CHELSEA hammered Sheffield United 4-1 at Stamford Bridge as Hakim Ziyech turned in a masterclass.
But they could face a battle to keep hold of N'Golo Kante with Antonio Conte reportedly desperate to bring the midfielder to Inter.
Get all the latest updates from Stamford Bridge here…
- Richard Forrester
GOOD MORNING CHELSEA FANS,
Kai Havertz has revealed why he rejected other lucrative moves to sign for the Blues.
The attacking midfielder was linked with Bayern Munich before signing on the dotted line for Chelsea.
He told Sport Bild: “It was important to me to have a club with a vision.
“An exciting change is taking place. We are a young team with many great players. We think offensively.
“We want to build something up here and attack. That motivates me a lot. And then it is a title with Chelsea is worth a lot more.”
Meanwhile, Christian Pulisic has left the USA squad to return to Chelsea for treatment on his hamstring injury.
The American will play no role in the upcoming international with Wales despite joining his teammates at their training base.
And Pulisic will continue his rehab with the Blues after missing their last three wins.
Chelsea face Newcastle next Saturday lunchtime when the Premier League returns.
But USA manager Greg Berhalter refused to say when Pulisic will be ready to return for Lampard's men.
He said: “It's hard for me to speculate on that. I know he's returning to Chelsea and he will be training with them.
“He was doing some on-field work with us as well. He's making a lot of progress. The one thing I do know is that he is putting absolutely everything into it. I really admire that about Christian.
“He's so focussed on getting back on the field and all he wants to do is help the club and help his country. You can hear that when you talk to him but also in his actions.
“He's working extremely hard and getting treatment three times a day. He's focused on getting back and getting better.”
And finally, Olivier Giroud is considering his future at Chelsea and could push for a January move away to help nail-down his spot in the France squad for the delayed European Championship.
The former Arsenal striker, 34, was linked with a move to Inter Milan in the summer but stayed in West London after a strong end to 2019-20.
Yet Giroud has featured in two EFL Cup games – against Barnsley and Tottenham – while playing just 33 minutes in the Premier League this season.
He is in Didier Deschamps' France squad for the upcoming games against Finland, Portugal and Sweden.
But football.london claim Giroud may force a move away from Chelsea in order to ensure he remains part of Deschamps' plans for the Euros in 2021.
- Joe Brophy
PUSH AND PUL
Barcelona defender Sergino Dest has claimed he was in awe of Christian Pulisic during USA training.
He told ESPN: “I haven’t met Gio Reyna, so I don’t know him as a person, but I played with Pulisic. He’s a really good player; they’re both really good players.
“I saw in the first couple of [USMNT] training sessions before I made my debut against Mexico, he [Pulisic] was so good, you know, in the training.
“I had some recovery sessions, so I was just looking at the training, but he was almost unstoppable.
“And then in the games you see it, he plays really well.
“Hopefully we can get a good connection on the field and can play with each other really well.”
- Joe Brophy
PUL THE STRINGS
Borussia Dortmund starlet Gio Reyna has admitted he doesn't plan to alter his game in Christian Pulisic's absence.
The 17-year-old told ESPN: “I think I just have to play my game like always try to do, like I've done with Dortmund so far.
“I think if I can emulate what I did at Dortmund so far this season here, I think I can be successful here too.
“Of course. I'm, we're gonna miss Christian, obviously. He's such a good player and he always offers so much for us. It's unfortunate that he can't play, but I think for me, it was always just trying to help the team get involved and obviously try to score goals in the system.”
- Joe Brophy
WHAT ZI-YECH
Rido Ferdinand has revealed what Chelsea boss Frank Lampard said to him about the signing of Hakim Ziyech.
Talking on his YouTube channel, FIVE and also reported in the Metro, he said: “He [Ziyech] was one of the signings that went a bit under the radar because he had an injury.
“I spoke to Frank [Lampard] just after he signed and he picked up his injury and he was majorly disappointed.
“He said: “Rio this guy is the guy that can unlock things. If it’s tight in a game he’s the one especially away from home in the big games he can unlock things”.
“He has the personality, he wants to try things. He can give it away six times on the bounce but he’ll still try that outlandish pass to create an opening. That’s what Frank likes and that’s what the team needed.”
