Chelsea

Nizaar Kinsella
Chelsea reporter

Image source, Getty Images

Academy prospects Mahdi Nicoll-Jazuli, Reggie Watson and Tayo Subuloye have been training with Chelsea's first team this week before Friday's Premier League meeting with Brentford.

Watson, 16, made his debut in last week's 6-3 Carabao Cup win over Leeds. However, Nicoll-Jazuli, also 16, and 18-year-old Subuloye are yet to make their senior competitive debuts, despite featuring in pre-season friendlies under Xabi Alonso.

The trio were notably absent from Chelsea under-21s' EFL Trophy defeat by Wycombe Wanderers in midweek, having instead trained with the senior squad.

It remains to be seen whether Alonso will include any of them in his plans for the Blues' final match before the international break.

The 2-1 defeat at Adams Park also provided evidence of the club's growing tactical alignment between academy and first-team football.

Under-21 manager Harry Hudson used Alonso's preferred 3-4-2-1 formation, and it is understood the system is increasingly being adopted across Chelsea's academy age groups to better prepare players for a potential step up to the first team.

Dale Johnson
Football issues correspondent

Image source, Getty Images

Arsenal defender Gabriel did not commit a red card offence when he kicked Chelsea goalkeeper Emiliano Martinez in the head earlier this month, the Premier League's Key Match Incidents Panel has said.

Several players were on the floor near the goalline when the Brazil defender attempted to kick a loose ball, but made contact with Martinez's face.

Referee Chris Kavanagh could not see the incident, while video assistant referee Darren England did not initiate a review.

Both decisions in the fifth minute of Arsenal's 2-1 win have been unanimously supported by the KMI Panel.

The panel said: "Multiple players were on the ground competing and challenging for the loose ball, and the action of Gabriel was not deemed to be an act of violent conduct or serious foul play."

Image source, Getty Images

Former Chelsea captain John Terry has advised the Blues' young squad to "do the basics really well" to avoid a repeat of Saturday's 2-2 draw with Hull City.

Xabi Alonso's side have won two of their four league games this season and impressed in a 6-3 Carabao Cup victory over Leeds United.

Chelsea, who have shown promise under Alonso, are looking to avoid going three league games without a win.

"The only advice I can give in these moments, and when you go through these moments as a player, [is] do the basics really well," Terry said in a review of the Hull match on his YouTube channel.

"When you have got time to play on the ball, you have got to be really comfortable because that is the game now, but when you get opportunities, especially against teams like that [Hull] that are going to throw bodies in the box, long crosses, long throws, direct balls from the goalkeeper, you have to win those battles.

"So again, [it is] the real basics of blocks, tackles, headers from corners, from long throw-ins, all of these bits - just get the ball as far away as possible, and get people in front of you working as hard as possible. For me, that's the real basics, [and] you don't see enough of it now.

"The amount of times I used to make tackles or a big header, and the supporters would love it - they are the bits as a defender that have to get your blood going, and it is those little moments that we need to get better at."

The draw against Hull has allowed leaders Arsenal and Manchester City to open up a five-point lead on the Blues, with their next game against Brentford on Friday.

"I think, firstly, we need to get settled," Terry added. "Let's not panic, but it just feels like it is an opportunity missed.

"But Friday night becomes massive now before international break, it is a game we now have to go and win."

Nick Mashiter
Football reporter

The question as to why Aston Villa sold goalkeeper Emiliano Martinez so "cheaply" to Chelsea this summer has been the subject of several questions sent in via our Ask Me Anything form for the West Midlands club.

On the face of it a deal worth £7.5m to sell a World Cup winner and Villa's best goalkeeper in the Premier League era does look a steal.

But Martinez had been looking to go for the past two summers, Villa had a replacement already in the building in Zion Suzuki and the transfer sagas were getting tiring.

Last summer, it was potentially Manchester United and this time it was Juventus - until Chelsea made their move to take him to Stamford Bridge.

A parting of the ways was best for both parties and, don't forget, Villa were also looking to reduce the wage bill and the average age of the squad.

