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Coming back from a string of big injuries in 2022 is tough work mentally, Deepak Chahar feels. He was out for most of the first half of 2022 and then had a stop-start second half of the year, and has now gone two IPL games without a wicket. It will take time to get back to peak form, he said.”Mentally it’s very tough,” Chahar told select Indian newspapers in Chennai. “I had two major injuries, which are critical for a fast bowler. Other pacers are also struggling with a stress fracture in the back. It takes a long time to recover from that.”When you start playing it takes time to get back to your best, it takes time mentally and physically, and I’m getting there slowly.”Related

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Chahar had suffered a quadricep injury in February 2022, and while undergoing rehabilitation for that, he hurt his back. That turned out to be a stress fracture, and he was sidelined for six months overall. He returned for India’s ODI series in Zimbabwe in August, showed signs of getting back to his best – he was named in India’s reserves for the T20 World Cup – but then had to sit out again, from an ODI series against South Africa, because of a stiff back. He returned for the tour of Bangladesh in December, but was forced off the field after bowling just three overs with what turned out to be a quadricep tear. He played no further part in India’s home season, and has played just the lone game this year – a Ranji Trophy match for Rajasthan – coming into the IPL.Before the IPL, he had told PTI that such injuries were particularly hard on pacers. “They are both very big injuries. You are out for months,” he had said. “Anyone who comes back after the injury it takes time, especially fast bowlers.”If I was a batter, I would have been playing way back, but as a fast bowler…”

CSK’s Dwayne Bravo-sized gap at the death

Chahar, bowling alongside the less experienced Tushar Deshpande and Rajvardhan Hangargekar, has bowled more at the death this season as Super Kings continue to search for a way to plug the hole left by Dwayne Bravo’s exit. Chahar, who for long was a new-ball swing specialist, said he has been working hard on this aspect of his game.”In powerplays, you bowl with a new ball and have only two fielders outside whereas in the slog overs you bowl with an old ball and have five fielders outside. I take it as a challenge and I also practice a lot,” he said. “Earlier, I didn’t bowl much because we had more options to bowl at the death. Since I have many variations – yorker, knuckle ball, slow bouncer, legcutter, wide yorker, offcutter – I decide according to the batter and the pitch and execute [at the death] accordingly.”In Super Kings’ first game, against Gujarat Titans, Chahar bowled two overs in the powerplay and then the 17th and 19th overs, finishing with 0 for 29. Against Lucknow Super Giants, in a run-fest at Chepauk, he bowled three in the powerplay before bowling the 17th over. With Super Giants needing 62 runs from 24, that over went for 18 runs, including three consecutive wides, much to MS Dhoni’s chagrin.Super Kings’ next game is against Mumbai Indians at the Wankhede Stadium on Saturday.

Shakib Al Hasan is likely to play the Dhaka Test as a pure batter after he was unable to bowl post the first day in Chattogram. Head coach Russell Domingo said that they would have difficulty in balancing the side if that was the case, but would be happy having Shakib as batter and captain as they try to level the series.”He could play as a batter [only],” Domingo said after Bangladesh lost the first Test. “Obviously he didn’t bowl enough overs. He is still struggling with his shoulder and [ribcage] bruising. It left us with four bowlers – a big blow for us.”Ebadot [Hossain] broke down [too], so we were stuck with three bowlers. It is very difficult to balance the side at the moment. I am not 100% sure if Shakib would be able to bowl. He is definitely available to play as a batter, which is an issue for us. We need an allrounder.”Related