- Joe Brophy
GIROUD AWAKENING
West Ham could reportedly be interested in a short-term loan deal for Chelsea striker Olivier Giroud.
Claret and Hugh claim that the Frenchman wants a January move away from the Blues after playing just 33 minutes in the Premier League this season.
- Joe Brophy
BRIDGE OVER TROUBLED WATER
Chelsea's proposed move for Anel Ahmedhodzic has been blocked by the Malmo player's agent.
The defender's father claimed talks with the club's transfer chief Marina Granovskaia have taken place.
But Mirsad Ahmedhodzic says his son Anel's representive Markus Rosenberg is hampering a transfer.
He told Sportbladet: “He’s [Rosenberg] not doing his job. He has told Marina at Chelsea that Anel is not going there.
“[Anel] wants to go abroad after the season finishes.”
- Joe Brophy
PUSH AND PUL
Chelsea face Newcastle next Saturday lunchtime when the Premier League returns.
But Berhalter refused to say when Pulisic will be ready to return for Lampard's men.
Berhalter added: “It's hard for me to speculate on that. I know he's returning to Chelsea and he will be training with them.
“He was doing some on-field work with us as well. He's making a lot of progress. The one thing I do know is that he is putting absolutely everything into it. I really admire that about Christian.
“He's so focussed on getting back on the field and all he wants to do is help the club and help his country. You can hear that when you talk to him but also in his actions.
“He's working extremely hard and getting treatment three times a day. He's focused on getting back and getting better.”
- Joe Brophy
PUL A SICKIE
Christian Pulisic will also miss America's game with Panama on Monday after returning to Frank Lampard's Blues.
USA manager Greg Berhalter said: “Christian Pulisic is leaving camp tonight.
“He had a great three or four days with the team and he was able to get treatment, be with the guys and connect with the staff again.
“It was great to see him. Unfortunately he won't be taking part in the match. He's a player that we are certainly going to miss and with his quality we wish we could have him on the field but that's not going to happen.”
- Joe Brophy
PUL THE OTHER ONE
Christian Pulisic has left the USA squad to return to Chelsea for treatment on his hamstring injury.
The American will play no role in the upcoming international with Wales despite joining his teammates at their training base.
And Pulisic will continue his rehab with the Blues after missing their last three wins.
- Joe Brophy
VA VA ZOUM
France boss Didier Deschamps has revealed why he chose Kurt Zouma over Manchester City defender Aymeric Laporte and RB Leipzig star Dayot Upamecano.
He said: “There’s competition everywhere.
“Kurt has been with us for a while, he’s been called up many times but hasn’t played that much.
“If I pick him it’s because I think he’s better than the other people because of what he’s doing at Chelsea.
“He had a few injuries in a row but now he’s been very fit for a while, he’s very calm, so he’s here.”
- Joe Brophy
ZOUM CALL
Chelsea are reportedly set to open contract talks with Kurt Zouma to reward the Frenchman following his impressive start to the season.
- Joe Brophy
KAI IN THE SKY
Kai Havertz has already scored four and assisted one in 10 appearances for Chelsea in all competitions this season.
- Joe Brophy
LET ME FRANK
Kai Havertz has stated his aim to become Chelsea's new Frank Lampard – after shaking off a bout of Covid-19.
He told SportBild magazine: “I now feel better once more.You can't underestimate what coronavirus is like.
“It's important for everyone to understand that it is no laughing matter.We need to take care of one another.
“I have always remembered how dangerous Frank Lampard used to be in front of goal.
“I thought he had an outstanding record for a midfielder – and I want to use him as a benchmark.
“I'm also impressed by the fact that he has been such a likeable guy despite all his successes.”
- Richard Forrester
GOLDEN OLDIES
Former Arsenal star Alex Song has joined Djibouti Premier League champions Arta/Solar7, according to reports.
The news came as a surprise to many… as they thought he’d retired.
And Song, 33, isn’t the only former Premier League star knocking about in some far-flung corner of the world well into the twilight of his career.
We take a look at a whole TEAM of former top-flight players somehow still lacing up their boots every weekend.
- Richard Forrester
BEST OF BOTH
Chelsea legend Pat Nevin believes Hakim Ziyech reminds him of both Eden Hazard and Cesc Fabregas.
The £33million summer signing was outstanding in Chelsea's 4-1 win over Sheffield United at the weekend.
