Chelsea

BBC Radio 5 Live's Monday Night Club pundits have been discussing Chelsea's Premier League credentials.

Xabi Alonso's side are currently fourth in the table, having taken 13 points from seven games, but former Premier League striker Chris Sutton has warned against getting "so excited and giddy" about the prospect.

The Observer's Rory Smith said: "If Chelsea don't make the Champions League spots this season, with their squad and no European football, it would be a mere calamity.

"Given the way they are improving and the rate that Xabi Alonso is solving problems, if Arsenal dip a bit and Manchester City are docked points, there is a world in which Chelsea could at least challenge for the title."

Sutton interjected to ask: "Why are you getting so excited and giddy about Chelsea? They beat Everton, who haven't got any players, and they beat Bournemouth, who hadn't won a game up until last weekend and had a better xG on the day.

"They have also lost to Brentford 3-0 this season, so I don't understand what you're getting so excited for?"

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

"However, Alonso has an attack that works really well with Cole Palmer, Morgan Rogers and Joao Pedro, and Moises Caicedo being back in contention is really important because he is potentially their best player.

"There is a question mark over the defence, but Alonso has solved problems in his first two months of being manager so there is plenty of reason to be excited as a Chelsea fan."

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

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

Here are some of your comments:

Everton fans

Robert: Another disappointing performance. It's clear we need a top forward and have done for some time, but whoever is in charge never seems to rectify this glaring issues.

Paul: When top teams play well, like Chelsea did in the second half, we are going to struggle. That's just where we are. But if we took our chances in the first half, then it's a different game. We desperately need to try something different upfront. Charly Alcaraz, Brennan Johnson, Tyrique George or the young lad Braiden Graham must be worth a go. It isn't all bad, we are still in a good place, and have been picking up points, so there is plenty of optimism still.

Alex: That was not a good team performance, especially at home. Merlin Rohl and Harrison Armstrong were the standout players. Mykolenko and Tarkowski were pretty solid, too. It was on off day for both Dewsbury-Hall and Garner who made very little impression on the game. The usual issues with Thierno Barry will come back to haunt us. The fact that we still haven't sorted out the issues up front since Lukaku left is embarrassing.

Chelsea fans

George: It's this type of performance that signals the new era for Chelsea - solid, mature and resolute. Xabi Alonso has galvanised a group and created a structure for the team to express themselves as a collective. Clean sheet, chances and becoming difficult to beat. Alonso seems to have a plan which is well-thought-out, methodical, and progressive. I'm now excited and not nervous.

Tristan: Stunning. Finally getting a clean sheet and what a place to get it. That was the best game I have seen Pedro Neto play. I feel a bit anxious because we're getting injuries like Reece James and Emiliano Martinez but that win for me keeps Chelsea's title hopes alive.

Chris: Chelsea need to ditch Cole Palmer. The world thinks he is a dream, six shots on goal, and he missed every one of them. He was simply not reliable enough. Always starts the season with a whoosh and a bang, but returns to the inconsistencies that lost him his England place.

Image source, Getty Images

Chelsea goalkeeper Emiliano Martinez says he will be back "in a few weeks" after breaking his jaw in the 2-0 Premier League win at Everton on Saturday.

The 34-year-old Argentina international and Everton defender Jarrad Branthwaite clashed heads in the second half at Hill Dickinson Stadium.

Martinez needed treatment for eight minutes before leaving the pitch on a stretcher. He was taken to hospital, where Chelsea said he had "successful" surgery.

On Sunday, he posted a photo of himself wearing a hospital gown on social media.

"Thanks to everyone for the messages. The operation ‌went well," he wrote.

"The most important thing is that we won, and kept a clean sheet. In a few weeks we'll be back."

Nizaar Kinsella
Chelsea reporter

Image source, Getty Images

With difficult matches to come, there will be questions over whether Mike Penders, who became Chelsea's youngest goalkeeper to play in the Premier League at the age of 21, is ready for the demanding run of fixtures ahead.

That concern would be heightened if tests confirm Emiliano Martinez suffered a concussion, with Premier League protocols typically requiring a minimum 14-day return-to-play process.

Chelsea signed Penders from Genk for £17m in 2024 before loaning him back to the Belgian club. He then spent last season on loan at sister club Strasbourg, where he impressed in both the Conference League and Ligue 1.