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Shakib made 84 in the second innings in Chattogram, getting out trying to slog Kuldeep Yadav as he looked for quick runs even as Bangladesh kept losing wickets at the other end on the fifth morning. The hosts eventually lost the match by 188 runs but Shakib’s batting was one of the few bright spots in the game.Domingo said that Shakib has shown that despite his “laidback” demeanour, he is hungry to perform in Tests. The topic came up for discussion after Shakib was not seen on the field for certain periods during India’s first innings, but Domingo believes Shakib wants to continue to play Tests.”It is a tricky question. It is a good question,” he said. “He comes across as very laidback, but when he is in the contest, he has pride in performance. Looking from the outside, you may think, ‘Does he really care?’. But I know that he has a lot of pride in performances. He doesn’t want to be embarrassed out there. He is competing 100%.”Bangladesh have brought on left-arm spinner Nasum Ahmed as cover for Shakib, who is unlikely to bowl in the second Test. But Shakib’s fitness aside, they have other worries too – specifically with the bat. They were folded for 150 after India posted 404 in the first innings, before performing much better with the bat on the fourth day. However, late wickets meant survival would be difficult while chasing an improbable 513.Russell on debutant Zakir Hasan: “It was a no-brainer to pick him due to his confidence and form”•AFP/Getty Images

Domingo said that their top order “isn’t confident”, but the inclusion of Zakir Hasan was a timely one, as he brought recent runs from domestic and A cricket.”We wanted to compete. India is a good side, but once again, one bad session with the bat destroyed our chance in the match,” Domingo said. “Four-hundred is a good score, but it is manageable in Chittagong. We shouldn’t have been bowled out for 150 in the first innings. The most disappointing thing is the poor decision making from the batters.”There’s a lack of confidence in the top order. They are not managing to find a way to get out of the slump. There’s a whole host of players in the top five or six that haven’t played well or been as consistent as I had hoped. The young player who hasn’t played Tests with us is confident at the moment. He has shown us how to do it. He played really well.”Domingo was particularly disappointed at the timing of Litton Das’ dismissal on the fourth evening. He had built a nice defensive approach but six minutes before the tea break, dinked one straight to mid-on, playing what seemed like a half-hearted loft of Kuldeep.”I was disappointed with Litton’s dismissal, particularly the timing of it,” he said. “He is such a good player, so I am sure he’d be disappointed with it too. I can’t see Virat, Root, Smith or Marnus giving their wicket away in that sort of mode six minutes before tea. Litton is that good for us.”Domingo also explained that Mahmudul Hasan Joy and Mominul Haque were dropped due to lack of form.”It is based on the fact that domestically and for the A side, [Joy] hasn’t really got a lot of runs off late,” he said. “He hasn’t played international cricket for five to six months. It was a no-brainer to pick Zakir due to his confidence and form. That’s why Joy missed out.”Mominul got 10 of his 11 hundreds at this venue. He’d be the first to admit that in the last year, he hasn’t got the runs. But he is too good a player to not have around. You cannot lose a player of Mominul’s quality. He will definitely be considered for the second Test.”Mominul lacks confidence. He is under constant scrutiny, [and] pressure. He probably is trying too hard, listening to a lot of opinions, [and] trying a lot of things. He needs to go back to find his own to get runs. Some of the best players in the world have gone through slumps.”

أعلن الاتحاد المصري لكرة القدم، عن طاقم تحكيم مباراة الزمالك وبيراميدز، التي تقام بين الفريقين في نهائي بطولة كأس مصر.

ويلتقي الزمالك مع بيراميدز، يوم الخميس المقبل 5 يونيو، في المباراة النهائية لمسابقة كأس مصر، للموسم الحالي 2024-2025.

وكان فريق الزمالك خطف بطاقة التأهل إلى نهائي كأس مصر، عقب فوزه المثير على سيراميكا كليوباترا بهدفين مقابل هدف. 

بينما على الجانب الآخر، تأهل بيراميدز إلى المباراة النهائية بعد فوز كبير على البنك الأهلي بأربعة أهداف دون رد في دور نصف النهائي.

طالع | اتحاد الكرة يعلن موعدًا جديدًا لمباراة الزمالك وبيراميدز في نهائي كأس مصر

ولم يستعين اتحاد الكرة، بالحكام الأربعة الذين طالب الزمالك باستبعادهم من إدارة اللقاء وهم أمين عمر ومحمود البنا ومحمد الصباحي وطارق مجدي. حكم مباراة الزمالك وبيراميدز في نهائي كأس مصر

أسند اتحاد الكرة مباراة الزمالك وبيراميدز إلى الحكم محمود بسيوني ويعاونه سامي هلهل ويوسف البساطي مساعدين، والحكم الرابع محمد يوسف.