He made two assists and showed brilliant quality with his range of passing.
And Nevin told talkSPORT: “It was a magnificent performance showing little glimpses that reminded you of the best of Eden Hazard at one moment and then Cesc Fabregas’s genius two minutes later.
“I can already see something special with Reece and Hakim. You might stop one, but that will create space for the other. Timo Werner has obviously figured out that he is a good guy to know.
“Every time Hakim gets the ball, Timo is off haring into space knowing that Hakim can find him nine times out of ten. If that ball is coming in from the right wing, Timo will be on that back post.”
- Richard Forrester
STRUGGLE IS GREAL
Mason Mount refuses to apologise to the nation for not being Jack Grealish.
And frankly, why should he?
The Chelsea midfielder has been beating off fierce competition to hold down regular starting places for club and country.
But while the clamour grows for Aston Villa skipper Grealish to start for England, Mount has become the scapegoat – a target for social-media criticism and abuse.
Mount said: “I’d never look at it as a rivalry. We are two different players, we can play in different positions and we do different things.
“We are two team-mates who play for the same country. We want to do the best for each other, the team and the country.
“I look at the way he’s been playing this season, he’s been unbelievable.
“Everyone's always going to have an opinion but we have a massive focus on our own games.
“We all know what Jack can do, he’s a world-class player that can create and score goals and that’s what we need in any England team.”
- Richard Forrester
BRIGHT FUTURE
Brighton appear to have won the race for Irish whizkid Evan Ferguson… after appearing against Chelsea aged 14.
The 16-year-old’s manager at Bohemians, Keith Long, confirmed a deal is in place for a summer switch to the Amex.
Long said: “He has a deal already done with Brighton. He’ll go in the summer. I don’t think there’s any secret there.”
Ferguson was handed his full senior debut in Monday’s 2-1 win over St Patrick’s Athletic.
The striker, who has been linked to Liverpool, caused a stir in 2019 when he made a sub appearance aged just 14 against Chelsea in a pre-season friendly.
Ferguson only needed 23 minutes to impress and almost bagged himself a stunning goal after dancing his way past Lucas Piazon and Kurt Zouma before angling an effort wide.
- Richard Forrester
KAI HOPES
Kai Havertz has revealed why he rejected other lucrative moves to sign for Chelsea.
The attacking midfielder was linked with Bayern Munich before signing on the dotted line for the Blues.
He told Sport Bild: “It was important to me to have a club with a vision.
“An exciting change is taking place. We are a young team with many great players. We think offensively.
“We want to build something up here and attack. That motivates me a lot. And then it is a title with Chelsea is worth a lot more.”
- Richard Forrester
SMELL OF VICTORY
French FA chiefs have offered fans the chance to smell like Paul Pogba, Olivier Giroud or N'Golo Kante … by launching their own FRAGRANCE.
Les Bleus enjoyed the sweet scent of success once again at the 2018 World Cup, having previously won it in 1998.
The French Football Federation has now begun selling Eau Bleue, a men's cologne, from their online store.
The bottles retail for £25, and carry the France team's cockerel emblem plus two stars to represent their World Cup triumphs.
The FFF say the product is aimed at “14 to 18-year-olds buying their first proper fragrance.”
Makers Okaia declare: “Made from noble essences, this perfume symbolises the values of Les Bleus. Powerful and addictive, its timeless fragrance seduces every generation.
“It immerses a man in the natural elements of water, ozone-rich scent for an invigorating freshness, and minerals for a cool style.
“Its changing smell evokes manly adventure and raw elegance – power, confidence, sensation, heroism, inspiration, life, tradition, uniqueness and bravery.”
- Richard Forrester
PULLING THROUGH
Christian Pulisic is slowly winning his battle against injury and is set to return after the international break.
Chelsea’s American winger suffered a setback in his recovery from a hamstring problem which is proving more stubborn than first thought.
Pulisic underwent a scan on the strain and even took part in light training but is only just inching towards a first team return.
He suffered a hamstring injury in the FA Cup final defeat to Arsenal in August.
The 22-year-old was set to start Chelsea’s game against Burnley a week ago before pulling out before kick-off.
The £58million star has not played a complete match all season.
But with the Premier League suspended until a week on Saturday during the latest round of international games it is giving Pulisic extra time to recover.