Genk have developed a reputation for producing elite goalkeepers, and Penders is frequently compared to Thibaut Courtois by those who know him best.

Like the Real Madrid goalkeeper, Penders stands at 6ft 7in and has recently served as his understudy in the Belgium national team set-up.

He has worked with the same legendary youth goalkeeping coaches, Guy Martens and Gilbert Roex, who also helped develop Koen Casteels, Maarten Vandevoordt, now at RB Leipzig, Lucca Brughmans, who will join Liverpool next summer from Genk, and Nordin Jackers of Club Brugge.

They specialise in developing goalkeepers who are good with their feet, including Penders, who recorded the highest average position while playing out from the back under Rosenior at the Ligue 1 club early last season.

Roex, who has known Penders since his academy days, believes he is capable of matching Courtois' level of success at Chelsea, Atletico Madrid and Real Madrid.

He said: "We have produced a lot of great goalkeepers, but Mike is the one with the potential to reach the same level as Thibaut. His sense of calm is gold in goalkeeping."

Read more on Penders here

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

Germany's Florian Wirtz, 23, has no intention of leaving Liverpool as reports suggest possible interest from Chelsea, who are coached by his former Bayer Leverkusen boss Xabi Alonso. (CaughtOffside), external

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

Follow the gossip column on BBC Sport

Chelsea boss Xabi Alonso, speaking to TNT Sports about the win: "We are very happy with the result. With the performance, we needed one of these wins away when we have played very professional, very serious and looking solid. A very good win."

On what he was most pleased about: "We looked in control of the game. There were moments for sure when we had to defend, especially in the first half. There were a few minutes, but overall the team looked mature, we were knowing what to do in each moment, knowing we will have a moment and that happened in that second half.

"After that, we were good with the ball, we were creating chances, not conceding much and to win away is always tough. We got the clean sheet, we knew it was a matter of time and finally we got it."

On the first clean sheet for the club since January: "We need to keep working, it's just one game. One [for the rest of the season] will be very poor, so we need to get more clean sheets for the rest of the league games, but for sure, the first one feels good.

"We need to keep working this way, working well, being serious and knowing wherever we go we can play in an efficient and professional way."

Chelsea goalscorer Pedro Neto speaking to TNT Sports: "We are really pleased. Shame for Emi [Martinez] but we wish you all the best. This win is for him."

On keeping a clean sheet: "We need a clean sheet to be honest. I think we did a very good game. Emi deserved this, Mike [Penders] did as well."

On his first goal: "We know that they came man-to-man. In the second half, we adjusted some stuff. We tried to get the best of the man-to-man press and we got away. We got the cross and I could finish well, so really happy."

On his composed finishes: "This comes a little bit from the new coach of the national team that says when you are near to the area you need to pass to the goal, so I'm really happy with that."

On continuing this winning form: "It's really important. We know it's tough to play away, even at home there are no easy games. We came here with personality, with good intentions to win the match and really happy with the result."

Did you know?

• Chelsea have won the nine of the last 10 Premier League games when Pedro Neto has scored (L1), with the Portuguese players netting his first ever brace in the competition (187th appearance).

• Chelsea won their first Premier League away game while keeping a clean sheet since last November (2-0 against Burnley).

Emlyn Begley
BBC Sport journalist

Image source, Getty Images

Pedro Neto scored his first double in a Premier League game in what was his 187th appearance in the English top flight, but the focus was not on him at the full-time whistle.

The Portuguese showed good composure for both goals, which came in the opening minute of the second half and then the 90th minute, with 11 minutes added on after that.

Chelsea were good value for the win and threatened to add to their tally, most notably when Moises Caicedo's stunning volley hit the angle of post and crossbar.

Cole Palmer had six shots, including a clever lob from Morgan Rogers' through ball which landed on the roof of the net.

They will now wait for news of the injury affecting keeper Martinez, who went straight to hospital after being carried off the pitch. Belgian Penders, 21, made his Premier League debut when he came on.

Between them, the two goalkeepers helped Chelsea to their first clean sheet in the league since 17 January, ending a run of 22 games with conceding.

