Vesper

After back-to-back braces in a historic international break, Erling Håland has now scored 55 goals in 48 caps for Norway, who have now qualified for the 2026 World Cup Finals in North America next summer. Of the 84 men with at least 50 goals at senior international level, only one now has a better goals-per-game ratio than Håland; Niels Poul Nielsen, who scored 52 goals in 38 caps for Denmark from 1910 to 1925.

Ibrahima Konate revealed that Mbappe “calls me every two hours to sign for Real Madrid”. (Telefoot)

Antoine Semenyo decides next move amid Liverpool, Man United & Man City interest Bournemouth star has made his preference known.. https://thedailybriefing.io/p/antoine-semenyo-decides-next-move Bournemouth forward Antoine Semenyo has informed the Cherries hierarchy that Liverpool is his preferred destination if a transfer materialises in the upcoming January window, according to Indy Kaila News on X. The 25-year-old winger, who has been one of Bournemouth’s best performers over the past year, is attracting significant attention from Premier League giants, but it appears he has already made his choice. Semenyo has been “vocal” and transparent with Bournemouth’s management about his ambitions. While he remains committed to performing for the club, he believes a move to Anfield would take his career to the next level. Antoine Semenyo is adamant on Liverpool move Internally, Semenyo is said to view Liverpool not only as a step up but as a club where he could compete for major honours immediately. Those around the Ghana international say he genuinely believes he can make an instant impact under Arne Slot and that joining Liverpool gives him a real shot at achieving his biggest dream: Winning the Champions League. The winger has reportedly told team-mates and staff that he sees Liverpool as a club “built for trophies,” and the opportunity to join a side competing at the very top of European football is a key driving force in his decision. The Bournemouth attacker has scored six Premier League goals this season for Andoni Iraola’s side. Whether Liverpool see Semenyo as a long term Mohamed Salah replacement or someone who can fill the void left after the departure of Luis Diaz, remains to be seen. While Bournemouth are reluctant to lose one of their most influential players mid-season, they will not stand in his way if an acceptable offer arrives but they are expected to demand a significant fee. Liverpool face Premier League competition The club are aware that interest will only grow, with Manchester United and Manchester City having also monitored the Ghanaian’s progress. However, insiders insist that Liverpool’s advantage is clear: the player only wants Anfield. Everything now rests on whether the defending Premier League champions choose to act. If they do, Semenyo could become one of the surprise signings of the season and potentially fulfil his Champions League dream sooner than expected. What is intriguing about all this is what Man United and Man City will do if the player decides to move to Anfield in the near future. Are they going to do anything to convince him or change their transfer target?

That was my first thought as well. Larry Ellison is a menace on multiple levels, as his his son.