And the club is quietly confident he will be ok to play at Newcastle in a lunchtime kick off on November 21.
- Richard Forrester
FLYING KAI
Kai Havertz has declared his aim to become Chelsea's new Frank Lampard – after shaking off a bout of Covid-19.
The German international has made a slow start to life with the Blues following his £72million move from Bayer Leverkusen.
Attacking midfielder Havertz has just one goal from seven Premier League appearances, plus a Carabao Cup hat-trick against Barnsley.
The 21-year-old tested positive for coronavirus earlier this month.
He told SportBild magazine: “I now feel better once more.You can't underestimate what coronavirus is like.
“It's important for everyone to understand that it is no laughing matter.We need to take care of one another.
“I have always remembered how dangerous Frank Lampard used to be in front of goal.
“I thought he had an outstanding record for a midfielder – and I want to use him as a benchmark.
“I'm also impressed by the fact that he has been such a likeable guy despite all his successes.
“I joined Chelsea because it was important for me to be at a club with a vision.
“There's an exciting revolution going on at the club.We are a young team, with lots of great players.”
- Richard Forrester
PAUL TO PLAY FOR
Paul Merson is backing Chelsea to challenge for the Premier League title this season.
The Blues sit fifth, just three points off the top and appear to be improving as their new-look team continues to gel on the field.
Merson believes the balance between defence and attack means Frank Lampard's side can start looking upwards.
He wrote in his column: “If we are going to talk about Tottenham winning the title, then Chelsea are right in the mix. If Spurs can win it, then for sure, Chelsea can win it.
“Frank Lampard has now got who he wants in key positions and you can really see the difference.
“Thiago Silva is world-class. They’ve got two full-backs who are as good as any in the league and for me, they [Reece James and Ben Chilwell] are the two England full-backs, in my opinion. They are outstanding.
“Silva is also only going to make Kurt Zouma a better player and the goalkeeper Edouard Mendy is solid.
“Hakim Ziyech has got a left foot that can open a can of worms, Timo Werner scores plenty of goals, Tammy Abraham looks like he’s getting better and then there’s Mason Mount. They’ve just got so much attacking talent.”
- Richard Forrester
BARKING UP THE WRONG TREE
Gabby Agbonlahor has warned Aston Villa that Chelsea will demand a huge fee for Ross Barkley.
The England midfielder has started the season on fire following his loan move to the Midlands.
Villa have no option to make the move permanent at the end of the season.
Agbonlahor told football.insider: “There’s no rush. I think at the moment they’ve got him on loan for the season, they’ll see how he does all through the season and then judge the situation at the end of the season.
“It might be something they want to make permanent at the end of the season.
“I’m sure there will be a big fee because Chelsea will value him and let’s not forget he’s a similar age to Jack Grealish and if he can keep producing his current form Chelsea will definitely want a high fee.
“Chelsea might even want to bring him back in their team. I think we’ve just got to enjoy him while he’s here and try and get the best out of him.”
- Richard Forrester
ROUD AWAKENING
Olivier Giroud is considering his future at Chelsea and could push for a January move away to help nail-down his spot in the France squad for the delayed European Championship.
The former Arsenal striker, 34, was linked with a move to Inter Milan in the summer but stayed in West London after a strong end to 2019-20.
But after the arrival of Timo Werner, Giroud's first-team appearances have been limited under Frank Lampard this season.
Giroud has featured in two EFL Cup games – against Barnsley and Tottenham – while playing just 33 minutes in the Premier League this season.
The Frenchman is now behind Werner and Tammy Abraham in the pecking order at Stamford Bridge.
Giroud is in Didier Deschamps' France squad for the upcoming games against Finland, Portugal and Sweden.
But football.london claim Giroud may force a move away from Chelsea in order to ensure he remains part of Deschamps' plans for the Euros in 2021.
- Richard Forrester
LOW AND BEHOLD
Germany boss Joachim Low will rest Timo Werner for their friendly against Czech Republic.
The Blues striker has been afforded a few days off to recover from the Prem's hectic fixture schedule but will join up with his international team-mates for the Nations League matches.
Low also admitted he will start Antonio Rudiger despite losing his place in the Chelsea side.
The manager said: “Antonio Rüdiger, Robin Koch and Julian Brandt are sure to start.”
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