Chelsea starting XI:

Emiliano Martinez: The Argentina goalkeeper was fortunate not to be punished after taking too long over a goal-kick and conceding a corner. He also made a number of saves, although none proved particularly demanding. Martinez was later carried off on a stretcher after a collision with Jarrad Branthwaite in worrying scenes. 6

Josh Acheampong: Acheampong looked a threat going forward but was booked for a late challenge on Grealish in the first half. 6

Maxence Lacroix: One of Lacroix's best performances since joining Chelsea. He saw a header from a corner cleared off the line and defended impressively throughout. 7

Levi Colwill: A relatively quiet afternoon for the centre-back, who was rarely troubled defensively. 6

Pedro Neto: The Portugal winger scored 43 seconds after the restart after threatening shortly before half-time with a long-range effort. He was involved in much of Chelsea's attacking play but picked up a needless booking for dissent. Neto took his second in the 90th well after a blocked free-kick landed at his feet inside the box. 8

Jordan Henderson: Influential throughout, contributing in all areas of the pitch. His set-piece delivery was strong and he also saw a shot blocked. 7

Moises Caicedo: Relished the physical battle in midfield and came close to scoring with a superb first-time volley that struck the crossbar just before half-time. 7

Jorrel Hato: The Dutch defender, Chelsea's only change from last week's win, provided the assist for Neto's first goal and was composed in possession. 7

Cole Palmer: A relatively quiet display by his standards, although he looked dangerous whenever he got on the ball. He tested the goalkeeper early on and later lifted an inventive effort over the bar. 6

Morgan Rogers: The club-record signing showed his competitive edge throughout. His clever backheel played a key role in the build-up to Chelsea's goal. 7

Joao Pedro: A rare subdued performance from the Brazilian, who had enjoyed an excellent run of form coming into the match. Pedro squandered a good chance to seal victory in the 86th minute. 5

Chelsea substitutes::

Mike Penders (on 74, Martinez): In less than optimal circumstances, the young Belgian goalkeeper came on for his Premier League debut for an injured Martinez. Penders made a good punch from a cross with his first action in the 84th minute but flapped at the next one before making a simple save. 6

Marco Palestra (on 90+1, Hato)

Danny Welbeck (on 90+1, Joao Pedro)

Romeo Lavia (on 90+1, Caicedo)

Geovany Quenda (on 90+11, Neto)

Subs not used: Fofana, Barco, Nicoll-Jazuli, Estevao, Quenda

Read the full article and see how you rated the players

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

Have your say on Everton's performance

What did you make of Chelsea's display?

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

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

• Everton v Chelsea (12:30)

• Brentford v Liverpool - listen on BBC Radio 5 Live

• Fulham v Hull City

• Manchester City v Ipswich Town - listen on BBC Radio 5 Sports Extra

• Newcastle United v Aston Villa (17:30) - listen on BBC Radio 5 Live

Kick-off times 15:00 BST unless stated.

Follow all of the action and reaction here

How to follow the Premier League weekend across the BBC

You can also listen to today's 5 Live Premier League commentaries on your smart speaker. Just say "Alexa, ask BBC Sounds to play Brentford v Liverpool" or "Alexa, ask BBC Sounds to play the Ipswich match", for example.

New this season: Live match updates

Fans of Premier League clubs can now get real-time scores live on their phone lock screen for every game.

Simply follow your favourite football teams on the BBC Sport app for updates throughout the 2026-27 season.

Find out more here

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New this season: Match of the Day Predictor

Simply predict the outcome of the six fixtures we've selected from across domestic and European competitions every week.

Players can join at any time, get involved with the latest round and start building a streak.

Read more about it here

You can find the predictor in the navigation bar at the top of this page, or on this link

Matthew Hobbs
BBC Sport journalist

Everton host Chelsea in a meeting of fifth and sixth in the Premier League table.

BBC Sport examines some of the key themes going into their meeting on Merseyside on Saturday.

Everton manager David Moyes was critical of his players after they let a 2-1 lead slip at Hull City on Sunday but a draw at the MKM Stadium was enough to maintain Everton's unbeaten start.

This is just the third time in the Premier League era that Everton have gone undefeated in their opening six matches. Should the Toffees avoid defeat against Chelsea on Saturday, they would match the club's longest unbeaten start from the beginning of a Premier League season.

That run of seven games was set in 2006-07 when Everton would go on to finish sixth and qualify for Europe during Moyes' first stint on Merseyside.

