Straight Outta Cobham: The Athletic FC's Chelsea show

Chelsea suffer penalty shootout heartache at the hands of Liverpool yet again…

Matt Davies-Adams and The Athletic’s Liam Twomey join forces to look back on the defeat at Anfield in the Carabao Cup on Wednesday evening - and look ahead to the visit of crisis club Manchester United on Saturday.

What the heck is going on with Estevao? Has the fan sentiment around Xabi Alonso already started to shift? And just how much pressure is their going into what feels like a must-win against a Man United side in complete and utter disarray?

Our old friend Cerys Jones is back - now on the United beat - to tell us how Michael Carrick is still in his post - and what to expect from his side on Saturday lunchtime.

00:00 - Intro

01:43 - Get Shirty

02:47 - Defeat at Anfield

03:27 - Estevao’s exclusion

11:56 - Emegha’s impact off the bench

14:35 - Fofana’s difficult evening

18:57 - Manchester United preview w/ Cerys Jones

20:46 - How is Carrick still in charge?

23:03 - What’s going on with Fernandes?

24:22 - How’s Andrey Santos getting on?

27:44 - Mason Mount’s role

28:52 - How can United hurt Chelsea?

32:04 - Is the optimism draining out of the fanbase?

32:37 - CFCW 2-0 Roma in the UWCL

44:28 - Selection dilemmas / Lacroix’s injury

46:57 - Academy news

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For just the second time in 36 years, Chelsea have been beaten by Tottenham at Stamford Bridge.

Matt Davies-Adams, Simon Johnson and Luke Bosher assemble to look back on the horror 2-0 defeat by rivals Spurs on Saturday evening.

We dissect the hugely disappointing performance and result - which raises questions about Xabi Alonso’s game management. Why weren’t changes made sooner? Why did Cole Palmer lose his head? And what will Chelsea do if Joao Pedro is out for an extended period of time?

Elsewhere, CFCW fought from a goal down to beat Crystal Palace - and go top of the WSL table!

00:00 - Intro

02:15 - Chelsea 0-2 Tottenham review

04:29 - Is the defeat on Alonso?

08:32 - Joao Pedro’s absence

09:05 - Jackson thriving at Villa

17:05 - Poor old Mike Penders

23:02 - Set-piece difficulties continue

24:46 - Palmer’s ill-discipline

32:44 - Is this just what Chelsea are now?

37:04 - Liverpool v Chelsea preview

40:14 - Will Estevao get a start?

44:27 - Predictions?

45:03 - Elsewhere in Chelsea news

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Chelsea’s favourite opponents come to Stamford Bridge on Saturday evening, as the Blues look to make it SEVEN straight wins against Tottenham in the Premier League.

Matt Davies-Adams has got Sam Parkin and Luke Bosher alongside him for a look ahead to the visit of Spurs.

How will Chelsea handle being overwhelming favourites coming into the game? Will Mike Penders show he’s ready to be No. 1? And how are Spurs feeling heading into this match after their first win of the season against Coventry on Monday? We speak to The View From The Lane’s Dan Kilpatrick to find out.

Plus - Chelsea Women look to continue their excellent form when they head to Crystal Palace in the WSL.

00:00 - Intro

02:09 - Get Shirty

05:00 - Chelsea v Tottenham preview

05:29 - Is Mike Penders ready?

07:31 - Defensive set-up - Palestra’s role

16:12 - Are we getting too carried away?

19:09 - How much can we read into the table?

21:02 - Calm or chaos on Saturday?

23:18 - Pre-match predictions

26:38 - Tottenham perspective with Dan Kilpatrick

35:50 - Crystal Palace v CFCW preview

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A win at Everton! And a clean sheet! What’s going on?!

Matt Davies-Adams is joined by The Athletic’s Chelsea experts Liam Twomey and Simon Johnson for a look back on the 2-0 win at the Hill Dickinson.

We’ve got a full debrief of the victory - including Neto’s transformation under Xabi Alonso, Caicedo’s seamless return to action and more love for Jordan Henderson. Plus, the latest on the injuries to Emi Martinez and Reece James.

Elsewhere - Chelsea Women romped to a 6-2 victory over Tottenham at Stamford Bridge to keep the pressure on Manchester City at the top of the table.

00:00 - Intro

01:59 - Everton 0-2 Chelsea

05:08 - Reece James’ injury

00:00 - Captain Caicedo

10:27 - Jorrel Hato impresses

13:20 - Formational intrigue

18:31 - Neto’s transformation

23:13 - Jordan Henderson appreciation section

27:59 - Martinez’s injury, Penders’ opportunity

36:35 - Elsewhere in Chelsea news

37:19 - CFCW flying

39:10 - Reggie Watson’s star is growing

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After just one win in their last nine matches away at Everton, can Xabi Alonso’s side come away with from the Hill Dickinson with a victory on Saturday?

Matt Davies-Adams has got Sam Parkin and Luke Bosher for company to preview the trip to take on the Toffees.

Plus, Chelsea Women get back to WSL action when they face Tottenham at Stamford Bridge on Sunday.

And - which current outfield player is most likely to have a turn as an emergency keeper?

00:00 - Intro

01:15 - Get Shirty

02:45 - Everton v Chelsea preview

03:55 - Do players think about the curse?

06:15 - Any changes in team selection?

10:45 - Reece James’ injury

13:30 - Colwill’s captaincy credentials

17:45 - Henderson’s role

21:15 - Another fast start?

24:30 - Kiernan-Dewsbury Hall/ Tyrique George revenge game

31:30 - Get Shirty reveal

34:15 - Chelsea v Tottenham in the WSL

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Chelsea’s fast starts continue - and this time they manage to hold onto their lead!

Matt Davies-Adams has The Athletic’s Chelsea correspondents Simon Johnson and Liam Twomey for company to look back on the 5-1 win over Bournemouth at Stamford Bridge.

We talk Caicedo’s return, Henderson rolling back the years, Palmer’s new contract - and Joao Pedro’s Golden Boot credentials.

We’ll be back on Thursday for a look ahead to Saturday’s trip to the Hill Dickinson Stadium to face Everton.

00:00 - Intro

02:30 - Chelsea 5-1 Bournemouth

03:15 - Welcome back, Moi!

05:25 - Jordan Henderson rolls back the years

10:35 - Reece James injury worries

12:45 - Chelsea’s fast starts

16:15 - Joao Pedro for Golden Boot?

23:15 - Palmer’s contract extension

29:00 - Estevao sidelined again

35:50 - Elsewhere in Chelsea news

36:45 - Shakhtar at Stamford Bridge

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The Premier League returns and Chelsea look to get their season back on track when winless Bournemouth visit Stamford Bridge on Saturday afternoon.

Matt Davies-Adams has got Liam Twomey and Sam Parkin for company - on the day it was announced that co-sporting director Laurence Stewart is set to leave the club.

We discuss the significance of that departure - before a closer look at the weekend ahead and some of the key selection and system dilemmas facing Xabi Alonso.

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HOST: Matt Davies-Adams

WITH: Liam Twomey and Sam Parkin

PRODUCER: Lucy Oliva

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Should Chelsea count themselves lucky to not be in Manchester City’s position?

Matt Davies-Adams, Sam Parkin and Luke Bosher assemble in a week which has shaken football.

We discuss the City scandal , before taking a closer look at the season so far and some of the issues that have plagued Xabi Alonso’s side in the early stages of this campaign.

Plus, CFCW get the better of bitter rivals Arsenal - and who’s done what in the international break so far?

HOST: Matt Davies-Adams

WITH: Luke Bosher and Sam Parkin

PRODUCER: Lucy Oliva

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Chelsea were well beaten by Brentford on Saturday as the Blues collapsed to a 3-0 defeat in west London.

Matt Davies-Adams is joined by The Athletic’s Simon Johnson and Liam Twomey to look back on a miserable afternoon, including another set-piece goal conceded, Chelsea’s problems defending corners, a poor performance from Morgan Rogers and the growing reliance on Cole Palmer, Pedro Neto and Rogers for goals.

We also discuss the absence of Reece James, the surprise midfield pairing of Andrey Santos and Filip Jorgensen, Xabi Alonso’s late substitutions and whether Chelsea’s defensive problems are down to personnel, tactics or both.

Plus, we hear your correspondence and round up the latest from Chelsea’s women’s, Under-21s and Under-18s sides.

Get in touch:

Email: socpodcast@theathletic.com

Straight Outta Cobham is The Athletic's dedicated Chelsea show bringing you the very best coverage from behind the scenes at Chelsea. Twice a week, host Matt Davies-Adams is joined by Liam Twomey, Simon Johnson, Luke Bosher and Sam Parkin to bring you expert analysis, news and insights. Subscribe now.

#cfc #chelsea #chelseafc #premierleague

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Todd Boehly’s four-year association with the club has come to an end, with Clearlake Capital taking full control of Chelsea FC. So what does the change mean for the club going forward?

Matt Davies-Adams is joined by The Athletic’s Liam Twomey and Sam Parkin to discuss the ownership change before turning their attention to Friday night’s trip to Brentford.

We look at the likely formation and team news, whether Moises Caicedo will be rested, the latest on Chelsea’s defensive options, Liam’s piece on Malo Gusto and the midfield problem created by injuries.

We also have the latest on Chelsea’s Carabao Cup draw, the women’s return to Stamford Bridge and the academy sides.

Get in touch:

Email: soc@theathletic.com

X: @SOCobhamPod

Straight Outta Cobham is The Athletic's dedicated Chelsea show bringing you the very best coverage from behind the scenes at Chelsea. Twice a week, host Matt Davies-Adams is joined by Liam Twomey, Simon Johnson, Luke Bosher and Sam Parkin to bring you expert analysis, news and insights. Subscribe now.

#chelseafc #cfc #chelsea #football #premierleague

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Chelsea throw away another lead as Hull City fight back to earn a 2-2 draw at Stamford Bridge. Is Xabi Alonso’s side becoming too reliant on outscoring opponents, and how big a problem is the defence?

Matt Davies-Adams is joined by The Athletic’s Simon Johnson and Sam Parkin to look back on a frustrating afternoon for Chelsea, including more questions over Malo Gusto, Morgan Rogers’ brilliant start, and the decision-making from Xabi Alonso.

We also discuss whether Penders should get a chance in goal, Chavarria’s case for a start, the latest from the Chelsea ownership group, and how the women’s and academy sides got on at the weekend.

Get in touch:

Email: soc@theathletic.com

X: @SOCobhamPod

Straight Outta Cobham is The Athletic's dedicated Chelsea show bringing you the very best coverage from behind the scenes at Chelsea. Twice a week, host Matt Davies-Adams is joined by Liam Twomey, Simon Johnson, Luke Bosher and Sam Parkin to bring you expert analysis, news and insights. Subscribe now.

#chelseafc #cfc #chelsea #football #premierleague

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Chelsea 6 - 3 Leeds United. Did you think that was going to be the final score when Brendan Aaronsen put Leeds 2-0 up just after the restart? Chelsea did end up thrilling in Leeds comeback, but are they too reliant on Xabi Alonso’s A team?

Matt Davies-Adams has got The Athletic’s Sam Parkin and Simon Johnson for company to look back an incredibly entertaining night in the Carabao Cup - and look ahead to Hull City on the weekend!

Get in touch:

Email: soc@theathletic.com

X: @SOCobhamPod

Straight Outta Cobham is The Athletic's dedicated Chelsea show bringing you the very best coverage from behind the scenes at Chelsea. Twice a week, host Matt Davies-Adams is joined by Liam Twomey, Simon Johnson, Luke Bosher and Sam Parkin to bring you expert analysis, news and insights. Subscribe now.