ويتواجد على تقنية الفيديو، الثلاثي حسام عزب وأحمد توفيق طلب ووائل فرحان.

يذكر أن بيراميدز، هو صاحب آخر لقب لبطولة كأس مصر في الموسم الماضي، عقب تغلبه على زد إف سي في المباراة النهائية بهدف دون رد.

في تطور جديد لأزمة الرد الرسمي المقدم من رابطة الأندية إلى المحكمة الرياضية، بشأن أزمة إلغاء قرار خصم 3 نقاط من النادي الأهلي على خلفية انسحابه أمام الزمالك، شنّ عمرو أدهم، عضو مجلس إدارة الزمالك، هجومًا لاذعًا على مضمون البيان، واصفًا إياه بأنه “يفتقر إلى الموضوعية والصياغة السليمة”.

وكتب عمرو أدهم عبر حسابه الرسمي بمنصة “إكس”: “رد رابطة الأندية على المحكمة الرياضية فيما يتعلق بالإجراءات الاستثنائية حسب طلب نادي بيراميدز افتقد إلى أساسيات اللغة والصياغة، والأهم: الموضوعية”.

وتابع: “لغة وصياغة ركيكة، وأخطاء إملائية تعبّر عن إمكانيات متواضعة في الصياغة، وإغفال في المراجعة لتدارك الأخطاء، تعكس قدرات من تم اختيارهم لإدارة المسابقة الأكبر لكرة القدم في مصر”.

وأضاف: “رد الرابطة تضمّن مراوغة ومحاولة للتنصّل وإلقاء المسؤولية على لجنة التظلمات، حيث أشار إلى سلطة وحق لجنة التظلمات في التدخل ومراجعة أي قرار يصدر من الرابطة تم التظلم عليه من أي من أعضاء الرابطة، طبقًا للمادة ٥٨ من لوائح الرابطة، وهو ما يخالف قرار لجنة التظلمات بعدم إمكانها تعديل قرارات الرابطة، لكونها مُحصّنة وغير قابلة للاستئناف أو التظلّم بشأنها، حسب ما ورد في لوائح الرابطة”.

طالع أيضًا | هاني سعيد يوضح هل سيحتفل بيراميدز بلقب الدوري حال الفوز أمام سيراميكا كليوباترا

وأضاف: “مراوغة من السهل لأي طرف إبطالها وإحراج الرابطة بالعودة إلى المستندات والقرار الصادر من لجنة التظلمات.. وهنا سيُطرح التساؤل: من الصادق؟ الرابطة أم لجنة التظلمات؟”.

وأشار: “وتضمّن الرد رفض الإجراءات الاستثنائية لأن بطولة الدوري في مراحلها الأخيرة، ولم يتم تحديد الفائز، وأن لقب البطولة ما زال معلقًا، وأن الفريقين الأهلي وبيراميدز قد تأهلا إلى مسابقة دوري أبطال إفريقيا للموسم القادم، وأن الرابطة على استعداد لتطبيق قرار المحكمة الرياضية، حيث إن القرار لن يؤثر على أي من الأطراف باستثناء إعلان البطل حسب الإجراءات المعتادة”.

وتساءل: “إذا ما كان طلب نادي بيراميدز تطبيق الإجراءات الاستثنائية لن يؤثر على موقفه في بطولة الدوري وإعلان بطل المسابقة، فلماذا قدّمه؟، ولماذا رفضته الرابطة إذا لم يكن له تأثير؟ إذا ما كانت الرابطة على مسافة واحدة من جميع الأندية، وتدّعي في ردها أن هدفها هو تطبيق قواعد اللعب العادل”.

واختتم: “رد الرابطة في العموم تضمّن مغالطات، وافتقد الموضوعية والإقناع والذكاء، وتضمّن انحيازًا لا يليق، وهو دومًا سلوك الرابطة منذ تأسيسها”.

