Cucurella and reverses a little chip past Sanchez for 1-0!

Chelsea 0-0 Man City

16:48 , Chris Wilson

18 mins

No clear-cut chances for either side yet, but both teams are looking sharp in periods. City are beginning to keep the lion’s share of the ball though.

Chelsea 0-0 Man City

16:46 , Chris Wilson

15 mins

Cucurella does well to win a foul off Doku as the Belgian looked to get onto the end of the one-two into the box. At the other end, Dias does well to, shepherding Jackson off the ball on the edge of the City box before winning a foul.

Lavia brings down De Bruyne near halfway and City have possession as De Bruyne’s early cross finds the gloves of Sanchez.

Doku and Savinho have already switched wings.

Chelsea 0-0 Man City

16:43 , Chris Wilson

12 mins

Poor again from Doku, twice in as many minutes. He works some space on the right to get past Cucurella but ends up losing out to the Spaniard, and then moments later Savinho does well to get the ball across but the Belgian skews a shot well wide.

Chelsea go up the other end but it’s a little pedestrian before Palmer is dispossessed by Kovacic.

Chelsea 0-0 Man City

16:41 , Chris Wilson

10 mins

A quick counter from Chelsea ends with Gusto playing in an early cross that Gvardiol does well to dive in and put out for a corner. Palmer swings in an inviting cross, but Fofana can only volley it wide.

Chelsea 0-0 Man City

16:39 , Chris Wilson

8 mins

Some nice touches from Savinho take him past Cole Palmer before he slots a pass into the path of Bernardo. The Portuguese’s cross is put behind for a corner, and City concede a foul when the ball is delivered in.

Chelsea 0-0 Man City

16:38 , Chris Wilson

6 mins

Chelsea have their first real attack but Rico Lewis extinguishes it after tackling Nkunku on the edge of the box. Chelsea win back possession after a sloppy pass in midfield from City, but neither side is in a rush to commit numbers forward at the moment.

Chelsea 0-0 Man City

16:35 , Chris Wilson

4 mins

Savinho’s first involvement sees a deflected cross land in the gloves of Sanchez. Moments later, Doku clips a cross towards the back post that just flies out behind the goal. Poor from the Belgian after good work from Haaland to win possession.

Chelsea 0-0 Man City

16:32 , Chris Wilson

2 mins

Rico Lewis’ first foray forward ends with the young full-back finding the side netting with a cross. Chelsea not out of their half yet.

KICK-OFF! Chelsea vs Man City

16:31 , Chris Wilson

1 min

City get us started at Stamford Bridge! City take their first steps in the hunt for five in a row.

Chelsea vs Man City LIVE

16:27 , Chris Wilson

The two teams are coming out of the tunnel now, with both sides looking focused today.

Plenty of underlying story lines before kick-off today, from the omission of Sterling to the choice of Enzo Fernandez as captain.

Another story is Erling Haaland – this is his 100th appearance in a City shirt, and he’s scored NINETY goals.

Chelsea vs Man City LIVE

16:25 , Chris Wilson

We’re five minutes away from kick-off at Stamford Bridge. Will Pep Guardiola’s side do their usual business, or will Enzo Maresca’s young side provide an opening week surprise in the Premier League?

We’ll find out soon.

Head-to-head

16:20 , Chris Wilson

A reminder of the head-to-head between these two teams – Chelsea have won 77, with City winning 66 and 41 ending as draws.

The two teams drew in both their league meetings last season, playing out one of the matches of the season as Stamford Bridge as they drew 4-4. They also met in the FA Cup semi-final, with City running out 1-0 winners.

The most famous match between the two came in the Champions League final in May 2021, where Thomas Tuchel’s Chelsea won their second trophy courtesy of a Kai Havertz goal.

That final was the last time Chelsea beat City in any competition – Chelsea are winless in their last six Premier League meetings with Manchester City (D2 L4), since a 2-1 away win in May 2021.

16:15 , Chris Wilson

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Enzo Maresca confident Chelsea can ‘close the gap’ but new manager admits he needs time

16:10 , Chris Wilson

Chelsea head coach Enzo Maresca promised it is only a matter of time before the club is ready to challenge at the top of the Premier Leaguetable, as he prepares to kick off his Stamford Bridge tenure at home to Manchester City on Sunday.