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It’s another defeat for Chelsea at the Emirates, but did Xabi Alonso’s side show they’re closer to Arsenal’s level than they have been in quite a while?

Matt Davies-Adams has got The Athletic’s Liam Twomey and Luke Bosher for company to look back on the 2-1 defeat by the reigning Premier League champions - and look ahead to the visit of Leeds in the third round of the League Cup on Wednesday evening.

Plus, Chelsea Women got their WSL off to a frustrating start, held to a 1-1 draw by Aston Villa. And - can you name a player who’s donned the shirt of Chelsea, Leeds - and Everton?

HOST: Matt Davies-Adams

WITH: Luke Bosher and Liam Twomey

PRODUCER: Lucy Oliva

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There was late deadline day drama as Enzo Fernandez’s move to Manchester City was finally confirmed - but the arrival of Lamine Camara collapsed in spectacular fashion at the last moment.

Matt Davies-Adams is joined by Sam Parkin and Liam Twomey for a look back on the closing of the transfer window - and a look ahead to Sunday’s first huge test of the season as Chelsea make the trip across London to face champions Arsenal. 

Plus, Mudryk trying not to be Spursy, a fresh start for Rob Sanchez in Como -  and the start of the WSL season! 

HOST: Matt Davies-Adams

WITH: Liam Twomey and Sam Parkin

PRODUCER: Lucy Oliva

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Chelsea made it back-to-back wins to start the Premier League season in front of a raucous Stamford Bridge - courtesy of a chaotic 4-3 victory over Brighton.

Matt Davies-Adams has Simon Johnson and Sam Parkin for company to look back on the incredibly entertaining win for Xabi Alonso’s side - which showed off the Blues’ attacking prowess, but reiterated the need for more solidity at the back.

We’ve got a full breakdown on Sunday’s game, plus the latest on the futures of Enzo Fernandez and Robert Sanchez with the transfer window closing in less than 36 hours.

*An apology for the shoddy quality of audio since we have made the swap over to YouTube - this is hopefully sounding a lot better for you!

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Chelsea progressed to the third round of the League Cup courtesy of a 2-0 win over Luton Town. Next up, old friends Brighton in the Premier League!

Matt Davies-Adams has got Sam Parkin and Luke Bosher for company following the big news that the Blues have agreed a £7.5m deal to sign Emiliano Martinez from Aston Villa.

So, is Martinez the player to turn Chelsea into serious contenders? How positive are the early signs under Xabi Alonso? And with the Enzo Fernandez saga seemingly coming to a head following his absence from the squad on Thursday night - do the club have enough midfield cover to cope without him?!

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HOST: Matt Davies-Adams

WITH: Luke Bosher and Sam Parkin

PRODUCER: Lucy Oliva

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Chelsea kicked off their Premier League campaign in style (mostly thanks to a 3-2 victory over Fulham, with Cole Palmer back to his dazzling best but alarm bells ringing again after Robert Sanchez’s errors in goal.

Matt Davies-Adams is joined by The Athletic’s Simon Johnson and Liam Twomey for all the fallout from Craven Cottage - plus a look ahead to Thursday’s visit of Luton Town in the second round of the League Cup.

Plus - memories of Chelsea’s last cup meeting with the Hatters, the potential transfers of Liam Delap and Mykhailo Mudryk - and another shirt with a connection hanging on the back of Matt’s door…

*An apology for the shoddy quality of audio since we have made the swap over to YouTube - this is hopefully sounding a lot better for you!

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HOST: Matt Davies-Adams

WITH: Simon Johnson & Liam Twomey

PRODUCER: Lucy Oliva

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Do Chelsea head into the 2026-27 Premier League season as serious contenders for titles again?

Matt Davies-Adams has got The Athletic's Liam Twomey and Luke Bosher alongside him for a look ahead to Monday's trip to Fulham as Xabi Alonso's reign in charge officially begins.

Plus - a closer look at the players the Blues are still hoping to shift in the closing stages of the transfer window, some broader predictions about the season as a whole - and big news off the pitch with Todd Boehly and Mark Walter in talks to sell their shares in the club to Clearlake Capital.

HOST: Matt Davies-Adams

WITH: Luke Bosher and Liam Twomey

PRODUCER: Lucy Oliva

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The new Premier League season begins in a week - and there's a sense of belief back at Stamford Bridge after Chelsea's 3-1 win over Real Sociedad in their final pre-season game.

Matt Davies-Adams is joined by The Athletic's Simon Johnson and Luke Bosher for a look back on Xabi Alonso's victorious first game in front of the home fans in SW6.

How well equipped are the Blues heading into Monday's game with Fulham? Did Morgan Rogers live up to the hype? How did the new-look defence perform? What next for Enzo Fernandez? And how genuine is the interest in Arsenal's Myles Lewis-Skelly?!

We'll be back on Thursday for our official build-up to the short trip to Craven Cottage as the season begins under the lights on Monday evening.

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HOST: Matt Davies-Adams

WITH: Luke Bosher and Simon Johnson

PRODUCER: Lucy Oliva

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Two weeks to go...

Matt Davies Adams is joined by The Athletic's Simon Johnson and Liam Twomey for a look back on Chelsea's pre-season tour exploits following a final two matches in the Far East over the weekend.

We dissect the 3-0 win over Milan and the feisty 3-3 draw with Malaysian champions Johor Darul Ta'zim - before a wider look at the main learnings for Xabi Alonso in their time on the road.

Could 'unicorn' Marco Palestra prove to be the signing of the season? Will Mike Penders be content to play back-up to Rob Sanchez? And should we be worried about the feelings of a clear A and B team amongst the squad?

Plus, we bid farewell to Cobham kid Trevoh Chalobah - who's signed for Cesc Fabregas' Como, ending a near 20-year association with the club. And - why Pep Chavarría could prove to be one of the Blues' most influential acquisitions.

We'll be back on Monday as we reflect on the visit of Real Sociedad AND gear up for the official return of the Premier League season!

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HOST: Matt Davies-Adams

WITH: Simon Johnson and Liam Twomey

PRODUCER: Lucy Oliva

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A ban resolved, three players in and a £10m fine… so a pretty quiet week from a Chelsea point of view.

Plenty to discuss for Matt Davies-Adams, Simon Johnson and Sam Parkin as Mikhailo Mudryk is officially back and eligible to play for the Blues again.

The 25-year-old’s ban has ended with immediate effect after his doping case was resolved on Friday. Will there still be a place for him in the team? Do we think Cole Palmer will give him his Number 10 shirt back?

There are three new incomings with Danny Welbeck, Valentin Barco and Maxence Lacroix all joining the club, but are the Blues now under pressure to make sales to get the squad size down?

Meanwhile, Chelsea have been fined £10m for breaching rules relating to payments to agents, but have avoided a six point deduction.

AND there’s still even time to chat about matters on the pitch, with Xabi Alonso’s side losing 2-1 to Tottenham in Sydney over the weekend.

Produced by Lucy Oliva and Xavi Bird.

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Pre-season is officially underway and the Straight Outta Cobham team are here to talk about it.

Matt Davies-Adams is joined by Cerys Jones and Simon Johnson from Down Under as the Blues start the Xabi Alonso era with a 6-4 win over Western Sydney Wanderers in Australia.

A nine minute hattrick from Joao Pedro with lots of strong performances from youngsters. So what did the panel make of it all? And what are Simon’s first impressions of the new boss?

Dom Fifield joins to give a little more insight into the benefits of signing Maxence Lacroix from Crystal Palace.

And Chelsea are close to signing both Jordan Henderson AND Danny Welbeck. Where has this interest in players over 34 come from? And does it signal a change in strategy at the club?

Produced by Lucy Oliva and Xavi Bird

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Morgan Rogers is going to Chelsea instead of Arsenal and the Straight Outta Cobham team are here to lap it all up.

Matt Davies-Adams is joined by Simon Johnson and Liam Twomey as the Blues set a new British transfer record of £117m to sign the England attacking midfielder from Aston Villa.

How have they managed to pull this one off? And just how will Rogers fit into Xabi Alonso’s new look squad? 

The new boss has spoken to the media for the first time. What does the panel make of what he had to say?

And, now the World Cup is over, we assess who the winners and losers are from a Blues perspective… Enzo Fernandez being the biggest loser of course.

Plus, the team reflect on the life of legendary former owner Ken Bates, who passed away at the age of 94.

Produced by Xavi Bird

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It’s three years since a Chelsea great passed away which means it’s only right for a Straight Outta Cobham special.

Gianluca Vialli joined Chelsea as a player in 1996 and went on to become one of the club’s most significant figures of the pre-Abramovich era.

He helped the Blues win the FA Cup in 1997, before taking over as manager the following season and winning both the League Cup and Cup Winners’ Cup.

In this special episode, Matt Davies-Adams, Simon Johnson and Sam Parkin are joined by Luca Dal Monte, a close childhood friend of Vialli’s and author of the new book “The Gentleman: Gianluca Vialli and How He Changed English Football Forever”.

Produced by Xavi Bird.

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Xabi Alonso has made his first official signing as Chelsea manager and Real Madrid have got the Straight Outta Cobham team scratching their heads again.

Matt Davies-Adams is joined by Liam Twomey and Cerys Jones to discuss Marco Palestra’s arrival from Atalanta. What might it mean for both Reece James and Malo Gusto?

Will Enzo Fernandez still be Palestra’s teammate at the start of the season? Real Madrid make an official statement saying they have "no intention" of trying to sign the Blues midfielder this summer, but is there still more to come?

Plus, the team go through the final element of our summer squad audit: wingers and number 10s. Will not going to the World Cup be a good thing for Cole Palmer? And is Garnacho potentially on his way out?

Produced by Xavi Bird

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Enzo Maresca is officially the new Manchester City manager and, while the rest of the football community pretends to be shocked, Chelsea release a blistering statement about how disappointed they are in their “former head coach”.

Matt Davies-Adams, Cerys Jones and Sam Parkin react to another tumultuous couple of days at Stamford Bridge, and discuss where this all leaves the club now everything is fully in the open.

Meanwhile, there’s plenty of transfer news with the Blues closing in on Atalanta full back Marco Palestra, whilst also having bid for Sunderland’s Granit Xhaka rejected.

All this plus the conclusion to our squad audit where the team discuss who, apart from Joao Pedro, should be playing up front for Chelsea next season.

Produced by Lucy Oliva and Xavi Bird.

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It’s part three of the Straight Outta Cobham team’s summer squad review and it’s time to sort out who on earth’s going to be playing in midfield for the Blues next season.

Enzo Fernandez is the main name on the lips of Matt Davies-Adams, Simon Johnson and Cerys Jones. Is he off to Real Madrid? And if so, is it going to take all summer to happen?

Might a disappointing World Cup for Ecuador be a good thing for Moises Caicedo? What does the future hold for Andrey Santos and will Romeo Lavia ever complete 90 minutes in a Chelsea shirt?

The team also look into the fixture schedule for next season and discuss the compensation situation that’s complicated Enzo Maresca’s inevitable switch to become Manchester City manager.

Produced by Lucy Oliva & Xavi Bird.

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Marc Cucurella is on his way to Real Madrid and he’s timed it perfectly just ahead of the Straight Outta Cobham team’s review of Chelsea’s defensive unit.

Matt Davies-Adams is joined by Liam Twomey and Sam Parkin to discuss what the Spaniard's exit might mean for the rest of the squad. Is Jorrel Hato the main benefiter at left back?

How might Xabi Alonso get the best out of captain Reece James next season? Will it be with a back three? And might that be good news for Malo Gusto?