Liverpool are believed to have made contact with a Premier League club over the availability of an “outstanding” player in January, according to journalist Rudy Galetti.

Liverpool transfer news

The Reds continue to be linked with new signings, whether that be this month or the summer transfer window, and Napoli stars Victor Osimhen and Khvicha Kvaratskhelia have both been mentioned as options. The Nigerian is on loan at Galatasaray currently, but a permanent move away from the Serie A giants is on the cards for both players if they cannot find a way to extend their contracts.

Another report has claimed that Liverpool have submitted an offer for Real Madrid midfielder Aurelien Tchouameni, having been backed to sign him in 2022, prior to him opting to join the La Liga giants instead.

The Reds are thought to be plotting a move for Bayern Munich ace Joshua Kimmich, too, with the German now into the final six months of his contract there. He is able to sign a pre-contract agreement elsewhere this month, but could seal a move away in the coming weeks, in order for his club to avoid losing him on a free transfer.

There are also players who could leave Liverpool in the near future, one of whom is youngster Ben Doak, with the winger out on loan at Middlesbrough this season. The club need to weigh up if they see him as a big part of their future or want to cash in on him.

Liverpool make contact with club over "outstanding" midfielder

According to Galetti on X, Liverpool have “asked” for fresh information on Wolves midfielder Joao Gomes, as have a number of other Premier League clubs.

The Reds may be well-stocked in midfield currently, but signing a true defence-minded option in that role could be ideal, giving the squad even more balance moving forward and offering an alternative to the smoothness of Ryan Gravenberch.

In the £30,000-a-month Gomes, Liverpool could have the perfect option there, with Danny Murphy lauding him and Mario Lemina’s relationship in the middle of the park last year: “The defensive work in central midfield is something that goes unnoticed sometimes, but you can’t win matches in the Premier League unless your midfielders do the hard yards and the dirty bits and they did it brilliantly. The pair of them, outstanding.”

At 23, Gomes is also a young player who should only continue to develop as he gets older, becoming even more mature and polished sitting in front of the defence.

PL club want him: Liverpool face their own Palmer disaster with "magic" ace

This Liverpool player has been linked with an exit and it would be a disaster for Slot’s project.

ByAngus Sinclair Jan 10, 2025

This season, the Brazilian has started 19 Premier League games for Wolves, averaging 3.2 tackles per game in the competition, which is more than any Liverpool player, with Alexis Mac Allister (3.0) leading the way.

Former South Africa captain had served as Director of Cricket until March this year

ESPNcricinfo staff19-Jul-2022Former South Africa captain Graeme Smith has been appointed the lead of the country’s new franchise-based T20 league, which is scheduled to begin in January 2023. Smith has been put in charge of all aspects – “both cricketing and non-cricketing” – of the tournament, which is being viewed as crucial to the long-term sustainability of the game in South Africa.One of Smith’s first responsibilities, according to a Cricket South Africa (CSA) statement, is to confirm the participating franchises in the tournament. ESPNcricinfo reported on Tuesday that all six of the teams in CSA’s T20 league had been bought by owners of IPL franchises.”I’m extremely honoured to be entrusted with leading this exciting new venture,” Smith said. “I’m excited by the opportunity to deliver the new league which I believe will be an extremely competitive product, one that can bring the much-needed investment into the game and provide new opportunities for players around the world and more importantly to our SA home grown talent.Related