The Italian is the sixth coach to have led the team since Todd Boehly’s Clearlake Capital consortium bought the club two years ago.

That period initially saw the Blues, who last won the league in 2017, slump from being Champions League regulars to the obscurity of mid-table before recovering to put in a strong finish to last season under former boss Mauricio Pochettino and qualify for Europe.

Enzo Maresca confident Chelsea can ‘close the gap’ but new manager says he needs time

Raheem Sterling’s agent issues statement after winger left out of Chelsea squad

16:02 , Lawrence Ostlere

Raheem Sterling’s agent has issued a statement seeking “clarity” on the forward’s future after his omission from the Chelsea squad to face Manchester City.

Sterling was not among the 20-man matchday squad named by Enzo Maresca for the Italian’s first Premier League match in charge at Stamford Bridge.

Cole Palmer, Nicolas Jackson and Christopher Nkunku were named as the starting front three, while 18-year-old summer signing Marc Guiu was one of a number of forward options preferred to Sterling on the bench.

A member of the 82-cap England international’s off-field team admitted that they were surprised at Maresca’s decision to leave the 29-year-old out entirely against his former club.

Raheem Sterling’s agent issues statement after winger left out of Chelsea squad

Is Chelsea vs Manchester City on TV? Kick-off time, channel and how to watch Premier League fixture today

16:00 , Chris Wilson

With 30 minutes to go until kick-off, here’s a reminder of how you can watch this afternoon’s match.

When is Chelsea v Manchester City?

Chelsea v Manchester City kicks off at 4.30pm BST on Sunday, 18 August and takes place at Stamford Bridge, London.

How can I watch it?

Viewers in the United Kingdom can watch the match live on Sky Sports Main Event and Sky Sports Premier League, with coverage starting at 4pm BST. Subscribers will also be able to watch on a live stream via the Sky Go app.

Is Chelsea vs Man City on TV? Kick-off time, channel and how to watch

What the managers have been saying

15:50 , Chris Wilson

Guardiola named Chelsea – as well as Arsenal, Liverpool, Man Utd, Spurs and Newcastle – as a potential title rival earlier in the week, pointing to “the amount of players and their quality and the manager”.

“Six or seven teams will be there and if you drop a little bit, you will be away. This is the reality that I have felt since the first season I arrived here and after we proved to ourselves that we can do it and to try to do it again. It’s simple.

“There are 114 points to play (for) and we start from zero like everyone. Now we have to conquer again because they are not going to just give us the Premier League for the 24-25 season.

“I understand when people say we are favourites – and we have to accept it. When you win four in a row and six in seven, it is normal that you are favourites. We have to live with that – but I know what we have to do. It is point by point that we must win and, of course, every season it becomes more difficult.”

His Chelsea counterpart has said that Chelsea have been “doing well since day one” and “are improving things”.

“It is too early for the team to be where I want it to be. But I am quite happy because in terms of the process; I think the team is ahead of where I expected.

“For me, a good season would be so I can see day after day, month after month, a team that is improving. For sure with timing, we are going to close a little bit of a gap between us and the teams that are higher than us in this moment.”

On Pep Guardiola, he says that “after eight or nine years together, you can do so many different things”.

“Pep is not a manager that is always doing the same, he is always changing. For us, it will be exactly the same. It will be a tough game but exciting to start against the champions.

“We are going to try and instill our game, to win games and to make us happy, and also the fans.”

I cannot take credit for former assistant Enzo Maresca’s success – Pep Guardiola

15:40 , Chris Wilson

Despite the links between himself and Enzo Maresca, Pep Guardiola insists he cannot take any credit for his former assistant Enzo Maresca’s success as a manager.

The pair will go head-to-head on Sunday in Maresca’s first game as Chelsea boss when City launch their bid for a record-extending fifth-successive Premier League crown at Stamford Bridge.

Maresca helped City win the treble under Guardiola in 2022-23 and – after winning the Sky Bet Championship title in his first season as Leicester manager – the Italian replaced Mauricio Pochettino at Chelsea in June.

I cannot take credit for former assistant Enzo Maresca’s success – Pep Guardiola

Team news

15:35 , Chris Wilson

City have made just three changes to the side that won the Community Shield. The injured Oscar Bobb is replaced by Savinho, while in midfield, McAtee and O’Reilly drop to the bench in place of De Bruyne and Bernardo Silva.