The team also look into the many options at centre back, who they think should stay and go, and also who they might like to see arrive in the transfer window.

Produced by Lucy Oliva and Xavi Bird

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The summer is here and it’s squad review time for the Straight Outta Cobham team.

Matt Davies-Adams is joined by Liam Twomey and Cerys Jones to discuss all things goalkeepers. Has it been the weakest position during the BlueCo era? And how might they go about fixing it?

Will Robert Sanchez still be between the sticks next season or is Mike Penders the answer? It’s not going to be either Filip Jorgensen or Gaga Slonina… they’re both on their way out. Might there be incomings in their place?

The team are also joined by special guest Rupert Cane, author of “Behind the Bench: The untold stories of Chelsea’s third-choice goalkeepers”, who tells us about the unique perspective of one of football’s strangest roles.

You can buy a copy and donate to Rupert’s Kickstarter here: 

https://www.kickstarter.com/projects/behindthebench/behind-the-bench/description

All this, plus the latest on Marc Cucurella and Enzo Fernandez.

Produced by Xavi Bird and Lucy Oliva.

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World Cup pending...

Matt Davies-Adams has got Liam Twomey and Sam Parkin alongside him for our first podcast of the summer break.

And we're taking a deep-dive into the Chelsea FC representation at the 2026 World Cup - with the first game of the tournament kicking off in just a week and a half.

Plus, what about some of the high-profile Blues who won't be out in Mexico, Canada or the USA this summer? We discuss what a break will mean for the likes of Cole Palmer and Joao Pedro, back at Cobham and working with new boss Xabi Alonso.

We've also got the latest transfer chat - as it's emerged that Marc Cucurella could be on his way out of Stamford Bridge - but could there be a glorious return to the fold for Nicolas Jackson? And what about an approach for Aston Villa's Morgan Rogers?!

HOST: Matt Davies-Adams

WITH: Liam Twomey and Sam Parkin

PRODUCER: Lucy Oliva

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Signing off on a sorry season...

Matt Davies-Adams has got the whole SOC squad alongside him for a round up of the 2025-26 season for Chelsea Football Club.

What are the main takeaways and reflections on this crazy campaign? What does not being in Europe mean from a financial perspective? Who have been the big winners and losers in the squad? And what's top of Xabi Alonso's to-do list heading into the summer?!

We'll be with you throughout the summer with squad audits, mailbags, academy check-ins, CFC at the World Cup - and assessing the rather large job the new boss has got on his hands! 

Thanks for all your continued support and for joining us throughout the season.

Take part in our survey and let us know what you want from SOC going forward! forms.gle/S7Qdv1iPPnaemtps7

HOST: Matt Davies-Adams

WITH: Luke Bosher, Simon Johnson, Cerys Jones, Liam Twomey & Sam Parkin

PRODUCER: Lucy Oliva

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A dire end to a dire season...

Matt Davies-Adams is joined by Simon Johnson and Sam Parkin for a look back on the 2-1 defeat Sunderland - which condemns Chelsea to a 10th-placed finish in the Premier League.

The Blues were outplayed and outfought by their hosts - and that added to Wesley Fofana's red card sums up what a poor season it's been.

Thankfully all was not lost this weekend - with the U18's crowned winners of the Under-18 Premier League National Final after a 5-1 win over Manchester City.

We'll be back on Thursday with our full review of the 2025-26 season - and a look ahead to a defining summer for Chelsea and new manager Xabi Alonso.

Take part in our survey and tell us what you want from SOC! forms.gle/S7Qdv1iPPnaemtps7

HOST: Matt Davies-Adams

WITH: Sam Parkin and Simon Johnson

PRODUCER: Lucy Oliva

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It's Tottenham, lads...

Matt Davies-Adams has got two of The Athletic's finest - Cerys Jones and Luke Bosher - alongside him for a look back on the absolutely inevitable but pretty unconvincing 2-1 victory over Tottenham at the Bridge on Tuesday night.

Then - the end is (finally) here! The Blues make the trip to Sunderland on Sunday - with a place in either the Europa League, Conference League or nothing! - at stake.

We'll be back on Monday with a look back on the final game of another crazy season for Chelsea Football Club.

HOST: Matt Davies-Adams

WITH: Luke Bosher and Cerys Jones

PRODUCER: Lucy Oliva

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Matt Davies-Adams has got The Athletic's Simon Johnson and Liam Twomey for company after a rather busy days for Chelsea Football Club...

A seventh straight defeat in a final at Wembley? Bad.

Xabi Alonso announced as the new Blues manager? Now, that's more like it!

We've got all the latest on Alonso's appointment, plus a look back on the narrow 1-0 defeat by Manchester City in the FA Cup final AND a look ahead to the visit of Tottenham in the Premier League on Tuesday night. Can they sign off at Stamford Bridge on a high by taking Spurs' relegation battle to the last day of the season?

Plus - an emotional goodbye for Millie Bright and Sam Kerr - who scored on her final CFCW appearance to beat Manchester United and equal Fran Kirby's goalscoring record as Sonia Bompastor's side wrap up a third-placed finish in the WSL.

We'll be back with you on Wednesday - hot off the back of events at the Bridge - to bring you reaction to the Tottenham game and look ahead to the final day of the season at Sunderland.

HOST: Matt Davies-Adams

WITH: Liam Twomey and Simon Johnson

PRODUCER: Lucy Oliva

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Surely the Wembley curse has to come to an end eventually?!

Matt Davies-Adams is joined by The Athletic's Liam Twomey and Luke Bosher for a mega look ahead to Saturday's FA Cup final against Manchester City at Wembley.

Do the Blues have any hope of beating Pep's men given their 13-game winless streak against them? What are the key selection issues heading into the final? And just what an incredible achievement would it be for Calum McFarlane to lead this side to an unlikely moment of glory in an otherwise chaotic season?

Off the pitch, there's protests planned at Wembley ahead of the match - and on Tuesday night against Tottenham at the Bridge. Liam speaks to organisers David and Jacob from NotAProjectCFC to find out more about this latest action - and whether there's any way back for BlueCo in the eyes of the supporters.

Plus - we've got word from David Ornstein on the news he broke earlier this week that Xabi Alonso is at the forefront of Chelsea's thinking as they seek a new head coach.

We'll be back on Monday with all the reaction and fallout from events at the national stadium on Saturday afternoon... can they do it!?

HOST: Matt Davies-Adams

WITH: Luke Bosher and Liam Twomey

PRODUCER: Lucy Oliva

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Seven straight defeats? Not in these parts...

Matt Davies-Adams calls up Simon Johnson and Sam Parkin for a look back on the 1-1 draw with Liverpool at Anfield on Saturday lunchtime.

We take the positives from a far better showing that the sorry Forest defeat, laud the return of Levi Colwill - starting his first game of the season - and ponder whether this will be the boost they need to go into a Wembley final with at least an improved chance of beating Pep's side...

Plus, Cerys Jones pops by for the madness of the Women's FA Cup semi-final at Stamford Bridge, which saw Chelsea squander a two-goal lead to be knocked out 3-2 in extra-time by Manchester City.

And - any update on the managerial hunt?! And the U18's finish off their title-winning regular season campaign in style...

We'll be back on Thursday with a more comprehensive look ahead to Saturday's Wembley showdown with Manchester City in the FA Cup final.

HOST: Matt Davies-Adams

WITH: Simon Johnson, Sam Parkin & Cerys Jones

PRODUCER: Lucy Oliva

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News just in... unfortunately we can't forfeit this game...

Matt Davies-Adams is once again joined by two of The Athletic's finest - Simon Johnson and Liam Twomey - for a look ahead to the weekend trip to Merseyside to take on Liverpool.

Will the players actually bother to try and put in some kind of performance on Saturday? What players are even available? And do they need to string a couple of results together to have any hope going into the FA Cup final?

Plus - we discuss the announcement of changes to the club's ticketing policy next season - and what the ramifications could be.

Oh, and Super Frank! He's been speaking to The Athletic's Tom Burrows after guiding Coventry City back to the Premier League.

We'll be back on Monday with a look back on events at Anfield - and see whether Chelsea Women have managed to book their place in an FA Cup final.

HOST: Matt Davies-Adams

WITH: Liam Twomey Simon Johnson

PRODUCER: Lucy Oliva

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Can the season just end now?

Matt Davies-Adams enlists The Athletic's Chelsea experts Liam Twomey and Simon Johnson for our latest doomcast after the horror show against an unrecognisable Nottingham Forest.

What can you even say after that performance?! The lack of effort, the shortcomings all over the field, the terrible end to what should have been a special day for Jesse Derry, the magnificent Joao Pedro goal which will sadly be nothing more than an after-thought in an afternoon to forget.

Elsewhere - CFCW seal UWCL football! But the U21's season is over after PL2 play-off quarter-final defeat.

Plus, legendary goalkeeper Petr Cech shares his reflections on the current state of the club.

We'll be back on Thursday for the look ahead to Saturday's trip to Anfield to take on Liverpool... they haven't won their since March 2021 - what could possibly go wrong?

HOST: Matt Davies-Adams

WITH: Simon Johnson and Liam Twomey

PRODUCER: Lucy Oliva

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MDA Derby pending...

Matt Davies-Adams has got Sam Parkin and Liam Twomey for company - and a smorgasbord of Chelsea-related chatter to get stuck into ahead of a busy weekend of action.

We look ahead to the visit of Nottingham Forest. We discuss any managerial developments and hear from Italian football expert James Horncastle on why it may be difficult to tempt Cesc Fabregas away from Como. We chat Mudryk's CAS appeal and what comes next. We're joined by women's football writer of the year Charlotte Harpur to discuss legend Millie Bright's retirement! And we try and name a bunch of 17-year-olds who made their Premier League debuts.

We'll be back on Tuesday with a look back on the Bank Holiday festivities at Stamford Bridge as the Blues look to keep their hopes of European football alive!

HOST: Matt Davies-Adams

WITH: Liam Twomey, Sam Parkin and Charlotte Harpur

PRODUCER: Lucy Oliva

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So, that's what effort looks like!?

Matt Davies-Adams has got The Athletic's Simon Johnson and Luke Bosher alongside him for a look back on Sunday's trip to Wembley - where Chelsea set a date with Manchester City in the final after a 1-0 win over Leeds.

We discuss the much-improved performance from the end of the Rosenior reign (although that's not saying much!), discuss the captain Enzo's goal, the crucial role that Joao Pedro plays - and give praise to Calum McFarlane for how he's conducted himself having been thrust back into the spotlight.

Then - we touch base with the runners and riders to become the next man in the dugout. Is Iraola the favourite? Could Cesc be tempted away from Como? Is Xabi Alonso an ideal fit?!

Plus - Levi Colwill was back playing with aplomb for the U21's and CFCW kept up their hunt for a Champions League spot with a big win at Everton.

We'll be back on Thursday for a look ahead to the MDA Derby - with the visit of Nottingham Forest to Stamford Bridge on Bank Holiday Monday.

HOST: Matt Davies-Adams

WITH: Luke Bosher and Simon Johnson

PRODUCER: Lucy Oliva

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106 days later...

The SOC gang assembles under emergency measures after the news dropped late on Monday afternoon that Liam Rosenior has been sacked by Chelsea after less than four months as the club’s head coach.

Appointed in January to succeed Enzo Maresca - he began by winning eight of his first 11 matches in charge.

But Monday's defeat to Brighton was the seventh time they have lost in their last eight games — the only victory coming against third-tier Port Vale in the FA Cup.

Matt's joined by Liam, Cerys, Luke AND Simon for our immediate reaction to the news. Was this always inevitable? What can Calum McFarlane do to lift the spirits going into Sunday's game at Wembley? Where do the club turn next? Could they convince Cesc Fabregas to join the project? Will the club hierarchy be held accountable for the mess that this season has been turned into?