With Martinez being one of the higher earners and older players it made sense to find a solution for him.

Juve could not agree a fee, having tabled fairly low offers, and it looked like Martinez was staying, especially when head of football operations Damian Vidagany said in the summer his future was at Villa Park.

Yet Chelsea - and you can find their Ask Me Anything form here - needed another goalkeeper and made their move.

The final fee may look low initially but when everything is taken into consideration it was the right deal for everyone.

Ask Me Anything is a service dedicated to answering your questions.

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We asked for your thoughts after Saturday's Premier League game between Chelsea and Hull City.

Here are some of your comments:

Chelsea fans

Robin: Really poor defensive display again, with basic errors from Hato and Gusto, both of whom need to be dropped. Martinez was all over the place for the second goal as well. Five points dropped from winning positions and it's only gameweek four. It's going to be a long season.

Chris: We are a bizarre team - look absolutely incredible going forward but defensively we are a shambles. None of the defenders seem capable of defending, never make a tackle and are always the last to react. I feel for Martinez as he has often done his bit but gets no help from any defenders. We deserve to concede every game. Woeful.

Peter: This is the Premier League not a Saturday afternoon kickaround at the local park. Chelsea were unprofessional, lackadaisical, wasteful and lucky to draw as Hull should have scored four. As a lifelong Chelsea fan, I find it disappointing that we threw away two valuable points through undisciplined defensive naivety. We must play more cohesively and with intelligence if we are to prosper at this level.

James: This season is going to be fun! Goalscoring is not going to be an issue but keeping them out clearly is!

Hull fans

Gary: Excellent. After going behind, we didn't wilt and turned it around. Once Chelsea equalised we didn't sit in and defend and had good chances to win it. Full of belief and proving a lot of skeptics wrong.

Chris: I can recall the last time the Tigers drew 2-2 at Chelsea: March 1966 in the FA Cup sixth round. We were leading the Third Division at the time, with Chelsea fourth in the First Division. Ken Wagstaff scored twice in the last 10 minutes to make Tigers history. I was only 10, but I was there at Boothferry Park for the replay. Alas, logic returned and the Blues won 3-1. The current side are writing their own history. UTT.

Andy: I and many other City fans have to now start believing anything is possible. The team spirit is not something you can buy and we lead the way. Commentators and pundits need to get off their high horses sometimes and treat us like the other 19 teams in the Premier League. The shock factor is now in the past.

Ray: Can't understand why the match reports in all types of media always focus on how poor the opposition play, yet very little credit is given to the Tigers. They may not have the most expensive squad but what they do have is determination and a collective approach to each game - every player knows what they have to do. Then there's the coaching staff led by Sergej Jakirovic - current Premier League manager of the month. He was unknown when he arrived in Hull and he's delivered way beyond anyone's expectations. So, can we have a bit more credit for the Tigers and less about the opposition's failings?

Nizaar Kinsella
Chelsea reporter

Image source, Getty Images

It was a familiar story for the Premier League's top scorers.

Chelsea's entertaining 2-2 draw with Hull on Saturday means the Blues have now found the net 10 times this season - but they have also conceded two or more goals in each of their opening four league matches for the first time in 11 years.

Only Crystal Palace and Ipswich Town have conceded more than Chelsea's nine goals in the top flight so far this season.

The issue predates manager Xabi Alonso's arrival. Chelsea are now without a clean sheet in 20 league matches stretching back to January, their longest such run for 65 years.

Alonso still appears to be experimenting. This week alone, he changed shape in three successive matches - from the defeat at Arsenal to the 6-3 Carabao Cup win over Leeds in midweek and again against Hull.

Yet it was Hull who looked more likely to find a winner. No wonder there was a subdued mood at Stamford Bridge.

Alonso summed up the feeling afterwards, saying his side needed to be "competing better" and avoid being "soft" in duels.

There were also individual errors.

Jorrel Hato misjudged a cross before Hull scored their equaliser, while Mohamed Belloumi's second goal came after Chelsea failed to clear a corner.