Savinho – a mini-profile on City’s new signing

15:29 , Chris Wilson

So Savinho gets his first start for City, just over a week after making his debut for the club in the Community Shield win. The Brazilian played well on his debut, replacing Jeremy Doku and producing a similar display to the Belgian.

Savinho, who is just 20 years old, was signed for around £30m from City’s sister club Troyes. He was known more commonly as Savio last season when he played for Girona, where he got nine goals and 10 assists last season as the Catalan club qualified for the Champions League for the first time.

He has a similarly direct style of play to Doku, frequently looking to take his man on, and often utilising his speed and agility when dribbling. As a left-footer, he can play on the right wing but is often deployed on the left, as he was last week.

Despite his enjoyment when taking on defenders, the Brazilian also frequently drifts inside, helping out the attack from more central areas.

Line-ups

15:20 , Chris Wilson

Man City XI: Ederson; Lewis, Akanji, Dias, Gvardiol; Kovacic, De Bruyne, Bernardo; Doku, Haaland, Savinho.

Subs: Ortega, Walker, Stones, Ake, Grealish, Nunes, Foden, O’Reilly, McAtee.

Chelsea XI: Sanchez; Gusto, Fofana, Colwill, Cucurella; Lavia, Caicedo, Fernandez; Palmer, Jackson, Nkunku.

Subs: Jorgensen, Badiashile, Tosin, Veiga, Dewsbury-Hall, Madueke, Mudryk, Neto, Guiu.

Team news

15:10 , Chris Wilson

The teams should be announced within the next five minutes, so here’s a reminder of that early team news.

Reece James’ injury woes continue and the Chelsea captain will miss the opener with a hamstring injury, though he is also suspended.

Nicolas Jackson, Axel Disasi, Omari Kellyman and Djordje Petrovic are all doubts after missing long periods of pre-season, although Jackson is expected to feature.

Manchester City will be without Oscar Bobb, who is out with a fractured leg, while Jack Grealish is a doubt having missed the Community Shield last weekend. Pep Guardiola also recently confirmed that Rodri has not travelled to London with the squad.

Kyle Walker and John Stones are back in training after returning late following the Euro 2024 final.

A new Premier League season awaits – but Man City’s legal case casts a long and inevitable shadow

15:00 , Chris Wilson

There are only a handful of people who know exactly what is happening in the Manchester City case and one of them had to promote the new Premier League season this week.

“It’s clear we have some regulatory challenges,” competition chief executive Richard Masters said. “But I’m confident we can navigate all of that and, by the time we sit down again in 12 months, a lot of that stuff will be clearer and we can have the way we always want it, which is the football front and centre.”

It’s quite a hopeful spin that is perhaps natural from the world’s most bombastic league, especially since this season could involve a storm like no other. This could well be the most controversial and consequential campaign in the English game’s history, that reaches both Bosman and Italy’s Calciopoli in terms of its effects. It could change the face of the table, the future, the past, as well as the Premier League’s very image. An outcome of the City case is expected by April, but any time that late is almost even worse for the Premier League.

Chelsea vs Man City LIVE

14:50 , Chris Wilson

These two sides met three times last season, contesting an FA Cup semi-final as well as their two league games.

The first meeting threw up one of the games of the season at Stamford Bridge, with Cole Palmer scoring a late penalty to equalise against his old side.

The second match was slightly less exciting, though no less interesting, ending in a 1-1 draw at the Etihad.

So the FA Cup tie was the only match where one side could find something to separate themselves from the other – City won that match 1-0, though Chelsea were kicking themselves come full-time as they had plenty of chances to win it themselves.

All the most recent evidence suggests that we’re in for a cracker this afternoon!

Chelsea transfers and rumours

14:35 , Chris Wilson

The transfer merry-g-round continues at Chelsea, with the Blues reportedly close to signing Joao Felix on a permanent transfer. Conor Gallagher would likely be going the other way, with the purported transfer of Samu Omorodion falling through.

Chelsea have also been linked with a host of other players, from heavily reported links to Victor Osimhen to less believable links such as Jadon Sancho.

In terms of players leaving, Ben Chilwell has been touted for a move, with Trevoh Chalobah almost certain to leave too after reportedly being banned from the first-team facilities.