Keep across The Athletic for the definitive inside read on Rosenior's departure and all the fallout that follows - and we'll of course back with you on Monday hot off the back of a trip to Wembley.

HOST: Matt Davies-Adams

WITH: Cerys Jones, Liam Twomey, Luke Bosher & Simon Johnson

PRODUCER: Lucy Oliva

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What were you doing in 1912?

Matt Davies-Adams, Cerys Jones and Liam Twomey jump aboard the pretty downbeat party bus for a look back on the 3-0 defeat at Brighton which condemns Chelsea to their fifth straight Premier League defeat without scoring.

We get into Liam Rosenior's pointed post-match comments, the bizarre formation, the totally inept performance across the board - and what this latest low means for Rosenior's future and the fate of the rest of the season.

So - what chances of beating a confident, in-form Leeds United at Wembley on Sunday afternoon? Spoiler alert... not very high by our estimations!

Then - the good news keeps coming - with The Athletic's Football Finance Writer Chris Weatherspoon with us for a closer look at his comprehensive piece - 'Exploring BlueCo’s finances and its massive bet on Chelsea'.

Plus - CFCW have a new official home for the next WSL season... Stamford Bridge!

We'll be back on Monday (barring any news in the meantime...) to look back on Sunday's semi-final with Leeds - where Chelsea might have somehow booked their place in the FA Cup final!?

HOST: Matt Davies-Adams

WITH: Liam Twomey, Cerys Jones & Chris Weatherspoon

PRODUCER: Lucy Oliva

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Gallows humour at the ready...

Matt Davies-Adams has The Athletic's Simon Johnson and Luke Bosher for company to look back on the latest shambolic result for Chelsea Football Club - this time in the form of a 1-0 defeat at the hands of Manchester United.

We touch upon the pre-match protests, before focusing on another day to forget at the Bridge to condemn the Blues to their fourth straight defeat... without scoring a goal.

Then - there's a trip to the seaside to take on a Brighton side who would leapfrog Liam Rosenior's side in the table if they were to win.

Plus - Caicedo's new contract - and co‑owner Behdad Eghbali admits mistakes have been made...

We'll be back with you on Wednesday for the fallout from the trip to the Amex - as well as all the other Blues news and a look ahead to Leeds in the FA Cup semi-final.

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HOST: Matt Davies-Adams

WITH: Luke Bosher and Simon Johnson

PRODUCER: Lucy Oliva

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Four Premier League defeats in a row for just the second time this century? Surely not?!

Matt Davies-Adams is in the company of The Athletic's Cerys Jones and Liam Twomey for a look ahead to the visit of Manchester United under the lights at Stamford Bridge on Saturday night.

We discuss what kind of team we're expecting to see face up against Michael Carrick's side with Enzo Fernandez in from the cold, how much pressure there is to get a result in front of expectant home fans and whether this is a must win for any hopes of a top five finish - or whether there's still plenty of room for slip ups in the run-in...

Plus - would Chelsea make a move for Andoni Iraola? What kind of crowds should we expect at the pre-match protests before Saturday's game? And can you name the last 10 men to play for both sides?

We'll be back on Monday with a look back at events at the Bridge on Saturday evening - and a look ahead to Tuesday night's trip to Brighton as the season enters its final stretch.

HOST: Matt Davies-Adams

WITH: Cerys Jones and Luke Bosher

PRODUCER: Lucy Oliva

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All downhill from here?

Matt Davies-Adams has got Simon Johnson and Sam Parkin alongside him for a look back on the 3-0 defeat dished out to the Blues by a far superior Manchester City.

Why was the second half showing so poor? Would Enzo Fernandez have made any difference if he wasn't on the naughty step? And does it feel like it's now only a matter of time before the club move on from Liam Rosenior's tenure with things seemingly souring quickly - and results and performances continuing to deteriorate?

There is at least a bit of positivity to come out of Cobham for the U18's and U21's in their respective leagues.

We'll be back on Thursday with a look ahead to the visit of Manchester United in the Premier League on Saturday evening.

HOST: Matt Davies-Adams

WITH: Simon Johnson & Sam Parkin

PRODUCER: Lucy Oliva

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Matt Davies-Adams has got Luke Bosher and Liam Twomey for company for a look ahead to the visit of Manchester City to Stamford Bridge on Sunday afternoon.

Who the heck is going to be in the starting XI?! What chance do Liam Rosenior's side have of frustrating Pep's men like they did at the Etihad back in January? And can they avoid losing 3 successive league games without scoring for the first time since 1998?!

Plus - a deep dive on who we think will be wearing the captain's armband this weekend - and whether we're going to have to reopen the never tedious starting goalkeeper debate...

Oh - and neither Luke or Liam cover themselves in glory when tasked with naming the last 10 footballers who've made at least one Premier League appearance for both Chelsea and Manchester City.

We'll be back on Monday (probably slightly later in the day because Producer Lucy may or may not be on holiday, sorry!) to capture all the fallout from events at the Bridge on Sunday.

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HOST: Matt Davies-Adams

WITH: Luke Bosher and Liam Twomey

PRODUCER: Lucy Oliva

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How can you come away from a 7-0 victory... still kind of unconvinced?!

Matt Davies-Adams has got his Easter bunnies Sam Parkin and Liam Twomey alongside him for a look back on the thrashing of Port Vale in the FA Cup.

Who were the big winners and losers from the game? Why didn't Josh Acheampong get more minutes? And what does it say about Liam Delap's future that he was left out - and then still didn't manage to score once he'd come on?

Plus - a chance to touch upon some of the ongoing drama behind the scenes at the club - with Enzo Fernandez's two-game benching, Cucurella's comments, the race to finish in the top five - and Mudryk training in Uxbridge!

We'll be back on Thursday with a comprehensive look ahead to the visit of Manchester City in the Premier League.

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HOST: Matt Davies-Adams

WITH: Liam Twomey and Sam Parkin

PRODUCER: Lucy Oliva

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Anyone else want to speak out in the press?

Matt Davies-Adams has got Cerys Jones and Luke Bosher for company as we return from a short international break of our own to look ahead to the return to action of the men's team.

But we begin with disappointment in the UWCL for CFCW - 1-0 winners on the night against Arsenal but knocked out of the competition at the quarter-final stage 3-2 on aggregate... no thanks to some of the officiating on show.

Then - we turn our attention to the visit of bottom of League One Port Vale in the quarter-finals of the FA Cup. They couldn't do a Bradford - could they?!

Plus - more news of a financial variety as the club announce the biggest pre-tax loss in Premier League history... winning something at least, eh?!

We'll be back on Monday to look back on the visit of the Valiants - and surely be celebrating safe passage to an FA Cup semi-final?!

HOST: Matt Davies-Adams

WITH: Cerys Jones and Luke Bosher

PRODUCER: Lucy Oliva

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Losing isn't exclusive to the men's team at the moment...

Matt Davies-Adams has a new-look starting line-up - with The Athletic's Charlotte Harpur and Michael Cox joining forces with SOC's own Cerys Jones for a closer look at all things CFCW hot off the back of Chelsea's 3-1 defeat by Arsenal in the first leg of their Champions League quarter-final.

We look at the big talking points from the match in rainy north London - before pondering whether the Blues can turn things around in the return leg back at Stamford Bridge next Wednesday. How damaging would it be if Sonia Bompastor's side got knocked out at this stage and then also failed to qualify for the competition next season?

Plus, we shine the spotlight on what's going on behind the scenes at the club - with news of big departures on and off the pitch, recruitment uncertainty, questions over the best stadium to play at moving forward - and whether the new model the club is operating under as a whole will have a detrimental impact on CFCW.

We're taking a short international break of our own - but we'll be back next Thursday to look back on the 2nd leg contest - and a look ahead to the visit of Port Vale for the men's side in the FA Cup.

HOST: Matt Davies-Adams

WITH: Cerys Jones, Charlotte Harpur & Cerys Jones

PRODUCER: Lucy Oliva

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We're going to need more than Good Luck, Babe!

Matt Davies-Adams has got two Chappell Roan enthusiasts - Cerys Jones and Simon Johnson - alongside him for a look back at another miserable trip to Merseyside.

There's the fallout from the abject 3-0 defeat to Everton. Have the players downed tools? Have they lost respect for Liam Rosenior's methods? And are we in danger of seeing the Blues tumble down the table?! With Champions League football next season looking fanciful in this current state...

It might be time to regroup for the men's side over the international break - but CFCW have got the small matter of a Champions League quarter-final against Arsenal on Tuesday night to look ahead to. We preview that game - and some big contractual news to come out of the club with a couple of legends looking set to depart.

Plus - an unfortunate trip down memory lane to that 2022-23 campaign - surely it can't get that bad?!!

We'll be back with a special show on Wednesday shining the spotlight on CFCW and hoping for a night to remember for Sonia Bompastor's side under the lights at the Emirates.

HOST: Matt Davies-Adams

WITH: Simon Johnson and Cerys Jones

PRODUCER: Lucy Oliva

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You 8-2 see it...

Matt Davies-Adams enlists Cerys Jones and Liam Twomey for a gory-post mortem of Chelsea's 8-2 aggregate defeat by PSG in the Champions League last 16.

Simon Johnson beams in from the Stamford Bridge press box with a pretty damning assessment of what he saw in front of him on a 'horrific night' for everyone associated with the club.

Was this result breaking point for Liam Rosenior in the eyes of Chelsea fans? And will this embarrassment on the biggest stage make the club hierarchy reconsider their approach to this 'project'?

The mood is very high going into the first ever trip to the Hill Dickinson then (!) - we look ahead to that match. Plus - racking our brains for players who found the net at Goodison...

We'll be back on Monday to look back on the trip to Everton - will the Blues be heading into the international break on a much-needed high?

HOST: Matt Davies-Adams

WITH: Luke Bosher and Simon Johnson

PRODUCER: Lucy Oliva

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Respectfully...

Matt Davies-Adams is joined by the SOC OG's Simon Johnson and Liam Twomey for a look back at events at Stamford Bridge on Saturday as Chelsea's top five hopes were dealt another blow.

But we begin with a double dose of bad breaking news to come out of the club on Monday - with Reece James injured and the club handed a suspended one-year ban from signing first-team players and given a £10million fine from the Premier League relating to breaches of financial rules during Roman Abramovich’s time as owner.

If that wasn't fun enough - we get stuchin into the farcical pre-match huddle situation - before finally focusing on the lowlights of the 1-0 defeat by Newcastle.

Things don't get much easier - with PSG in town on Tuesday with the unenviable task of trying to overcome a 5-2 deficit.

As has so often been the case in the past - thank goodness for CFCW! They picked up their first silverware of the season thanks to the 2-0 League Cup final victory over Manchester United.

We'll be back on Wednesday to look back on the miracle against PSG????! And a look ahead to Saturday evening's trip to Everton... and any other bad news that wants to darken our door in the meantime!

HOST: Matt Davies-Adams

WITH: Simon Johnson and Liam Twomey

PRODUCER: Lucy Oliva

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It was all going (kinda) well for 73 minutes...

Matt Davies-Adams has got Cerys Jones and Sam Parkin for company for a look back on the 5-2 defeat by PSG on Wednesday night.

Liam Twomey was on the ground at the Parc des Princes - and he sends his thoughts on the calamitous end to an otherwise positive performance in Paris.

While PSG can put their feet up for the weekend, the Blues have to navigate the visit of Newcastle on Saturday evening. We've got a look ahead to that - where we hope Eddie Howe's side will be resting players with one eye on Barca seeing as they've still got something to play for in that tie?!

