Chelsea may claim in some quarters to have won the transfer window but it was Nottingham Forest that won the match on Saturday as problems mounted for Mauricio Pochettino after deadline day.
The Blues, who turned to Cole Palmer from the bench, were dished out yet another defeat as they crashed to a disappointing result and now head into the first international break of the season with plenty on their plate.
Talk of Ben Chilwell setting the team back as well as Nicolas Jackson’s guilt-edged miss dominated from a game in which possession once more couldn’t be turned into goals at Stamford Bridge. We’ll have all the reaction to that game and the fallout into the next fortnight that promises not to be too kind to the new owners and management.
In other news, perhaps more positive news, the Blues are already planning for the future and have sounded out their next big-name transfer. It is once again reported that Ivan Toney will be strongly pushed for in January and that the groundwork is being done ahead of a move. They could have done with him yesterday!
There’s also the latest on a potential but unlikely return to Stamford Bridge for Eden Hazard and what could be a surprise late summer move for Marc Cucurella.
Chelsea given Jackson message
William Gallas has urged Chelsea to sign another new striker despite the summer purchase of Nicolas Jackson.
The 22-year-old missed a golden chance in Saturday’s defeat against Nottingham Forest with Gallas now providing his verdict on the forward and what the Blues must do in the next transfer window.
Speaking to Gambling Zone, he said: “Chelsea need a striker, one striker and maybe one experienced midfielder. They need a striker although it looks like Jackson is really good, he is still young and has to learn. I don’t know if he is going to score enough goals for Chelsea to help them win the Premier League one day.
“To win the Premier League, your striker needs to reach around 20-25 goals and I don’t think Jackson will do it, even though I think he is a really good young player who you can see his qualities.
“The midfield of Chelsea is too young. When you want to play in the PL you need experienced players. At the moment they only have experienced players at the back and that is not enough.”
Mudryk brutally labelled ‘absolutely useless’
Former Premier League forward Gabby Agbonlahor has unleashed a barrage of criticism at Chelsea star Mykhailo Mudyrk following his performance against Nottingham Forest off the bench.
“Mudryk come on, he nearly gave away two goals,” Agbonlahor said on
Thiago Silva responds to Chelsea fan backlash
Chelsea suffered a shock defeat to Nottingham Forest on Saturday afternoon at Stamford Bridge with one fan calling for Thiago Silva to be dropped as a result.
The veteran defender to the claim suggesting he should be dropped. On
, Silva replied: “If you look closely at the game, we are playing with a line of 4 my friend! But there’s no problem in assuming that I’m also responsible for the defeat. put the pressure on me, *thumbs up emoji*, no problem yesterday!”
Chelsea labelled an ’embarrassment’ by national media
Chelsea suffered a shock defeat to Nottingham Forest at Stamford Bridge on Saturday with similar problems again exposed. Mauricio Pochettino’s side dominated the ball and had chances but lacked the cutting edge to convert those, something that Anthony Elanga did not have as he stroked home the only goal of the game from close range just after the break.
The Blues have suffered two defeats so far this season with Pochettino sticking by his back five formation that sees Ben Chilwell practically play as a winger. Raheem Sterling and Nicolas Jackson, the two goalscorers against Luton Town, combined to give Chelsea their best chance of the game but Jackson shockingly poked over from five yards out.
Despite controlling the game, Matt Turner was only forced into making two saves with a lapse of concentration in midfield ultimately costing the hosts. Moises Caicedo and Conor Gallagher tried to build up play from deep but were clearly not on the same wavelength as Taiwo Awoniyi stole possession and threaded a perfect pass through the legs of Thiago Silva and into the path of Elanga who caressed the ball into the far corner.
Hazard return?
This usually cheers Chelsea fans up; Eden Hazard could yet return this summer.
It’s highly unlikely but the Belgian hasn’t found a new club yet since leaving Real Madrid at the end of last season.
He is currently a free agent and that gives Chelsea the chance to do the unthinkable and bring one of Stamford Bridge’s most adoured figures back for one last dance!