Incomings:

Pedro Neto – £54m

Kiernan Dewsbury-Hall – £30m

Filip Jorgensen – £20.7m

Omari Kellyman – £19m

Marc Guiu – £5m

Aaron Anselmino – £17m (loaned out)

Renato Veiga – £12m

Caleb Wiley – £8.5m (loaned out)

Tosin Adarabioyo – free

Outgoings:

Ian Maatsen – £37.5m

Lewis Hall – £28m

Omari Hutchinson – £20m

Diego Moreira – £1.5m

Hakim Ziyech – free

Thiago Silva – free

Malang Sarr – free

Lesley Ugochukwu – loan

Alfie Gilchrist – loan

City transfers and rumours

14:25 , Chris Wilson

With City having sold Julian Alvarez while losing Oscar Bobb to a long-term injury, there’s plenty of speculation around the club’s potential transfer targets. The only major signing they have made so far is Savio (who is now known as Savinho) from Troyes – to much irritation in some parts.

The Cityzens have been linked to both Ebere Eze and Bruno Guimaraes, but with the window closing soon and both of those players commanding huge fees, don’t be surprised to see City go with more under-the-radar signings.

In terms of outgoings, Kalvin Phillips has now gone out on loan to Ipswich, while it remains to be seen whether Joao Cancelo will be of use to Guardiola this season.

Incomings:

Savio – £21m

Outgoings:

Julian Alvarez – £82m

Taylor Harwood-Bellis – £20m

Sergio Gomez – £8.4m

Tommy Doyle – £4.3m

Kalvin Phillips – loan

Enzo Maresca v Pep Guardiola

14:15 , Chris Wilson

A little bit of background on Enzo Maresca then, as alluded to in that article.

The Italian, who had a playing career with teams including Juventus, Sevilla and West Brom, took his first managerial role with Parma in 2021, subsequently being dismissed after failing to reach the promotion spots in Serie B.

But his first job in management had actually come the season before – he was hired by Man City as the head of their Elite Development Squad in August 2020, and won the PL2 title while there.

After his failed stint at Parma, he returned to City as Guardiola’a assistant in June 2022.

One year later, he was appointed Leicester manager, and his successful stint there led to Chelsea appointing him earlier this summer.

Enzo Maresca is only the latest Pep Guardiola clone – the problem is, they can’t all win

14:00 , Chris Wilson

Pep Guardiola’s closest challenger last season was his former assistant, Mikel Arteta. The Bundesliga was won by a team managed by one of his former players, Xabi Alonso, just as the previous season’s LaLiga had been, in Xavi. The Carabao Cup in 2023 and the FA Cup in 2024 were claimed by Erik ten Hag, who was nicknamed “mini Pep” when he was in charge of Bayern Munich’s second team while the Catalan looked after the senior squad.

The Guardiolaisation of football is most apparent in England. The Manchester City manager’s greatest rival, and stylistic opposite, Jurgen Klopp is gone and his replacement is a self-professed Guardiola fan, in Arne Slot. Tottenham are under a graduate of the City Football Group, in Ange Postecoglou; so are England, temporarily, with Lee Carsley having arrived in Manchester in the same summer as Guardiola.

Enzo Maresca is only the latest Pep Guardiola clone – but they can’t all win

I’d take more satisfaction in Man City improving than title win – Pep Guardiola

13:48 , Chris Wilson

Pep Guardiola admitted he would take greater satisfaction this season from seeing Manchester City improve than in winning another Premier League title.

Six titles in seven years and a record-breaking four in succession have changed the 53-year-old Spaniard’s perspective.

His contract at the Etihad expires next year and speculation on his future will continue to mount until he decides whether or not to extend it.

I’d take more satisfaction in Man City improving than title win – Pep Guardiola

Head-to-head

13:33 , Chris Wilson

The first meeting between these two sides came in 1907, with 177 matches played since.

Chelsea have won 77, with City winning 66 and 41 ending as draws.

The two teams drew in both their league meetings last season, playing out one of the matches of the season as Stamford Bridge as they drew 4-4. They also met in the FA Cup semi-final, with City running out 1-0 winners.

The most famous match between the two came in the Champions League final in May 2021, where Thomas Tuchel’s Chelsea won their second trophy courtesy of a Kai Havertz goal.