Plus - there's silverware on offer this weekend! CFCW take on Manchester United in the League Cup final at Ashton Gate. We preview the first final of the season for Sonia Bompastor's side.

HOST: Matt Davies-Adams

WITH: Cerys Jones and Sam Parkin

PRODUCER: Lucy Oliva

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It was certainly a welcome...

Matt Davies-Adams has got The Athletic's Simon Johnson and Liam Twomey in tow to look back on the 4-2 (AET) victory over Wrexham in the 5th round of the FA Cup.

It certainly wasn't pretty - but we take a closer look at how Rosenior's side eventually got over the line, the silver linings from the laboured performance - and how Garnacho is taking his chance with options on the wing so limited.

Then, we turn our attention on another jetsetting trip for the Blues - from Wrexham to Paris! It's a Club World Cup final rematch as Chelsea travel to take on the reigning French and European champions PSG.

We'll be back on Thursday morning with all the fallout from events at the Parc des Princes - and a look ahead to the trip to Newcastle on Saturday evening.

HOST: Matt Davies-Adams

WITH: Simon Johnson and Liam Twomey

PRODUCER: Lucy Oliva

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You can't stay mad at them for long...

Matt Davies-Adams has got The Athletic's Liam Twomey and Luke Bosher with him for a look back on Wednesday night's 4-1 win at Aston Villa - to take Chelsea back to 5th in the Premier League table.

Simon Johnson sends us his post-match dispatch from the press box - before we discuss the bold decision to drop Robert Sánchez, the continuation of João Pedro's sensational form - and whether this game was proof that playing the big teams in this difficult upcoming run could actually prove to be in Chelsea's favour.

Next up - Wrexham in the FA Cup! The Athletic's Wrexham reporter Richard Sutcliffe drops by to give us the lowdown on Saturday's hosts - who are going for back-to-back-to-back-to-back promotions - and will certainly be up for the cup when they welcome a Premier League side to the Racecourse Ground - aspiring to be in the top flight with them next season.

We'll be back on Monday to discuss that fixture AND look ahead to the small matter of PSG in the Champions League round of 16 1st leg on Wednesday night!

HOST: Matt Davies-Adams

WITH: Luke Bosher, Liam Twomey & Simon Johnson

PRODUCER: Lucy Oliva

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We've seen this movie far too many times now...

Matt Davies-Adams has got Luke Bosher and Simon Johnson in tow to look back on the hugely frustrating and in many ways avoidable 2-1 defeat by Arsenal at The Emirates.

We begin with a pretty dismayed Liam Twomey and his thoughts from the press box - before reflecting on Robert Sanchez's disastrous afternoon, the unfortunate gulf in class between Arsenal and Chelsea in this current iteration - and the latest red card in a shocking string of inexcusable dismissals which have cost the Blues so dearly.

There's no time to sulk though - with a trip to Birmingham and a faltering Aston Villa on Wednesday night. The hosts have only won two of their last seven in the league - and Rosenior's side could close the gap on them to three points if they could come away with a win.

Plus, our thoughts on a meeting with Club World Cup friends PSG in the Champions League which is just around the corner...

We're back in your ears on Thursday with reaction from the trip to Villa - and a look ahead to the visit to Wrexham in the 5th round of the FA Cup!

HOST: Matt Davies-Adams

WITH: Luke Bosher and Simon Johnson

PRODUCER: Lucy Oliva

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Ninth time lucky in the Premier League against Arsenal?!

Matt Davies-Adams has got Luke Bosher and Sam Parkin for company as we look ahead to the trip across London to take on the league leaders of Sunday afternoon.

We discuss the remaining fixture list which the infamous Opta Supercomputer has deemed the hardest in the league - but could it actually work to their advantage? Plus, who's going to come into the back-line?! And which approach will come out on top in the balance between caution and proactiveness?

Then - Simon Johnson pops by to talk us through his interview with Omari Kellyman - who is flourishing on loan at high-flying Cardiff City after a difficult start to his life at Chelsea plagued by injury. We hear from the man himself about the support he received from the likes of Reece James - who's proved that a comeback from serious setbacks is possible.

Plus - who takes the ill-discipline crown in our latest Chelsea Top 10's?

We'll be back on Monday to reflect on event at The Emirates - and look ahead to the midweek trip to Birmingham to take on top five rivals Aston Villa!

HOST: Matt Davies-Adams

WITH: Luke Bosher, Sam Parkin & Simon Johnson

PRODUCER: Lucy Oliva

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

19 points dropped... NINETEEN POINTS!

Matt Davies-Adams is joined by two of The Athletic's finest - Simon Johnson and Liam Twomey - to look back on the shocker of a 1-1 draw with Burnley at Stamford Bridge on Saturday afternoon.

We discuss the overall poor level of performance, the defensive substitutions and the mistakes that this team just don't seem to be learning from week in, week out.

Elsewhere, new shirt sponsor alert! We're only seven months into the season - but we've got an IFS.ai update - and why the club aren't in a rush to secure a long-term front of shirt partner...

As we've said so often in the past - thank goodness for CFCW! It wasn't pretty - but they booked their place in the quarter-finals of the FA Cup thanks to a 2-1 win over Manchester United AET. Cerys was there and sent her thoughts on what could prove to be a crucial victory to set the tone for the rest of the season.

HOST: Matt Davies-Adams

WITH: Simon Johnson and Liam Twomey

PRODUCER: Lucy Oliva

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Coming to a Dubai nightclub near you soon...

Matt Davies-Adams has got Liam Twomey and Cerys Jones with him for a closer look at the Premier League clash with (surely?) Championship-bound Burnley at Stamford Bridge.

Why is Cole Palmer so good at taking penalties? What makes Andrey Santos such an important cog in Liam Rosenior's system? And how have Chelsea given up the most xG in the Premier League from defensive set-pieces this season!? And how important is this game to cement their position as a top-five side given they've already dropped points against Sunderland and Leeds at home...

Plus - can Chelsea Women progress in the FA Cup? They host frequent foes Manchester United in the fifth round of Sunday - we preview that game.

And most importantly - which Chelsea player would you most like to go on holiday with? That's the kind of content you come for!

We'll be back on Monday to run the rule over Saturday's visit of Burnley - and discuss whether CFCW have booked their place in the quarter-finals of the FA Cup!

HOST: Matt Davies-Adams

WITH: Cerys Jones and Liam Twomey

PRODUCER: Lucy Oliva

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Matt Davies-Adams is joined by Simon Johnson and Luke Bosher for a look back on the 4-0 victory at Hull on Friday night to safely book their place in the 5th round of the FA Cup.

We discuss why Pedro Neto perhaps doesn't get the plaudits despite his three goals, another peculiar night for Liam Delap - and the Mamadou Sarr revelation as he impresses on his full debut for the club.

Then - with an *actual* midweek without football for the first time since the end of December - we wonder what Liam Rosenior will be prioritising on the training pitch now he's got some time with his players for the first time!

Plus - CFCW reacted to a difficult week off the pitch in a positive manner - beating Liverpool 2-0 in the WSL to keep their hopes of a top three finish alive.

We'll be back on Wednesday to look ahead to Saturday's visit of Burnley to Stamford Bridge - and CFCW's FA Cup 5th round FA Cup tie with Manchester United!

HOST: Matt Davies-Adams

WITH: Luke Bosher and Simon Johnson

PRODUCER: Lucy Oliva

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Oh Cole, it was harder to miss...

Matt Davies-Adams has Luke Bosher and Liam Twomey for company to look back on Tuesday night's 2-2 draw with Leeds and Stamford Bridge.

The scoreline certainly doesn't tell the whole story - with the Blues throwing away a two-goal lead in farcical fashion to be held by Daniel Farke's side - and Cole Palmer missing an open goal! Simon Johnson sends in his thoughts from the press box on a frustrating evening and what feels like an opportunity missed.

Attention then turns to the FA Cup and the long trip to face Championship promotion hopefuls Hull City on Friday night. We look ahead to that game as Liam Rosenior makes his return to the side he played for and managed.

Elsewhere - there was big breaking news out of Chelsea Women on Monday evening, when it was announced that head of women's football Paul Green is leaving the club after 13 years. You can read the deep-dive on The Athletic - but women's football writer Megan Feringa joins us for the inside scoop on how the news has been received - and what it means for the club going forward.

We'll be back on Monday to look back on the visit to Hull - and rejoice in a free midweek without any football to hopefully rest the weary bodies!

HOST: Matt Davies-Adams

WITH: Luke Bosher, Liam Twomey and Megan Feringa

PRODUCER: Lucy Oliva

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

We've missed singing 'Palmer again ole, ole'...

Matt Davies-Adams is joined by two of The Athletic's finest - Cerys Jones and Simon Johnson - for a Monday dose of SOC off the back of Chelsea's 3-1 win at Wolves on Saturday.

On the agenda: Cole Palmer's very welcome return to form, Rosenior's role adjustments - and why they can never quite put together a full, 90-minute performance...

Next, can the Blues avenge their horror show at Elland Road back at the start of December? We look ahead to Tuesday night's visit of Leeds United to the Bridge in the midweek Premier League action.

Plus, CFCW got back to winning ways with their 2-0 victory at Tottenham... in front of Madonna! It means the gap to the top of the table is back to nine points after Man City's defeat at Arsenal.

There's also a focus on Cobham! With the under 18's hosting Manchester City in the 5th round of the FA Youth Cup on Monday evening and the U21's flying high in PL2.

We'll be back on Wednesday with a look back on the visit of Leeds - and a look ahead to the trip to Hull on Friday night to face Liam Rosenior's former side in the fourth round of the FA Cup.

HOST: Matt Davies-Adams

WITH: Cerys Jones and Simon Johnson

PRODUCER: Lucy Oliva

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

That elusive goal...

Matt Davies-Adams has got The Athletic's Luke Bosher and Liam Twomey with him after the Blues were knocked out of the League Cup by Arsenal.

Beaten 4-2 on aggregate, 1-0 on the night by a last-gasp Kai Havertz (of course) goal - we take a closer look at yet another tactical set-up, the glaring absence of Reece James - and what the team needs to do to get the best out of Liam Delap.

It's back to Premier League matters on Saturday - with bottom of the table Wolves the assignment. We've got eyes on that game as the Blues look to consolidate their place in the hunt for a top five finish.

Plus - a whistlestop round up of the sparse deadline day dealings - and can Chelsea Women bounce back from the hammering at Man City when they travel to Tottenham? Oh - and can you name the 10 most expensive signings of all-time!?

We'll be back on Monday to run the rule over the trip to Molineux - and look ahead to the midweek visit of Leeds to Stamford Bridge!

HOST: Matt Davies-Adams

WITH: Luke Bosher and Liam Twomey

PRODUCER: Lucy Oliva

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

At the 57th time of asking...

Matt Davies-Adams and Sam Parkin team up to look back on the dramatic 3-2 victory over West Ham at Stamford Bridge on Saturday evening.

We've got a special double-header voice note from the press box on the final whistle as Cerys and Liam try and sum up the chaos that played out in front of them in the dictionary definition of a game of two halves.

Can the Blues bottle up that second 45 minutes and take it into Tuesday night's League Cup semi-final second leg at The Emirates?! We preview the trip to Arsenal - before Simon Johnson gives his deadline day verdict on what we can expect business wise from the Blues as the January transfer window closes.

Plus - it was another afternoon to forget for Chelsea Women after their 5-1 demolition by league leaders Manchester City on Sunday. The Athletic reports that Sonia Bompastor's job is safe - despite her saying she'd be ‘happy’ to leave Chelsea ‘if people think I’m not the right person’.