The Scot targeted a return to European football last season and Everton were in contention for much of the campaign before falling just short. Their chances of achieving that ambition in 2026-27 may well depend on the goals of centre-forward Thierno Barry, who has scored six times, just two short of last season's total with at least 34 games to go.

The 23-year-old is playing in only his third season in an elite European league having joined Everton after one campaign with Villarreal and after netting against both Ipswich Town and Hull, he is vying to score in three successive matches at this level for the first time.

Visitors Chelsea have an in-form forward of their own in Joao Pedro, who has been involved in more goals than any other Premier League player so far.

The Brazil international scored twice as Chelsea put five past Bournemouth last weekend, taking his tally to five goals and three assists in just five matches.

Chelsea's triumph against the Cherries also underlined their current capacity to start quickly. The Blues have scored five goals in the opening five minutes of Premier League matches so far – 17 teams in the competition are yet to do so even once.

Chelsea, though, do not always travel well to the blue half of Merseyside. Their first game at Hill Dickinson Stadium last season ended in a 3-0 defeat, while they won on just one of their final eight visits to Goodison Park.

Moyes, meanwhile, has won eight of his past 13 home games as a manager in this fixture - four times with Everton and four with West Ham United.

Everton are still unbeaten and, as well as their results, they have really impressed me with the way they have played so far.

Bournemouth had a better xG than Chelsea last weekend, but lost 5-1. That game showed again how Xabi Alonso's side are going to be enjoyable to watch this season but very difficult to predict.

You just don't know what you are going to get with Chelsea at the moment but at least you know what to expect from Everton.

They are always so well organised and should probably have beaten Hull City last time out, with the number of good chances Thierno Barry had.

I can see them making things awkward for Chelsea and maintaining that unbeaten start.

Sutton's prediction: 1-1

Read the full predictions and have your say here

Image source, Getty Images

We asked you to tell us how you are feeling about skipper Reece James, who is set to be sidelined for three months after undergoing knee surgery.

Here are some of your comments:

Jack: He's one of our own and always will be. I hope he can bounce back quickly, but the injuries are too frequent now - it's impossible to ignore the fact that he hasn't been a reliable part of the squad for years.

John: Disappointing news for James and the club, but I think we now have enough cover with Jordan Henderson, Romeo Lavia, Moises Ciacedo and Valentin Barco and the potential youngsters within the squad.

Rob: Reece is blue through and through and will be more disappointed than anyone else about this set-back. We all want a fully fit Reece James in our side.

Stuart: Shame about James, but Chelsea are - controversial - better without him. He slows the game down too much. We should have sold while he was fit ages ago.

James: Such a shame for James to be injured again, but Chelsea need a captain who can be counted on fitness-wise. I feel this is a good time for Henderson to take over, or perhaps Levi Colwill if we are looking for one of our own to lead.

John: First of all, want to say that I love James and I hope that he gets back to full fitness as soon as possible. However, in a season that we are playing only once a week and he's not able to stay fit, it's a big problem. It's not just the fact he's unavailable, he's actually not able to play in wing-back anymore. At what point do we say enough is enough?

Katie Stafford
BBC Sport journalist

Chelsea boss Xabi Alonso has been speaking to the media before Saturday's Premier League game against Everton at Hill Dickinson Stadium (kick-off 12:30 BST).

Here are the key lines from his news conference:

• Alonso said they "are all disappointed" for Reece James, but his knee "surgery has been successful".

• On the recovery timeline for the captain: "I wish him the best recovery. We won't set timelines, but we expect him to be out for several weeks. It's not going to be short. Whether it's before or after Christmas then time will tell. It needs to be done properly."

• He said they "have a big squad to deal with injuries" and doesn't expect James' injury to influence any business in the January transfer window.

• The Blues manager is confident that players like vice captains Moises Caicedo and Levi Colwill can step up and show leadership in the absence of skipper James: "You can be a captain without an armband, for sure. Leadership is important and that's why we have this [leadership] group, not just on matchday."

• Emmanuel Emegha is unavailable after picking up a knock on Thursday, but is expected to return to training next week.

• On whether they can continue to over-perform in terms of their expected goals (xG) per game: "I hope so. Our goal is to keep doing that and then not concede that many. We need to go game by game."