That final was the last time Chelsea beat City in any competition.

Enzo Maresca urges Chelsea fans to be patient as he insists team is ‘improving’

13:18 , Chris Wilson

Chelsea head coach Enzo Maresca has urged fans to be patient with the team, promising it is only a matter of time before they are ready to challenge at the top of the Premier League table.

The Italian is the sixth coach to have led the team since Todd Boehly’s Clearlake Capital consortium bought the club two years ago, and he is preparing to kick off his tenure at home to Manchester City on Sunday 18 August.

“With time, we are going to close the gap. Hopefully it can happen very soon,” Maresca said in his pre-match press conference, adding that he wants Chelsea fans to be the “12th man” this season.

Enzo Maresca urges Chelsea fans to be patient as he insists team is ‘improving’

Kyle Walker insists Premier League is ‘our trophy to lose’ before a ball is kicked

12:58 , Lawrence Ostlere

Manchester City start their quest for an unprecedented fifth Premier League title in a row when they travel to Chelsea on Sunday.

Pep Guardiola’s side became the first club in the history of the English top-flight to win four titles in a row, but Kyle Walker believes it is already theirs “to lose”, despite finishing just two points above Arsenal last season.

“I wouldn’t say it’s an ego, but we’ve done this four times in a row – this is our trophy to lose,” Walker told BBC Radio 5 Live’s Monday Night Club.

Kyle Walker insists Premier League is ‘our trophy to lose’ before a ball is kicked

Match stats

12:40 , Lawrence Ostlere

Chelsea are winless in their last six Premier League meetings with Manchester City (D2 L4), since a 2-1 away win in May 2021.

Overall, City are unbeaten in their last nine meetings with Chelsea (won seven, drew two).

No team has earned more points from their opening matches of the Premier League season than Chelsea , with 67. Only Man United have picked up more wins (21) than the Blues (20).

This is the first time Chelsea have begun a top-flight season with a match against the reigning champions since 1971-72, when they lost 3-0 against Arsenal.

Nothing lasts forever and the era of Manchester City is ending

12:27 , Lawrence Ostlere

Jurgen Klopp’s departure means Pep Guardiola stands alone. Only one manager who has won the Premier League still plies his trade in it and it is Manchester City’s serial champion.

Last season rendered Guardiola a history-maker in a new respect, the first manager to win four consecutive English titles. With Klopp gone, in a sense, he has eliminated the opposition. In another, he remains a marked man. “Everyone wants the crown that we have worn for four years,” he warned last week.

Guardiola’s capacity to create teams that can win both week in, week out and year in, year out adds to City’s powers of intimidation. They have a proven ability to reel off 12 or 15 straight victories. They could become the first English club to register five straight league titles, feats that have occurred in the recent past in France, Italy and Germany, but never here.

Nothing lasts forever and the era of Manchester City is ending

Cole Palmer hopes to bring ‘success and trophies to Chelsea’ after new deal

12:12 , Lawrence Ostlere

England international Cole Palmer has signed a two-year contract extension with Chelsea.

The Premier League club confirmed that 22-year-old Palmer, who joined Chelsea from Manchester City in a £42.5million deal last September, has committed himself to the Blues until June 2033.

“I’m delighted to sign this new deal,” Cole told Chelsea’s official website.

“I achieved a lot in my first season here, and hopefully I can continue to experience great things at this club, both on a personal level and in terms of bringing success and trophies to Chelsea.”

Cole Palmer hopes to bring ‘success and trophies to Chelsea’ after new deal

Premier League results so far

12:01 , Chris Wilson

A reminder of how this weekend has gone so far in the Premier League (with match reports attached).

Fri, 16 August – Manchester United 1-0 Fulham

Sat, 17 August – Ipswich 0-2 Liverpool

Sat, 17 August – Arsenal 2-0 Wolves

Sat, 17 August – Newcastle 1-0 Southampton

Sat, 17 August – Nottingham Forest 1-1 Bournemouth

Sat, 17 August – Everton 0-3 Brighton

Sat, 17 August – West Ham 1-2 Aston Villa

Premier League 2024/25 predictions: Champions, top four, relegation, best signing, top scorer and more

11:40 , Lawrence Ostlere

Manchester City, after their fourth title in a row, are aiming for a magnificent five-in-a-row – but will this be the season Arsenal finally get over the line and win a first top-flight crown in 21 years?