We'll be back slightly earlier on Wednesday this week to bring you our reaction to the Arsenal game - and look ahead to the visit to Molineux!

HOST: Matt Davies-Adams

WITH: Sam Parkin

PRODUCER: Lucy Oliva

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Come on, it was never in doubt (!)

Matt Davies-Adams, Liam Twomey and Sam Parkin assemble to revel in the glory of Wednesday night's triumphant 3-2, comeback victory over Napoli to seal safe passage straight through the Champions League last 16.

We of course begin in Naples - and the thoughts of Simon Johnson following the topsy turvy evening which saw Liam Rosenior's tinkering eventually pay off! There's unexpected tactical approaches, Pedro's sensational strikes and sticking the boot in to Romelu Lukaku...

Out of the Champions League haze, attentions turns to Saturday evening and the visit of relegation-threatened West Ham to Stamford Bridge.

Plus - what next for Raheem Sterling after his Chelsea contract was terminated on Wednesday? And can Chelsea Women close the alarmingly wide gap at the top of the WSL table when they head to leaders Manchester City on Wednesday afternoon?

We'll be back on Monday with a look back on all the weekend's action - and a look ahead to the crunch semi-final second leg meeting with Arsenal at The Emirates on Tuesday night.

HOST: Matt Davies-Adams

WITH: Sam Parkin and Liam Twomey

PRODUCER: Lucy Oliva

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

To Naples we go...

Matt Davies-Adams is joined by The Athletic's Luke Bosher and Simon Johnson to run the rule over Sunday's 3-1 win over Crystal Palace at Selhurst Park.

There's love for the sensational Steve-o, a word on João Pedro's recent revival, vintage VAR fodder and the obligatory Caicedo yellow.

Then - attention turns to the UCL, and Wednesday night's race for a top eight place as Liam Rosenior's side face Antonio Conte's Napoli. Can Chelsea get the win - and the goal difference boost - to book their place in the next round of the Champions League?!

Elsewhere, not such good news for Chelsea Women - comfortably beaten 2-0 by Arsenal at Stamford Bridge on Saturday to leave the Blues nine points behind leaders Manchester City. Cerys sends her report from the press box!

Plus - the latest on the (perhaps unexpected) return of Aarón Anselmino and why the wait for a shirt sponsor will go on...

We'll be back on Thursday to look back on the crucial Champions League showdown out in Naples - and look ahead to the visit of relegation-threatened West Ham in the Premier League on Saturday evening.

We’re asking you to fill out a quick survey about you and your podcast habits by going to theathletic.com/survey26. Three lucky entries will win $/£100 worth of Amazon vouchers too. So whether you’re a long-time listener or a new one, we want your feedback.

HOST: Matt Davies-Adams

WITH: Luke Bosher and Simon Johnson

PRODUCER: Lucy Oliva

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

In the race for eighth place...

Matt Davies-Adams has got The Athletic's Liam Twomey and Cerys Jones alongside him for a recap of the extremely dull but extremely necessary 1-0 victory over Pafos on MD7 of the UCL.

We discuss the slog against the Cypriot champions, Liam Delap's ineffectiveness against the low block - and whether we're being too harsh on the team given a win's a win AND they are into the top eight as it stands.

Then, SOC OG Dom Fifield enters the chat for a look ahead to Sunday's trip to current crisis club Crystal Palace in the Premier League.

Elsewhere, CFCW booked themselves into yet another cup final - beating Manchester City 1-0 to set up a League Cup final meeting with Manchester United in March. Can they keep the momentum going into Saturday's tie with Arsenal in the WSL?!

We'll be back on Monday to look back on the trip to Selhurst Park and look ahead to the huge Champions League clash out in Naples as the Blues face old boss Antonio Conte looking to seal a top eight finish.

We’re asking you to fill out a quick survey about you and your podcast habits by going to theathletic.com/survey26. Three lucky entries will win $/£100 worth of Amazon vouchers too. So whether you’re a long-time listener or a new one, we want your feedback.

HOST: Matt Davies-Adams

WITH: Cerys Jones, Liam Twomey & Dom Fifield

PRODUCER: Lucy Oliva

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Not quite sure how that happened but...

Matt Davies-Adams has got Sam Parkin and Simon Johnson for company to pass judgement on the beating of the Bees and a look ahead to Pafos.

We begin by touching upon the protests which gathered outside the ground before the game, before turning our attention to the events on the pitch - which saw the Blues somehow come away with a 2-0 win over Brentford.

Then - it's the David Luiz derby!! Only he might be injured... but hopefully not! It's surely a must win for Chelsea if they're to secure a spot in the top eight and guarantee automatic passage through to the knockout round.

Plus - why are the club interested in signing yet another young centre-back, this time in the form of Rennes 20-year-old Jeremy Jacquet.

We'll be back on Thursday to reflect on Wednesday night's encounter with Pafos AND to preview the visit to current Premier League crisis club Crystal Palace.

HOST: Matt Davies-Adams

WITH: Simon Johnson and Sam Parkin

PRODUCER: Lucy Oliva

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

It's been real, Facundo...

Matt Davies-Adams is joined by Luke Bosher and Liam Twomey with eyes on Stamford Bridge on Wednesday night and the 3-2 defeat by Arsenal in the League Cup semi-final first leg. Simon Johnson sends his thoughts on the final whistle on a chaotic evening of Carabao football.

We discuss the defensive and goalkeeping shortcomings exposed once again, how Rosenior wants this side to play - and the positives considering how depleted the squad was due to injury and illness.

Attention then turns to the visit of Brentford on Saturday afternoon - a Brentford who sit fifth in the Premier League table and could move five point clear of the Blues if they were to come away with a win.

We'll be back on Monday to bring you reaction to the Bees match - and look ahead to the midweek Champions League action with Pafos in town!

HOST: Matt Davies-Adams

WITH: Luke Bosher and Liam Twomey

PRODUCER: Lucy Oliva

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

A big win to kick-off the Rosenior reign...

Matt Davies-Adams has got Sam Parkin and Simon Johnson alongside him to look back on the 5-1 win at Charlton in the FA Cup on Saturday night.

Then it's onto a wholly different challenge - with Arsenal making the short trip to Stamford Bridge in the Carabao Cup Semi-Final First Leg on Wednesday evening. Is the pressure off for the Blues? And what kind of reception will we see from the home fans towards the new head coach?

Plus, the WSL returned this weekend and CFCW got back underway in style with a 5-0 thrashing of West Ham at Kingsmeadow! But it's still all to do in the league with Man City staying six point clear at the top of the table.

We'll be back on Thursday to run the rule over the first leg clash with Arsenal - and look ahead to the visit of Brentford in the Premier League on Saturday.

HOST: Matt Davies-Adams

WITH: Simon Johnson and Sam Parkin

PRODUCER: Lucy Oliva

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Back in October 2025, Liam Rosenior sat down with The Athletic FC Podcast's Ayo Akinwolere and Carl Anka - with RC Strasbourg flying high in Ligue 1.

Now Chelsea manager - Rosenior gives an insight into his management style, working in a multi-club ownership model and the importance of representation, diversity and role models.

Plus - his approach to coaching and how he gets a big dressing room to come together...

Matt Davies-Adams and the gang will be back on Monday to review Rosenior's first game in charge of the Blues against Charlton in the FA Cup - and to look ahead to Arsenal in the League Cup!

Host: Ayo Akinwolere

Co-Host: Carl Anka

With: Liam Rosenior

Executive Producer: Adey Moorhead

Producer: Jay Beale

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

We are SO back, baby... not a red card in sight...

Matt Davies-Adams has got The Athletic's Chelsea experts Cerys Jones and Liam Twomey (!) alongside him for our second show of the week... a second show we'll be bringing you every week going forward!

It's a shame we're not with you in happier circumstances - as we have to look back on the 2-1 defeat by Fulham at Craven Cottage on Wednesday night. We discuss the ongoing ill-discipline problems which are plighting this side, Cole Palmer's worrying lack of form - and take the positives from Liam Delap getting his first Premier League goal for the club.

Plus, we react to Liam Rosenior's first interview as Chelsea boss and discuss some of the key challenges he faces ahead of his first game in charge on Saturday.

Speaking of, we've got another quick look ahead to the trip to The Valley to take on Championship strugglers Charlton - and we preview the return of the WSL with CFCW hosting relegation-threatened West Ham on Sunday.

We'll be back on Monday with a look back on visit to Charlton and a look ahead to the League Cup Semi-Final First Leg vs Arsenal on Wednesday night.

Thank you for your support and emails, messages, five-star ratings which have allowed us to bring you two shows a week! We wouldn't have done it without you.

HOST: Matt Davies-Adams

WITH: Cerys Jones & Liam Twomey

PRODUCER: Lucy Oliva

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Not bad for your first senior game in charge...

Matt Davies-Adams has Cerys Jones and Sam Parkin along for the ride as we look back on the hugely creditable 1-1 draw at Manchester City on Sunday evening.

Simon's on hand with his reflections on the final whistle from inside the Etihad - as we praise Calum McFarlane's tactical tweaks, the spirit showed by the team to come back into the game - and what it's like for a player in such a bizarre week at the club.

We discuss next steps - with Liam Rosenior reportedly in London to finalise details to become the new head coach. Will he be involved in the preparations ahead of Fulham on Wednesday night? We preview that game *and* Saturday's trip to Charlton in the 3rd round of the FA Cup!

We'll be back on Monday to reflect on the matches against Fulham and Charlton - plus a look ahead to the visit of Arsenal in the League Cup semi-final first leg!

HOST: Matt Davies-Adams

WITH: Cerys Jones & Sam Parkin

PRODUCER: Lucy Oliva

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Happy New Year...

Matt Davies-Adams, Simon Johnson and Luke Bosher assemble for an emergency pod following the news that dropped at lunchtime on Thursday 1st January 2026 - that Chelsea Football Club and Enzo Maresca have parted company.

We take a deep dive into the reasons behind the decision and its timing, the mounting questions which will now only grow for the club's hierarchy and their policies - and why it looks like Liam Rosenior will be the man to take over the helm at Stamford Bridge...

Back on Monday with our regularly-scheduled podcast looking back on the trip to Manchester City, plus all the latest news and developments off the field.

HOST: Matt Davies-Adams

WITH: Luke Bosher and Simon Johnson

PRODUCER: Lucy Oliva

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Well, that wasn't very festive Chelsea.

Matt Davies-Adams has got Luke Bosher and Simon Johnson for company as we unpick the collapse in the 2-1 defeat by Aston Villa at the Bridge on Saturday evening.

We discuss the failings of the squad building process of the summer, the defensive lapses which yet again came back to bite this team - and whether Enzo Maresca can avoid the pressure mounting to deliver performances and results considering it's now just two wins in eight matches in all competitions for the Blues.

There's no time to dwell on that result - with games against Bournemouth and Manchester City in quick succession to take us into 2026. We look ahead to those and make the case that no one from the bench exactly made a case to be starting in these ones...

Plus - a quick look ahead to the January transfer window activity and the importance of the League Cup with nine games to come in a crazy month for the club.

We'll be back NEXT MONDAY the 5th of January with our reaction to the Bournemouth and Man City games - plus a look ahead to the trips to Fulham in the Premier League and Charlton in the FA Cup. Strap yourselves in for a crazy January!

HOST: Matt Davies-Adams

WITH: Luke Bosher and Simon Johnson

PRODUCER: Lucy Oliva

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

A minor Christmas miracle in the circumstances...

Matt Davies-Adams has got Sam Parkin and Cerys Jones alongside him for a look back on the quintessential game of two halves in the 2-2 draw with Newcastle on Saturday lunchtime.