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“The response from stakeholders has been very positive thus far and we’ve made great progress in the initial stages. We’re determined to deliver a valuable, sustainable and appealing tournament for South African cricket.”This is Smith’s second administrative association with CSA after he worked as their Director of Cricket (DOC) from December 2019 to March 2022. Smith chose not to reapply for the role, and his tenure ended with an arbitration process during which he was found not guilty of engaging in racially prejudicial conduct over his hiring of former South Africa wicketkeeper Mark Boucher as the men’s national head coach over Enoch Nkwe; the non-selection of wicketkeeper Thami Tsolekile during his playing days; and an alleged refusal to work with former CSA CEO Thabang Moroe, who is black.Smith was in the job during the Covid-19 pandemic and masterminded South Africa’s return to action with a three-team exhibition match in July 2020, when the controversy over how they were going to show support for anti-racism began. At first South Africa’s players indicated they were not going to take the knee, but then everyone involved in the match did. That set in motion the Social Justice and Nation Building commission, which culminated with disciplinary charges being brought against Boucher, and then dropped.Smith’s time as DOC coincided with a tense and racially-charged period for South African cricket, but also produced some of their best on-field results. The men currently top the World Test Championship points table while the women’s team has qualified for the semi-finals of successive ICC events.Smith’s relationship with the BCCI also ensured that CSA hosted a profitable series against India in the previous home summer, and the board hopes he will be able to produce a similarly successful T20 league.”I worked closely with Graeme during his role as DOC and believe he is the perfect candidate to lead this new chapter of South African cricket,” CSA CEO Pholetsi Moseki said. “His expert understanding of the local and international cricketing environment will ensure the League delivers a thrilling product that will change the face of South African cricket for the better.”

England’s batters may have changed their approach, but skilled quicks maintain their edge

Nagraj Gollapudi03-Jul-2022How did India’s bowlers manage to avoid the blistering assault suffered by New Zealand during England’s 3-0 whitewash earlier this month? Thanks to their battery of 140kph/87mph-plus seamers, as well as a return to the same bowling plans that had delivered a 2-1 series lead in the first four Tests of the Pataudi Trophy last summer. That was the assessment of Mohammed Siraj, India’s leading wicket-taker in the match so far, whose four victims in England’s first innings included the prized scalp of Joe Root on Saturday.Using his ability to kick the ball off a good length at high speeds, Siraj forced an edge off Root on the second day to remove him for 31, then returned on Sunday afternoon to pick off England’s final three wickets in the space of his final four overs. Earlier, England’s captain Ben Stokes had paid the price for what Kumar Sangakkara on air described as “reckless batting” when he holed out to mid-off for 25, as India closed out an imposing lead of 132.They were made to work for their dominant position, however, with Jonny Bairstow once again blazing his way to a century, his third in successive Tests this summer. Siraj, however, said that the Indian bowlers had remained unruffled during his onslaught.”As bowlers, we had to just keep patience,” Siraj said at the close of play. “Bairstow is in form and he has been continuously playing attacking batting since the New Zealand series. So we were aware his confidence was high. Our simple plan was to stick to our basics and, no matter what he did for us, it was a matter of one ball – be it an inswinger or seaming in off the pitch.”In his spell immediately after lunch, Jasprit Bumrah – India’s stand-in captain – pegged Bairstow back with a mix of conventional Test bowling and some white-ball variations. He kept Bairstow rooted in his crease with good use of the yorker, and challenged him with slower balls alongside quicker deliveries pitched on a good length outside off stump. With the pressure cranked up, Bairstow duly nicked the first ball he faced when Shami entered the attack in Bumrah’s place, and departed for 106.”When we saw the New Zealand series, we realised that our every bowler is 140-plus and they [New Zealand bowlers] didn’t have that,” Siraj said. “We had that ability and also we also had played against England last year. So that was our plus point, as [we] were aware of their weak points and that is why we got the success.Related

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“In the first innings, the pitch was helpful to begin with, but after that it became flatter subsequently. So our only plan was to hit consistently in one area. Also, the more effort balls we could deliver, then it would be effective for the bowlers. If we took it easy, then we would end up leaking runs.”In successive Tests against New Zealand, the attacking approach of England’s batters helped them chase down three imposing 270-plus targets with ease. There’s little doubt that Stokes’ men will attempt the same when their latest fourth innings gets underway, probably sometime on Monday afternoon. Siraj, however, was undaunted, adding that he believes this pitch could favour India’s bowlers.”The ball is now keeping low,” he said, “so in the second innings it will definitely help us.”