Liverpool will be an intriguing watch under new manager Arne Slot and a total of five clubs will take to the new season with a fresh look in the dugout, with Enzo Maresca at Chelsea, Julen Lopetegui at West Ham, Steve Cooper at Leicester City and Fabian Hurzeler at Brighton.

Maresca at Chelsea will be a fascinating watch and how will Erik ten Hag fare at Manchester United after being given a new contract? The journeys of the newly-promoted trio of Leicester City, Ipswich Town and Southampton will be interesting, too.

Below, our writers make their predictions for the next season:

Premier League 2024/25 predictions: Champions, relegation, best signing, and more

Predicted line-ups and prediction

11:28 , Lawrence Ostlere

Chelsea XI: Sanchez; Gusto, Fofana, Colwill, Cucurella; Fernandez, Caicedo; Neto, Palmer, Mudryk; Jackson.

Manchester City XI: Ederson; Lewis, Akanji, Dias, Gvardiol; Matheus Nunes, Kovacic, De Bruyne; Doku, Bernardo Silva, Haaland.

Prediction

This should be a captivating game between two teams with aspirations of success come the end of the season. City, of course, are the better side and may well prove too strong for a Chelsea team adjusting to a new style of play under Maresca. The Italian has been heavily influenced by Guardiola having worked at City as a coach before his move to Parma in 2021. At this point, though, the mentor should get the better of his disciple.

Chelsea 0-2 Manchester City.

Team news

11:12 , Lawrence Ostlere

Reece James’ injury woes continue and the Chelsea captain will miss the opener with a hamstring injury, though he is also suspended.

Nicolas Jackson, Axel Disasi, Omari Kellyman and Djordje Petrovic are all doubts after missing long periods of pre-season, although Jackson is expected to feature.

Manchester City will be without Oscar Bobb, who is out with a fractured leg, while Jack Grealish is a doubt having missed the Community Shield last weekend. Pep Guardiola also recently confirmed that Rodri has not travelled to London with the squad.

Kyle Walker and John Stones are back in training after returning late following the Euro 2024 final – but Rodri has since been ruled out with injury.

Is Chelsea vs Manchester City on TV? Kick-off time, channel and how to watch Premier League fixture

10:58 , Lawrence Ostlere

When is Chelsea v Manchester City?

Chelsea v Manchester City kicks off at 4.30pm BST on Sunday, 18 August and takes place at Stamford Bridge, London.

How can I watch it?

Viewers in the United Kingdom can watch the match live on Sky Sports Main Event and Sky Sports Premier League, with coverage starting at 4pm BST. Subscribers will also be able to watch on a live stream via the Sky Go app.

If you’re travelling abroad and want to watch major sporting events, you might need a VPN to unblock your streaming app. Our VPN round-up is here to help and includes deals on VPNs in the market. Viewers using a VPN need to make sure that they comply with any local regulations where they are, and also with the terms of their service provider.

Chelsea vs Man City LIVE

10:45 , Lawrence Ostlere

Chelsea host Manchester City in the standout fixture on the opening weekend of the new Premier League season.

The away side, after winning their fourth successive title in 2023-24, enter the season as favourites to win a fifth crown in a row, despite an uneventful summer transfer window. But Pep Guardiola’s side have very little room for improvement after years of constant success.

Chelsea, meanwhile, will begin a new era under Enzo Maresca at Stamford Bridge, and it is very much a baptism of fire for the Italian, whose side struggled in pre-season.

The Blues have made some big-name additions again in the transfer window, notably Pedro Neto from Wolves and Kiernan Dewsbury-Hall from Leicester.

While nothing will be decided for either side in this match, a positive start in such a big game could set the tone for the season ahead.

Chelsea vs Man City LIVE

10:25 , Lawrence Ostlere

Good afternoon and welcome to The Independent’s coverage of Chelsea vs Manchester City in the penultimate match of gameweek one of the 2024/25 Premier League!

The Blues head into the match with plenty of hope under new manager Enzo Maresca, while City enter looking to lay down an early marker for Arsenal and Liverpool and remind any doubters of their credentials as favourites.

And we’ll have all the build-up and live updates as they come in.




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