We talk the impressive second half comeback after a dicey opening 45 minutes, Reece's spectacular free-kick - and is Garnacho actually any good at football?

Aston Villa are in town next weekend - an Aston Villa side who have won no less than TEN matches in a row in all competitions. So - what can Enzo Maresca's side do to put a stop to their rampant form? And is it another game where they'll rise to the challenge against a top side?

Meanwhile CFCW put just the NINE past a sorry Liverpool to book their place in the League Cup semi-finals. And - Chelsea players as Christmas things, anyone?

We'll be back next Monday to look back on Saturday's visit of high-flying Villa - and preview the clashes with Bournemouth and Manchester City.

HOST: Matt Davies-Adams

WITH: Cerys Jones and Sam Parkin

PRODUCER: Lucy Oliva

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

David Ornstein reports that Chelsea's Enzo Maresca is high on the list to replace Pep Guardiola - with the anticipation of this being his last season at Manchester City.

It comes less than a week after Maresca's outburst regarding his 'worst 48 hours' at the club, which came following the 2-0 win over Everton on Saturday.

The Athletic FC Podcast assembled to react to the news.

Matt Davies-Adams and the gang will have more reaction to the story on Monday's pod - where we'll be reflecting on Saturday's trip to Newcastle as well and looking ahead to the festive fixtures.

Host: Adam Leventhal

With: David Ornstein, Oliver Kay, Jack Pitt-Brooke and Simon Johnson

Executive Producer: Abi Paterson

Producer: Guy Clarke

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

How was your last 48 hours?!!

Matt Davies-Adams is joined by Cerys Jones, Luke Bosher and Simon Johnson (through the medium of extensive voice notes) as we look back on a pretty bonkers few days in the life of Chelsea Football Club.

We take a deep dive into Enzo Maresca's post-Everton press conference revelations and the subsequent reluctance to elaborate on his angst.

We've got a look back on that 2-0 win over the Toffees on Saturday AND the slightly painful but ultimately successful path through to the League Cup semi-finals after the 3-1 win at Cardiff on Tuesday night.

There's a look ahead to the slightly daunting trip to St James' Park on Saturday lunchtime - a venue where the Blues have suffered four straight defeats.

Plus - there's a big European tie for CFCW, forgotten £50 million men and FPL woes to boot.

We'll be back on Monday with our analysis of that game and a look ahead to what the Christmas period has in store for Enzo's side.

HOST: Matt Davies-Adams

WITH: Cerys Jones, Luke Bosher and Simon Johnson

PRODUCER: Lucy Oliva

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Non bene...

Producer Lucy's joined by The Athletic's Simon Johnson out in Bergamo for some quickfire reaction to the 2-1 defeat by Atalanta - which leaves Chelsea's hopes of a top eight finish in the UCL league phase hanging perilously in the balance.

So where did it all go wrong in the second half? What have been the big areas of concern across these that three performances against La Dea, Bournemouth and Leeds? And how much pressure does this put on Saturday's game against Everton?

Matt will be back with a thorough look at the visit of the Toffees - and a look ahead to the trip to Cardiff in the League Cup!

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One of the dullest games in recent memory?

Matt Davies-Adams has got Luke Bosher and Sam Parkin alongside him with the unenviable task of having to look back on Saturday's drab goalless draw at Bournemouth. Cerys Jones was there and sent her thoughts - and tried to take the positives from the clean sheet! But the misery was compounded by another serious injury to Liam Delap as the curse of the '9' shirt continues...

The Blues have to get back to winning ways on Tuesday night, making the trip to Bergamo to face Atalanta in MD6 of the Champions League. The Athletic's Italian football expert James Horncastle sends in his assessment of the challenge the Blues will face against the side who they sit level on points with in the league phase table.

Elsewhere, the streak is over! Chelsea Women's unbeaten run ends at 34 games after their shock 1-0 defeat by Everton at Kingsmeadow on Saturday. So does it mean their title hopes are over, sitting six points behind Manchester City at the top of the table?

Plus - a chance to hear from Chelsea loanee Leo Castledine - who's impressing at Huddersfield and in a rich vein of goalscoring form in League One!

There will be a SOC Extra dropping for you on Wednesday morning off the back of the trip to face Atalanta - before Matt returns with a full squad on Monday to look back on the visit of Everton AND look ahead to the trip to Cardiff in the League Cup on Tuesday night.

HOST: Matt Davies-Adams

WITH: Luke Bosher and Sam Parkin

PRODUCER: Lucy Oliva

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

It feels like more than just a point... 

Matt Davies-Adams has got an OG SOC crew of The Athletic's Simon Johnson and Liam Twomey alongside him to look back on Sunday's 1-1 draw with league leaders Arsenal at Stamford Bridge.

The gang reflect on the pretty remarkable point picked up against the Gunners given the first half red card dished out to Moises Caicedo, the maturity showed by Reece James and the rest of the team to contain Mikel Arteta's side - and the overall growth of this young squad over just a matter of months to show they really can be competitive against the very best the Premier League and Europe has to offer.

Next up - the Blues kick off a run of three straight away games when they travel to Elland Road to face Leeds on Wednesday night. How will Enzo Maresca tinker ahead of that one? And will Cole Palmer be thrown back in from the start?

Plus! Dom Fifield pops by to tell us more about The Athletic’s brand new book ‘The Soccer 100’ - billed as ‘a celebration of the beautiful game and its 100 greatest players’. Who of a Chelsea persuasion gets a mention?!

We'll be back on Monday to look back on Saturday's trip to Bournemouth AND look ahead to UCL MD6 as the Blues head out to Bergamo to face Atalanta on Tuesday night.

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Yamal who???????

Producer Lucy's joined by Simon Johnson to look back on a great European night under the lights at Stamford Bridge as Chelsea dispatched Spanish champions Barcelona in emphatic fashion, winning 3-0 and in some style on Tuesday evening.

What more can we say about Estêvão?! How big was it for Liam Delap to open his account? How good is Marc Cucurella!? And how does this set the team up for the top of the table clash with the Gunner's this weekend?

Matt will be back on Monday for a comprehensive look back at Sunday's visit of Arsenal - and to look ahead to the midweek trip to Leeds in the Premier League!

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Some week ahead...

Matt Davies-Adams has got Cerys Jones and Sam Parkin alongside him for all the fallout from Saturday's ultimately comfortable 2-0 win over Burnley at Turf Moor.

It might not have been the most memorable of encounters - but we lavish praise on Andrey Santos and his MOTM performance, ponder Liam Delap's importance despite his struggles in front of goal - and lament Cole Palmer's door frame after his freak injury extends his lay-off from action.

It tees us up for an absolutely pivotal week - with Barcelona visiting Stamford Bridge on Tuesday night, before Arsenal make the trip over from North London in the Premier League on Sunday afternoon.

We look ahead to the Champions League MD5 meeting against the Spanish giants - with The Athletic's Barca reporter Pol Ballús on hand to give us some insight into what to expect from Hansi Flick's side. Simon Johnson was in SW6 for the pre-match press conferences of Enzo Maresca and Marc Cucurella - so we've got a bit of a flavour of that for you too!

We'll be back on Wednesday morning with Simon's official verdict from the Bridge - before Matt and the gang return on Monday morning with our full post-Arsenal pod.

HOST: Matt Davies-Adams

WITH: Cerys Jones and Sam Parkin

PRODUCER: Lucy Oliva

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

No more international breaks until March!? Hallelujah!

Matt Davies-Adams has got Cerys Jones and Luke Bosher along for the ride as we relish the return of the Premier League - and Saturday's long trip to Turf Moor to take on Burnley.

We've got a round up of the international Blues in action - before pondering how that will impact upon Enzo Maresca's ever-unpredictable team selection, why this could be a big opportunity for Liam Delap to kickstart his season - and whether Cole Palmer should be risked with Barca and Arsenal on the horizon?!

CFCW suffered disappointment at the weekend, held to a 1-1 draw by bottom of the table Liverpool to see them fall three points behind Man City at the top of the WSL table. Can they use that as fuel when they face old foes Barcelona in the Champions League on Thursday night?

We'll be back on Monday to round up events in Lancashire - and look ahead to the visit of Spanish champions Barcelona in the Champions League on Tuesday!

HOST: Matt Davies-Adams

WITH: Luke Bosher and Cerys Jones

PRODUCER: Lucy Oliva

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

165 games later...

Matt Davies-Adams has got Cerys Jones and Liam Twomey alongside him for the seismic fallout from Malo Gusto scoring his first ever senior goal - which got the ball rolling on Chelsea's ultimately incredibly comfortable 3-0 win over Wolves at Stamford Bridge on Saturday night.

We talk the ongoing great rotation debate, whether starboy Estêvão should be in from the start - and whether this enforced break will give some of the team a chance to get back to something like full fitness after a punishing schedule.

Cerys did the double-header on Saturday, also in place at The Emirates for the eventful 1-1 draw between Arsenal and Chelsea in the WSL. We've got reaction to that one and a simply sensational first league goal from Alyssa Thompson.

We'll take a pause for the last international break until March (hallelujah!) - but return the back end of next week to look ahead to the trip to Turf Moor AND the visit of Barcelona in the Champions League in midweek.

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HOST: Matt Davies-Adams

WITH: Cerys Jones and Liam Twomey

PRODUCER: Lucy Oliva

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Qarabag had lost all seven of their previous matches against English opposition, but that's fine...

Producer Lucy's got reaction from the 2-2 draw with the Azerbaijani champions out in Baku - with Cerys Jones across the game for The Athletic on a night where the Blues avoided the embarrassment of a shock defeat, but still suffered a major blow to their hopes of finishing in the top eight of the league phase table.

Are Chelsea suffering due to the ongoing lack of stability in the starting XI? Why was there such little urgency from the heavily-rotated side? And what does this mean going into the visit of Wolves on Saturday?!

Matt Davies-Adams will be back with a full show on Monday looking back on that game under the lights at Stamford Bridge, as well as the huge WSL clash between Arsenal and Chelsea.

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0.05 xG?!?

Matt Davies-Adams is accompanied by two of The Athletic's finest - Simon Johnson and Luke Bosher - to look back on the 1-0 victory over Tottenham.

It was a rather bizarre evening without major incident compared to the recent mayhem between these two sides - but we discuss the complete nullification of Spurs, Robert Sanchez's impressive command of his box (while hearing from the man himself) - and run out of ways to describe just how magnificent Moises Caicedo is.

The Blues have got a long midweek trip to Qarabağ to navigate on Wednesday night. We preview that game and ponder just how many changes we'll see from the utterly unpredictable Enzo Maresca.

Elsewhere - CFCW were back in domestic action and back to winning ways after their hard-fought 2-0 win over London City Lionesses to maintain their 1-point lead at the top of the WSL table. Plus - we're all Team Hannah Hampton!

We'll be back later in the week with some quick-fire reaction to Wednesday's trip to Azerbaijan - before Matt and the gang return on Monday to bring you the fallout from Saturday evening's visit of Wolves in the Premier League.

HOST: Matt Davies-Adams

WITH: Luke Bosher and Simon Johnson

PRODUCER: Lucy Oliva

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Five wins in a row is a myth...

Matt Davies-Adams is joined by Sam Parkin and full debutant Cerys Jones to look back on the late 2-1 defeat by Sunderland at Stamford Bridge.

We begin with the verdict of Simon Johnson direct from the press box in SW6 - before dissecting some of the finer points of the disappointing performance and result including the struggles of Joao Pedro and Marc Guiu, Enzo Maresca's somewhat perplexing selections - and the lack of defensive stability which is causing concern.