Despite an early goal from Morgan Rogers and a second-half equaliser from Joao Pedro, with Cole Palmer involved in both strikes, Chelsea had to settle for a point.

With Rogers, Palmer and Pedro in fine form offensively this season, the Blues know they need to find solutions defensively.

Meanwhile, with Moises Caicedo out injured, Chelsea have looked short of quality and numbers in the middle of the park.

Monaco pulled the plug on Chelsea's £47m deal to sign midfielder Lamine Camara on deadline day, having made attempts to sign Roma's Manu Kone and Fulham's Sander Berge as alternative options.

Key defensive signing Maxence Lacroix was left out on Saturday but none of the defensive options have excelled this season, although their attack remain in blistering form.

It will be on Alonso to fix these problems on the training pitch with no more opportunities to sign players until the January transfer window.

Read more on Chelsea's familiar defensive failings here

John Bennett
BBC Final Score reporter at Stamford Bridge

Sitting just a few rows behind Chelsea manager Xabi Alonso, it was clear to see that he's still trying to find the answers when it comes to making this free-scoring side into a more solid team.

It was difficult not to have sympathy for Jorrel Hato, who had a nightmare first-half with some schoolboy defending to allow Hull City to equalise. It was no surprise to see him replaced at the break.

Even after that though, the Blues back-line looked nervous and the fans seemed nervy every time Hull City pushed forward. It also didn't help that Emi Martinez has not hit the ground running in a Chelsea number one shirt.

There are some excellent individual players in that Chelsea defence but - whether it's a back four or back three - Alonso needs to find solutions quickly or there is no way they'll be able to keep pace with some of the more complete teams at the top end of the Premier League.

It must be getting frustrating for their amazing attacking players who are certainly delivering so far in this campaign.

Whether you were at the game or following from elsewhere, we want to know what you learned.

Have your say on Chelsea's performance

What did you make of Hull City's display?

Reaction and analysis to follow - and come back on Monday for a selection of your replies.

Nizaar Kinsella
Chelsea reporter

Image source, Getty Images

There was a subdued atmosphere at the final whistle among Chelsea's players, staff and supporters.

They had watched the team's free-flowing attacking football come unstuck against a Hull City side who had not conceded a Premier League goal before kick-off.

Chelsea had previously beaten Fulham 3-2, won 4-3 at home to Brighton and lost 2-1 at Arsenal. They also overcame Leeds 6-3 in the Carabao Cup on Wednesday.

Having conceded twice here, Chelsea have now gone 20 Premier League matches without a clean sheet, a run stretching back to January. They have also conceded two or more goals in every match against Premier League opposition under new manager Xabi Alonso.

Although Chelsea are the division's top scorers with 10 goals this season, they have also conceded nine, more than all but two other Premier League sides.

The question is why, and whether the issue can be solved with the players currently at Alonso's disposal.

There is little doubt that Alonso's tactical changes have at times left Chelsea vulnerable and lacking control in possession.

Chelsea's midfield options have also come under scrutiny since Monaco withdrew from a £47m deal for Lamine Camara on deadline day. While the attack has largely thrived, several defenders have struggled for consistency.

The signing of goalkeeper Martinez from Aston Villa for £7.5m to replace Robert Sanchez has not, on its own, resolved those problems.

In recent weeks, Chelsea have often been rescued by the quality of Palmer, Joao Pedro and Rogers. This time, however, the task proved too great.

Joao Pedro still earned Chelsea a point, finishing from Palmer's low cross after earlier providing the assist for Rogers' opener.

While Chelsea's football has been entertaining, it is difficult to see how they can continue relying on this approach and consistently produce positive results.

Chelsea boss Xabi Alonso told BBC Match of the Day: "We're disappointed with the result. We wanted to win. We have to be disappointed with some parts of the performance especially when we had the lead.

"We were too soft for the equaliser. We can do much better.

"[Playing well for] 15 to 20 minutes is not enough. You have to be on your top for 90 minutes. There are times we're not able to keep that momentum and intensity. We could have done more for sure because we had chances.

"We had one or two good chances to get the winner but you're still open. Not happy. We can do better. We got what we deserved.