Looking to repeat their transfer genius of the past, Brighton & Hove Albion have now reportedly opened talks to sign another South American youngster ahead of European giants Real Madrid.

Brighton transfer news

As arguably one of, if not the best, ran club in the Premier League, Brighton relish the transfer window and they could yet prove exactly why once again this month. For any side looking to become an established top flight side, those at The Amex have created the blueprint to follow by creating stars, selling them for huge profit and then welcoming replacements capable of enjoying a similar rise.

As a result, they once again find themselves on course for a top half finish in what would be a fantastic first season under Fabian Hurzeler – the youngest manager in Premier League history at just 31 years old.

Now, having previously welcomed Alexis Mac Allister, Moises Caicedo and Julio Enciso, the Seagulls look set to make a return to the South American market to land another young star.

According to Graeme Bailey for The Boot Room, Brighton have opened talks to sign Vitor Reis from Palmeiras in a deal that could cost as much as £25m. Despite interest from Real Madrid, Arsenal and Chelsea, the Sussex side look set to act early enough to secure another impressive coup.

Sky Sports: Brighton could move to sign "excellent" defender this month

Fabian Hürzeler is keen to strengthen his defence this winter.

ByDominic Lund Jan 3, 2025

Just 18 years old, Reis could yet prove to be an Enciso repeat, given that the midfielder also arrived at a young age and from his home country of Paraguay in the summer of 2022.

A central defender rather than a midfielder on this occasion, Brighton may have found their eventual replacement for ageing captain Lewis Dunk for years to come.

Brighton can land "heir to Thiago Silva" in Reis

At just 18 years old, Reis has found himself at the centre of some impressive praise, including from Ben Mattinson. The analyst even went as far as claiming that the defender is “Brazil’s heir to Thiago Silva” before describing his aerial ability as “strong” and dubbing the teenager a player with “ice-cold composure” back in October.

Real Madrid’s interest should paint quite the picture of just how highly Reis is rated across European football and, therefore, the significance of Brighton’s potential January swoop.

For the young central defender himself, meanwhile, Brighton represents an intelligent move. It’s a move that Mac Allister made – a player on course to become a Premier League champion at Liverpool these days.

It’s also a move that Caicedo completed before becoming one of the most expensive midfielders in football history by joining Chelsea in 2023. Now, it’s a path that Reis could follow to become the latest young South American to sign on the dotted line at The Amex.

A “powerful” Sunderland player will not only miss the weekend clash with Swansea City but could also be out for the next 13 matches, as confirmed by manager Regis Le Bris.

Latest Sunderland news

The Black Cats’ form has stalled a little in recent weeks, with only one win in their last six Championship matches, following such a blistering start to the season.

Le Bris’ fourth-place Sunderland side are back in league action on Saturday afternoon, making the trip to a Swansea team who are currently sitting ninth in the table. It promises to be another test of their promotion credentials, with further dropped points casting doubt over their hopes of reaching the Premier League automatically this season.

Kristjaan Speakman has spoken positively about the potential for January reinforcements, however, which could be needed to give the Black Cats the added quality that they crave: “We’ve just got to be really diligent in the moment, able to react and action things really quickly within the month of January. I’m really optimistic about what we can achieve.”

Injuries can have the potential to derail any team’s season, though, with Sunderland not without fitness issues this term, and now a fresh blow has emerged.

Injury blow for "powerful" Sunderland ace

Speaking on Thursday, Le Bris confirmed that Sunderland winger Tom Watson is expected to be out injured for around two months, meaning he could miss as many as 13 games leading up to the middle of February.

This is a huge blow for Watson and Sunderland, with the 18-year-old impressing so much for such a young player, scoring twice in six Championship starts so far this season.