We've got a midweek trip to genuine crisis club Wolverhampton Wanderers in the League Cup last 16 to look forward to - offering our predicted starting XI's ahead of a game that now feels like it's grown in importance with the visit to Tottenham just around the corner.

We'll be back on Monday with all the fallout from Saturday evening's trip across to our old friends Spurs - and to look ahead to the long trip to Qarabag in the Champions League!

HOST: Matt Davies-Adams

WITH: Cerys Jones and Sam Parkin

PRODUCER: Lucy Oliva

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Don't they know Chelsea are the ones who get the red cards?!

Producer Lucy's got reaction to the 5-1 rout of Ajax at a rainy Stamford Bridge with analysis from the press box provided by Blues reporter Simon Johnson and The Athletic's Senior Data Analyst Mark Carey.

10 changes but no problems for Enzo Maresca's side - who made a little bit of history by becoming the first team to have three teenagers score in a Champions League match.

Who stood out in the circumstances? How impressive were the youngsters? And how does this set them up for the visit of Sunderland on Saturday?

Matt Davies-Adams will be back on Monday to review that meeting with the Black Cats - and look ahead to the trip to Molineux to face Wolves in the League Cup!

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Oh, mate...

Matt Davies-Adams, Simon Johnson and Sam Parkin assemble on a gloomy Monday morning to look back on the game of two halves at the City Ground as Chelsea eventually came out 3-0 winners and spelt the end for Ange Postecoglou at Nottingham Forest.

We discuss how Enzo's side tried their best to hand Forest the three points in a difficult first half, the impact of the half-time changes (not for the first time this season) - and praise for Marc Guiu for his immediate impact in the game.

Then - we look ahead to the visit of Ajax in Matchday 3 of the Champions League on Wednesday night. John Heitinga's side have lost their last two Eredivisie games - and were also beaten to nil in their opening two European fixtures. So - the Blues should be clear favourites coming into this one... should they!? There's also plenty of reminiscing about *that* crazy 4-4 back in November 2019.

We'll be back with a brief round up of the Ajax game on Thursday morning - before Matt and the gang return next Monday to look back on Saturday's visit of high-flying Sunderland in the Premier League!

HOST: Matt Davies-Adams

WITH: Simon Johnson and Sam Parkin

PRODUCER: Lucy Oliva

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

MDA Derby pending...

Matt's got a vintage combo of Sam Parkin and Dom Fifield alongside him as we gear up for the return of the Premier League and a trip to Nottingham Forest at Saturday lunchtime.

Two weeks on from that dramatic triumph against Liverpool - will the feel-good factor still be in full effect? Or will the international break travel and toil mean this is a tougher assignment than it looks on paper against a Forest side who are winless in seven under Ange Postecoglou? We ponder the usual selection dilemmas, desires to see Estêvão unleashed from the start - and let Matt wallow in the mess it seems the opponents have got themselves into this season.

The men may have been away - but there's plenty to catch up on when it comes to CFCW after their surprise draw with Twente in the Champions League and narrow WSL victory over Tottenham over the weekend. Cerys Jones has followed Sonia Bompastor's team closely this season and stops by ahead of the visit of Paris FC on Wednesday night.

Plus! A chance to hear from Champions League, Premier League and FA Cup winner Florent Malouda - sharing his learnings and advice for Jamie Gittens after his own slow start to life at Stamford Bridge back in 2007...

We'll be back on Monday for all the fallout from the trip to the City Ground and a look ahead to the visit of Ajax in Matchday 3 of the Champions League in midweek!

HOST: Matt Davies-Adams

WITH: Dom Fifield, Sam Parkin & Cerys Jones

PRODUCER: Lucy Oliva

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EsteWOW hasn't been used yet, has it?!

Matt Davies-Adams is joined by The Athletic's Simon Johnson and Luke Bosher to revel in the glorious 2-1 victory over Liverpool at Stamford Bridge on Saturday evening.

Despite initial trepidation when the team sheet dropped before kick-off, we reflect on the hugely impressive defensive performance, yet another Caicedo banger, the importance of this result (and his celebration) for Enzo Maresca and his relationship with the fans - and of course, the lift-off moment for 18-year-old Estevao after his superb 95th minute winner.

Elsewhere, CFCW dropped their first points of the season as they were held to a 1-1 draw at Manchester United on Friday night. Plus - which former Blue made a total of 125 appearances across four seasons for the club in the noughties - but just 65 of those appearances came as a starter?

We'll take a short hiatus for the international break but be back with you next week for a look ahead to the MDA derby as the Blues prepare for the trip to the City Ground to take on Nottingham Forest!

HOST: Matt Davies-Adams

WITH: Luke Bosher and Simon Johnson

PRODUCER: Lucy Oliva

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The Jose show was back in town for one night only...

Matt Davies-Adams has got Luke Bosher and a sleep-deprived Liam Twomey back alongside him to reflect on Tuesday night's narrow 1-0 win over Benfica at Stamford Bridge!

We touch on the concerns which were mounting after the performance at Lincoln and Saturday's Brighton defeat - before diving into some of the key themes from the victory over Mourinho's men with the help of a Simon Johnson voicenote amidst the thick of the action.

Then - Liverpool are in town - fresh off the back of two defeats for Arne Slot's slightly wavering Premier League champions. We rate the Blues' chances and feel strangely optimistic about them coming away with a result?!

We touch base with the fortunes of CFCW who've continued their perfect start to the season in the WSL - and shoutout Shim Mheuka for his second hat-trick of the campaign already!

We'll be back on Monday when Chelsea have hopefully entered the international break in positive fashion...!

HOST: Matt Davies-Adams

WITH: Luke Bosher and Liam Twomey

PRODUCER: Lucy Oliva

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13 games without a league win at Old Trafford... THIRTEEN!!!

Matt Davies-Adams has got Luke Bosher and Simon Johnson along for our post-Man United pity party after the shambolic showing in the torrential Manchester rain on Saturday night.

We discuss Enzo's baffling substitutions, the Robert Sanchez experience, whether we need to start worrying about Cole Palmer's groin - and the strange case of Tyrique George...

The Blues are off to Sincil Bank on Tuesday night to face League One side Lincoln City in the third round of the League Cup. We look ahead to that game - and the Brighton test which is just around the corner on Saturday afternoon.

Elsewhere, CFCW picked up another three points in albeit unconvincing fashion as they made it three wins from three with a 1-0 victory over Leicester City.

We'll be back on Monday to look back on Saturday's meeting with Brighton - and preview the return of a certain Jose Mourinho in the Champions League with Benfica coming to town on Tuesday night!

HOST: Matt Davies-Adams

WITH: Luke Bosher and Simon Johnson

PRODUCER: Lucy Oliva

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Not *quite* the return to Europe's top table we were looking for...

Producer Lucy's got The Athletic's Chelsea reporter Simon Johnson on hand to bring his post-match reaction to the 3-1 defeat by Bayern Munich in Matchday 1 of the 2025-26 Champions League campaign.

We hear from Enzo Maresca on how the Blues can 'build something special from this defeat', discuss the huge gulf in experience on this stage but how well the young team acquitted themselves in the circumstances - and look ahead to Saturday's trip to Old Trafford.

Very pleased to say that normal service will resume on Monday and Matt and the gang will be back to round up the Blues' fortunes from across the weekend - and look ahead to Lincoln City!

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A draw?! At Brentford?! Never...

Matt Davies-Adams has got The Athletic's Simon Johnson and Thom Harris alongside him to look back on the frenetic 2-2 draw with the Bees at the Gtech on Saturday night.

We discuss the controversial late equaliser, the eyebrow-raising first half team selection - and whether this shows that Enzo Maresca still has a lot to learn about juggling the Premier League and Europe...

Then it's all eyes on Wednesday's trip to Munich, as Chelsea make their Champions League return against old friends Bayern at the Allianz.

And there was a hard-fought WSL victory for CFCW at Aston Villa on Sunday - including a goal on her return for Sam Kerr after a whole 20 months out!

We'll be back with the first of our UCL round up pods on Thursday morning - and then back on Monday to reflect on the trip to Old Trafford to take on PL banter club Manchester United on Saturday evening.

HOST: Matt Davies-Adams

WITH: Simon Johnson and Thom Harris

PRODUCER: Lucy Oliva

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Let's not get stung by any Bees...

Matt Davies-Adams has got Thom Harris and Sam Parkin alongside him as we prepare for the return of the Premier League after it was rudely interrupted by the international break!

We begin with some early reflections on the season so far - and some of key tactical moves and talking points which have stood out from Enzo Maresca's side in the opening three games of this campaign.

There's a look ahead to Saturday evening's trip down the road to Brentford - where there could be some important squad management to do with a trip to Munich just around the corner...

Plus, Chelsea Women's season got off to the perfect start with a 2-1 win over Man City at Stamford Bridge on Friday night!

We'll be back on Monday to reflect on the short trip to Brentford, tell you how CFCW got on at Aston Villa - and look ahead to Chelsea’s return to Europe’s top table with the small matter of a trip to Bayern Munich in the Champions League on Wednesday night!

HOST: Matt Davies-Adams

WITH: Thom Harris and Sam Parkin

PRODUCER: Lucy Oliva

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

It's not physically possible for deadline day to be dull, this is Chelsea lads...

Matt Davies-Adams has got a slightly delirious and sleep deprived Simon Johnson and Luke Bosher alongside him to try and sum up all the chaos from another highly eventful transfer window for Chelsea Football Club.

We dissect the dramatic Nicolas Jackson to Bayern Munich deal that almost didn't happen, the ongoing Raheem Sterling predicament as he failed to find a suitable move away, the bizarre situation which saw Tyrique George's proposed move to Fulham fall through - the unexpected return of Ishé Samuels-Smith (!) - AND the goodbye to Champions League winner Ben Chilwell. Plus, our wider reflections on the window as a whole and where this leaves the club going into the season.

We've got brief thoughts on the VAR-riddled Fulham victory, an exciting (and very 2012 coded) set of Champions League fixtures - and a look ahead to the start of the brand new WSL which gets underway on Friday night!

The Athletic's women's football expert Charlotte Harpur is with us to look ahead to that one - and we hear from England's Euro 2025 hero and broken-legged warrior Lucy Bronze...

We’re off now for the international break (boo) but we’ll be back at the back end of next week to round up all that’s gone on since we’ve been off and preview the short trip down the road to take on Brentford at the Gtech on Saturday night. 

HOST: Matt Davies-Adams

WITH: Luke Bosher, Simon Johnson & Charlotte Harpur

PRODUCER: Lucy Oliva

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No Palmer? No problem (on this specific occasion at least...)

Matt Davies-Adams have got Simon Johnson and Luke Bosher alongside him to look back on the impressive 5-1 win over a pitiful West Ham at London Stadium on Friday night. We give props to the team for adapting to the late line up change, revel in Estêvão's youthful exuberance and heap some love on comeback kid Trevoh Chalobah.

Next up in the never ending run of London derbies - Fulham make the short trip down the road to Stamford Bridge on Saturday lunchtime. We look ahead to that game and ponder the key team selections that Enzo Maresca will have to juggle.

There's brief transfer chatter with the devastating news (for Luke at least) that Renato Veiga has officially left. Plus - could Raheem Sterling be on his way to Saturday's opponents?

And, it's Simon's first attempt at Blues Clues - how will he get on?!

We'll be back at the slightly later time of Tuesday next week to capture all the transfer deadline day chaos, review Saturday’s meeting with Fulham - and settle into the first international break of the season! 

HOST: Matt Davies-Adams

WITH: Luke Bosher and Simon Johnson

PRODUCER: Lucy Oliva

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.