"We need to be more solid and be more controlled. New players and new staff. This is the process. In a few months I'm sure we'll be able to control better."

Did you know?

• Chelsea have conceded 2+ goals in each of their first four matches to start a Premier League season for the first time since 2015-16 (first five games).

• The Blues' first two Premier League home games in 2026-27 have seen 11 goals (six for, five against), the most in Chelsea's opening two home league matches since 1997-98 (also 11), while they've only once before shipped five goals across their opening two home league games without losing, in 1932-33 (D2 GF6 GA6).

There are seven games in the Premier League on Saturday and BBC Sport will bring you every moment.

• Aston Villa v Nottingham Forest

• Bournemouth v Brentford

• Chelsea v Hull City - listen on BBC Radio 5 Sports Extra 2

• Crystal Palace v Ipswich Town

• Liverpool v Fulham - listen on BBC Radio 5 Live

• Tottenham v Everton (17:30) - listen on BBC Radio 5 Live

• Sunderland v Arsenal (20:00)

Kick-off times 15:00 BST unless stated.

Follow all of the action and reaction here

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I have happy memories of this fixture because one of my three goals for Chelsea came against Hull City in the FA Cup.

Hull haven't conceded yet and they are the team I have been most wrong about so far this season.

With every passing week, they are putting more egg on my face but it can't keep happening, can it?

It probably can, but I am still going for Chelsea to win this. The Tigers have defended brilliantly so far, but they are not going to keep out Cole Palmer, Morgan Rogers and Joao Pedro.

Hull will defend ferociously but, as Chelsea showed in the Carabao Cup against Leeds on Wednesday, they have enough quality to play through teams who sit in; and, if they score first, then Hull will have to open up - that's my theory anyway.

The only thing I was unsure about was whether Hull would score too. Chelsea still seem to be a bit chaotic with the way they defend, and they have leaked a few goals, but I have given them a clean sheet. They need one.

Sutton's prediction: 3-0

Read the full predictions and have your say here

Noel Sliney
BBC Sport senior journalist

Chelsea have hosted Hull City 18 times in the league without ever losing, a club record for both sides.

However, the unbeaten visitors currently sit one place above Chelsea, who could go five home league games without a win against newly promoted opposition for the first time since 1948.

Potent but porous

With 26 goals in their five matches, Chelsea have been anything but dull – not that manager Xabi Alonso would mind that. "We want to have better balance, to be more solid, to be able to win in a boring game as well," he reflected after his side came from 2-0 down in midweek to beat Leeds 6-3 in the Carabao Cup third round.

That result was indicative of Chelsea's breathless start to the season, including needing three and four goals respectively to beat Fulham and Brighton. The glut of goals scored – 16 so far by Chelsea players – has masked defensive deficiencies.

Chelsea are conceding an average of two goals per game this season, with only Ipswich facing more shots on target in the Premier League than Chelsea's 21.

The lack of clean sheets is a longer-term issue; the Blues have gone 19 league matches without one, the joint-third longest run in the club's history.

Hull yet to be breached

Hull City head coach Sergej Jakirovic joked on Thursday that the only way to stop Chelsea's free-flowing forwards is "to kick them".

This fixture certainly promises to be the sternest test yet for a promoted side who could become the first to start a Premier League season with four consecutive clean sheets.

The Tigers have only faced nine shots on target – the fifth fewest in the division – and are one of just two teams, along with Leeds, yet to make an error leading to a shot on target against them.

While a much-changed side were knocked out of the EFL Cup by Sunderland in midweek, Hull's defensive resolve has given them the platform to earn seven points from their opening three league matches.

Only three clubs in Premier League history have been relegated after making a similar start (latterly Leeds in 2022-23) – and the five other promoted sides to reach seven points at such an early stage all stayed up.

Josh Lobley
BBC Sport journalist

Chelsea boss Xabi Alonso has been speaking to the media before Saturday's Premier League game against Hull at Stamford Bridge (kick-off 15:00).

Here are the key lines from his news conference:

• Moises Caicedo is not available for this weekend's match: "Let's see for Brentford, but it's not the moment to take the risk with him. Not yet."