Swansea City (A)

December 14th

Norwich City (H)

December 21st

Blackburn Rovers (A)

Boxing Day

Stoke City (A)

December 29th

Sheffield United (H)

New Year’s Day

Portsmouth (H)

January 5th

Stoke City (H) – FA Cup

January 11th

Burnley (A)

January 17th

Derby County (A

January 21st

Plymouth Argyle (H)

January 25th

Middlesbrough (A)

February 3rd

Watford (H)

February 8th

Luton Town (H)

February 12th

With Jack Clarke departing to Ipswich Town during the summer transfer window, he has really stepped up, with Le Bris heading praise on him, saying: “When you have a winger with the ability to run inside and outside and cross, it’s a gift for a coach and a team. He works well.

“The system is well designed for him. We can use him very quickly and play to his main strengths. He’s powerful, he can dribble, he can move inside and outside and he scored. He’s very strong, a very good winger in this league.”

While Watson isn’t necessarily one of the first names on Le Bris’ team sheet, he is still going to be a massive loss in the coming months, having done so well for a player so young.

Sunderland have hit gold on "diamond" who may be sold for more than Clarke

Sunderland could soon cash in on this star for a high amount.

ByKelan Sarson Dec 13, 2024

It means Sunderland immediately lose an attacking threat out wide, with the teenager shining in a left-sided role, and it could be an an extra excuse for the club to look for a new face in the January window.

Chelsea delivered yet another top-class performance, smashing Unai Emery’s Aston Villa side 3-0 at Stamford Bridge and going level on points with Arsenal after 13 games played in the Premier League.

Enzo Maresca’s men held 64% possession against the Villans, creating two big chances, taking 17 shots in the game, and generating 1.61 xG. The goals were scored by Nicolas Jackson, Enzo Fernández, and Cole Palmer, as the Blues continued their rich vein of form.

There were some key performances all over the pitch for Chelsea, one of which was the performance of 23-year-old midfielder, Fernandez, who scored a goal in back-to-back weeks, continuing his fine streak of form since returning to the side.

Enzo Fernández's performance in numbers

Fernandez found himself out of the Premier League starting XI under Maresca for a few weeks, as he chose to prioritise physicality in central areas, starting Roméo Lavia alongside Moises Caicedo.

However, since his return to the starting XI, Fernandez has made himself undroppable, scoring goals in successive Premier League games, and providing five assists in his previous four outings.

Alongside his goal against Aston Villa, Fernandez also managed two key passes, two out of two successful dribbles, and won six of his 11 ground duels, making three tackles.

The excellence of Fernandez has made him one of the first names on the team sheet in recent weeks, but he isn’t the only one, as Marc Cucurella is making himself undroppable with his performances, and it was another excellent one against Villa.

Performance in Numbers

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Marc Cucurella's performance in numbers

The 26-year-old Spaniard has made 15 appearances so far this season in all competitions, contributing to three clean sheets in his 1,100 minutes played.

Cucurella brings leadership, tenacity and hunger to the Chelsea team, making it a nightmare for attacking players to face him, getting stuck in, winning his duels, and getting under the opposition’s skin.

Minutes

90

Touches

127

Accurate Passes

105/109

Long Balls

2/4

Ground Duels Won

4/7

Aerial Duels Won

1/1

Clearances

2

Tackles

4

Against Villa, the full-back had an enormous 127 touches – the most of anyone on the pitch – and made 105/109 passes (96% completion). His sturdy nature on the ball, mixed with his aggression off of it, made him pivotal in this game.

The Spanish defender won four out of his seven ground duels, won his only aerial duel in the game, and made four tackles, clamping down his side of the pitch with his 1v1 defending. That said, it was his attacking contribution that was most impressive, steamrolling Jaden Philogene before taking the ball on the overlap to supply Jackson’s goal.

Emery tried to switch things up after 66 minutes, throwing Leon Bailey on the right to run at Cucurella, but the Spain international continued to come out on top, playing a huge part in Chelsea’s clean sheet.

Many questioned the £60m fee Cucurella cost the club back in 2022, especially after his tough start to life in blue. But since the halfway point of last season, the 26-year-old has shown his quality and settled into a real role in this squad. Now, many fans would suggest that the price tag was a bargain for what he brings to the side.

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