• On how his side can continue to improve: "We want to play with good balance and control and create chances. The attacking power we have is fantastic. We need to be maximising that and be more consistent."

• Alonso said Everton "will be tough" opponents and they are expecting it to be a "high demanding" game.

• More on going to the Hill Dickinson stadium: "It will be a good atmosphere so we are looking forward to it. I want us to compete. We know what it takes to win Premier League games away [from home]."

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

What are you feelings on the news of this latest injury for James? How should Alonso fill the gap in the side in the captain's absence?

Let us know here

Nizaar Kinsella
Chelsea reporter

Image source, Getty Images

It feels like it has been a long time since Chelsea have enjoyed a period of such stability.

Xabi Alonso will go into his media conference before the trip to Everton having secured his biggest and most accomplished win, at least in terms of the scoreline, of his tenure so far with the 5-1 victory over Bournemouth.

Of course, in the Cherries manager's own words, Bournemouth did not turn up at Stamford Bridge, but there is no doubt the tweaks made over the international break have left the Blues in a better place.

One key talking point before Saturday's match, however, is the loss of captain Reece James to a knee injury that has required surgery.

The defender was injured in training before Chelsea's win against the Cherries last weekend, and the decision was taken for him to have surgery.

The timeline for his return is looking set to be around three months.

That is a blow, but the rest of Chelsea's squad appears to be in a good place and Friday's news conference may provide an opportunity to explore some themes around individual players.

What are you feelings on the news of this latest injury for the Chelsea captain? How should Alonso fill the gap in the side in James' absence?

Let us know here

Nizaar Kinsella
Chelsea reporter

Image source, Getty Images

The extended three-week international break may have benefited Chelsea more than any other team in the Premier League.

Although it is a small sample size, Saturday's 5-1 victory over Bournemouth appeared to support that theory, with senior club officials speaking before kick-off about how the break had come at the right time for the Blues.

Before the pause, it was clear new manager Xabi Alonso was searching for answers within his system, having moved to a back three.

Chelsea conceded a league-high 12 goals before the break but at times had been able to outscore opponents through the brilliance of Cole Palmer, Morgan Rogers and Joao Pedro.

But the approach looked unsustainable.

A 3-0 defeat at Brentford before the break underlined the need for adjustments, and Alonso made several against Bournemouth.

Chelsea defended deeper, pressed in a different shape, and altered their build-up play to give Alonso's side a more solid look.

The return of key midfielder Moises Caicedo was a major factor.

Ecuador international Caicedo had played only 14 minutes as a substitute before Saturday after suffering a recurrence of a calf injury during a brief appearance against Brighton.

His quality in possession and ability to win the ball back made a huge difference.

Joao Pedro, who has the most goal involvements in the Premier League this season with eight (five goals and three assists), was also back.

As were Marco Palestra and Emmanuel Emegha, both named among the substitutes.

Palmer withdrew from England duty, drawing a reaction from Thomas Tuchel, but was fit to play the full 90 minutes for Chelsea and looked refreshed.

Without England commitments, the forward joined about 16 senior Chelsea players, supplemented by academy prospects, in near full-strength training sessions.

There was also coaching, experimenting and tactical work going on throughout the game, so the result was not the focus.

Alonso also said he spent a lot of time doing "office work", which insiders believe largely involved tactical analysis of previous matches and preparation for future opponents.

Chelsea had only 10 players away on international duty, while rivals Manchester City and Arsenal had 18 and 17 respectively.

When asked about the three-week break, Alonso said it was "too long".

For Alonso, the extended international break has provided valuable breathing space as he refines his approach at Chelsea.

Read more on Alonso's work over the break here

Image source, Getty Images

We asked for your views on what Jordan Henderson's role could be for Chelsea this season after he scored two screamers and registered an assist in a 5-1 win on his home debut against Bournemouth on Saturday.

Here are some of your comments:

Lee: Personally, with playing effectively one game a week, why can't he carry on partnering Caicedo in the middle? We've been crying out for the experience. It's also the most comfortable the back three have looked all season.

James: I must say I was sceptical when Henderson signed and thought it was one extreme to the other in age profile but I stand corrected. If he can stay fit and Caicedo likewise, Chelsea have a very good midfield from which to build. Can we please have a clean sheet though!