• Fellow midfielder Jordan Henderson is in the same position, with the 36-year-old not ready to be involved this weekend but Alonso "hopes" he can be for the next game.

• The Blue boss was asked about a potential change in ownership structure at Stamford Bridge: "I'm not the guy to give you information about those things. I'm very happy with how we have started and how we are working together, aligned and this is all I can say at the moment."

• Pedro Neto signed a new contract at Chelsea on Friday and Alonso spoke about his adaptation to a wing-back in his system: "For me, he is a winger. You can call him a winger or wing-back because he has many qualities. He can play on the last line and defend on the first line. He has this capacity to do many things. He is good in one-on-ones, he is scoring goals and has a fantastic work rate. He connects very well with players around him."

• On the off-pitch relationship between Cole Palmer and Morgan Rogers: "I would say [it helps] a lot. Even before they were playing together they were so connected. We were following this connection for a few weeks before the transfer happened and Cole was very influential. He played an important role, Morgan as well. We are happy that this happened now."

• He was asked if he ever had influence on a signing like Palmer did: "Probably, but not as much as Cole!"

Listen to full match commentary on BBC Radio 5 Sports Extra 2 on Saturday from 15:00 BST

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Got a question about Chelsea? Get in touch here and we'll seek answers from our experts

Nizaar Kinsella
Chelsea reporter

Image source, Getty Images

Chelsea winger Pedro Neto has signed a contract extension on improved terms until 2032.

The 26-year-old Portugal international has featured regularly under new manager Xabi Alonso, operating as a wing-back in the Spaniard's much-changed tactical system at Stamford Bridge.

Neto described signing a new deal as an "unbelievable moment" and added: "I feel at home here. I feel like I want to achieve more things here."

"I'm really excited because I think we can achieve a lot of things together."

It is the second contract renewal at Stamford Bridge in recent weeks after striker Joao Pedro signed improved terms last month.

Chelsea are conducting a review of first-team contracts and are looking to reward players they believe have earned improved terms.

Neto, meanwhile, was linked with a move away during the summer but remained with the Blues despite ongoing speculation, including reported interest from Manchester City.

Speaking about Neto's new role before Saturday's match against Hull City, Alonso said: "For me, he is a winger. You can call him a winger or a wing-back because he has many qualities.

"He can play on the last line and he can defend on the first line, so he has the capacity to do many things. He is good in one-on-one situations, he is scoring goals and he has a fantastic work rate.

"He connects very well with the players around him. I knew him well from watching many of Chelsea's games.

"With him, you know that he is going to compete and you want those kinds of players in your team. I am very happy with Pedro and the work he is doing."

Nizaar Kinsella
Chelsea reporter

Image source, Getty Images

Xabi Alonso left his last news conference in a subdued mood and wanting to conduct a "deeper analysis".

That was despite Chelsea producing an impressive comeback to beat Leeds United 6-3 at Stamford Bridge in the Carabao Cup on Wednesday.

It came after Alonso made four changes at half-time, introducing Cole Palmer, who scored twice, and Morgan Rogers, who provided four assists.

There are now questions over whether the Blues' fringe players are close to the level of the club's established stars after a poor first-half display.

However, the broader picture remains positive at Stamford Bridge, with Chelsea scoring 16 goals and conceding 10 in the opening five matches of Alonso's tenure.

It is clear the Spaniard is still implementing his system and Chelsea have at times lacked control in possession. Most importantly, though, he has won four of his first five matches in charge.

Chelsea appear to be an improvement on last season's side, although there is still significant room for refinement.

Come back to this page later on Friday for all the key lines from Alonso.

Martin Zubimendi may push to leave Arsenal in January after losing his place in the XI, with Chelsea and Real Madrid interested in the 27-year-old Spain midfielder. (Teamtalk, external)

Real Madrid have offered 21-year-old Turkey midfielder Arda Guler, who counts Chelsea manager Xabi Alonso among his admirers, a six-year contract. (Fabrizio Romano, via Teamtalk, external)

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

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