What are Arsenal's Chances in the UEFA Champions League Looking Like? Can Arsenal finally win their first Champions League title? https://thedailybriefing.io/p/arsenal-champions-league Although Arsenal have been impressing us domestically in recent years, their record in Europe is pretty pitiful! While other English clubs like Chelsea, Man City, and Liverpool have seen success in the Champions League in recent years, the Gunners haven’t quite translated their Premier League form into Europe. Despite qualifying for a record 19 seasons between 1998/99 and 2016/17, they’re still looking for their first Champions League title. Their last outing did offer some hope, as they progressed to the quarter-finals for the first time since 2009/10, breaking their run of seven consecutive exits in the Round of 16. Although they did lose to Bayern Munich 2–3, it was still a promising display from the club. So, do I think we could see Arsenal lift their first-ever Champions League trophy this year? Well, let’s find out! Arsenal’s European Form Although a team’s previous form isn’t the be-all and end-all of their chances, it gives us a good indication of how they could fare once again. Arsenal’s form in Europe has long been a sticking point in their rebuild since Wenger left the club back in May 2018, after 22 years at the helm. Under Wenger, they held the record for the most qualifications in a row, making it through to the Champions League 19 times between 1998 and 2017, and they were usually a strong contender in European contests. Under new head coach Unai Emery, who took charge on the 23rd of May 2018, they made it to the final of the Europa League. However, they suffered at the hands of Chelsea, who beat them 4–1 to claim their second Europa League title. Not only did they lose the tournament, but it was their last opportunity to secure qualification for the Champions League and meant they were absent from Europe’s top competition once again. Out of Europe Their loss to Chelsea marked the start of a poor European run for the Gunners. Under their next head coach, Mikel Arteta, who took charge in December 2019, they finished eighth in the Premier League, their lowest result since 1994/95. However, they secured a place in the Europa League with a record-extending 14th FA Cup title. In the 2020/21 season, they once again finished in eighth and failed to qualify for any European competition for the first time in 26 years. The following season, they finished fifth, qualifying for the Europa League but missing out on a Champions League spot by two points to London rivals, Spurs. Although they topped their group in the subsequent Europa League, they didn’t make it past the Round of 16. They initially drew against Sporting CP 2–2 on aggregate but were eliminated on penalties after extra time. Coming Back Stronger After finishing second in the Premier League 2022/23 season, when they spent the most time at the top of the table without winning the league, they qualified for a Champions League spot in the 2023/24 competition. They topped their group against Sevilla, RC Lens, and PSV Eindhoven, sending them through to the Round of 16 for the first time in the Champions League since the 2016/17 competition. They drew the game against FC Porto 1–1, but this time, the penalties went their way and they made it through to the quarter-finals. Although they left the competition after losing 3–2 on aggregate to Bayern Munich, it was still their strongest showing in Europe’s top competition for decades. They continued their streak in the next Champions League 2024/25, going 17 European games unbeaten before losing in the semi-finals to the eventual champions, PSG. How are They Fairing in the Champions League So Far? Firstly, let’s cover the new Champions League format, so you’ll know exactly what is going on. Rather than playing in groups, all 36 of the teams who qualified are in a league. Each will play eight different opponents, four away and four at home. The top eight teams at the end of that will go straight through to the Round of 16, while those ranked from 9th through to 24th will compete in a two-legged playoff stage for the remaining eight places. Those ranked lower than 24th will be eliminated straight away and not drop into the Europa League. When the final 16 is decided, the competition will stick to its existing format of two-legged knockout games. Just to clear up what I mean by two-legged, it’s two games played against the same team, with one at home and the other away. Who plays who is decided based on seeding, so that the top teams don’t meet each other until later on in the tournament. Remember, like last year, there’s no away goals rule, so drawn games go straight to extra time and penalties if needed! How are Arsenal Doing? Arsenal find themselves sitting in fourth place in the Champions League 2025/26 table at the moment, having won all three of their first games. Although all five top teams are undefeated and joint on nine points, Arsenal find themselves behind Inter Milan, Bayern Munich, and PSG on goal difference, but ahead of Real Madrid. All three of their wins have been convincing, and they’re yet to concede a single goal in the competition. Their most recent win was also their best, with a 4–0 victory over Atlético Madrid on the 21st of October. All four goals came within 14 minutes, and Gyökeres secured an impressive brace. Atlético aren’t competition to be taken lightly either, they made it to the quarter-finals of the competition last year and finished fourth. Are There Any Hurdles on the Horizon? Arsenal could stand a real chance this year, they’ll have to make it to the Round of 16 first, of course, but I don’t see them falling far enough down the table to prevent that from happening. I think they’re more than likely to be in the eight that go straight through, but if not, I’d say they would be likely to clinch it in the play-offs. Their toughest challenge will come against Bayern Munich on the 26th of November. The Reds always pose a real threat, and at the moment, they’re running away with the Bundesliga and are in top form. The tie will also see Spurs’ legend Harry Kane face his former London rivals. Kane already has five goals from three games in the Champions League this year, and twelve goals in eight appearances in the Bundesliga. If anyone’s likely to throw a spanner in the works for the Gunners, I’d say it’s Harry Kane and Bayern. Do I See Arsenal Winning the Champions League? I don’t see progressing to the Round of 16 being a problem for the Gunners this time around if their current form is anything to go by. There’s a long way to go; we’re only three of eight games into the first stage. However, I just don’t see them capitulating like they have done so many times in the past. It will be the knockout stages, where they’re often so unpredictable, that pose the real test for Arsenal Their Biggest Competition If they want to win, they’ll likely have to best defending champions PSG, who just seem untouchable, at some point. Although they’re only one point ahead in Ligue 1, PSG have been immense in Europe in recent years. They’ve had some tough matches already in this Champions League, but they’ve beaten Barcelona 2–1 and Atalanta 4–0. They also managed to put seven past Leverkusen, even scoring six of those with 10 men after Zabaryni was sent off in the 37th minute. You can’t write off Bayern Munich, either; they’ve been incredible in the Bundesliga so far and sit ahead of Arsenal on goal difference (currently by just one goal). I think we’ll know a lot more about Arsenal’s chances after the two go head-to-head on the 26th of November. I’m personally waiting on the outcome before I can seriously consider the Gunners. My Thoughts on Arsenal’s Chances If their domestic form is anything to go by, Arsenal could be a real threat in the Champions League this year. At the moment, the Premier League is theirs to lose as they sit on 22 points, seven ahead of last year’s winners Liverpool and four points over the closest team, Bournemouth. There’s a way to go, but I’m already impressed with the Gunners in this year’s Champions League. They look to be putting their inconsistent ways behind them. I’m still holding out on their match against Bayern before I start seriously considering them as contenders for the win. I’m also treading with caution because of their history when it comes to progressing after the Round 16; you just don’t know what Arsenal you’re getting in Europe. They’ll also face a strong challenge from PSG and Bayern, who both look formidable in this year’s contest and their own leagues. Despite all that, I still reckon they have one of the best chances of winning the Champions League this year, given their form, and I certainly wouldn’t bet against them!

Former Tottenham owner Joe Lewis pardoned by Donald Trump British billionaire was fined £4m for insider trading but, despite US president’s intervention, will not be returning to London club https://www.telegraph.co.uk/football/2025/11/13/former-tottenham-owner-joe-lewis-to-be-pardoned-by-trump/ https://archive.ph/EM5FS Former Tottenham Hotspur owner Joe Lewis is to receive an official pardon from US president Donald Trump, but will not be making a return to the club. Lewis was fined £4m last year after pleading guilty to insider trading, having handed ownership of Tottenham to the Lewis Family Trust in 2022. The Lewis family this year took full operational control of Tottenham, following the departure of former chairman Daniel Levy, but 88-year-old Joe will remain in retirement. Tottenham will continue to be run by the next generation of the Lewis family – Joe’s daughter Vivienne, his son Charles and Nick Beucher, the husband of Vivienne’s daughter – along with non-executive chairman Peter Charrington and chief executive Vinai Venkatesham. Eric Hinson last month joined the club’s board as a non-executive director. Lewis’s pardon is due to be published by the White House later today and the British billionaire said: “I am pleased all of this is now behind me, and I can enjoy retirement and watch as my family and extended family continue to build our businesses based on the quality and pursuit of excellence that has become our trademark.” A source close to the Lewis family added: “Joe and the Lewis family are extremely grateful for this pardon and would like to thank President Trump for taking this action. Over his long business career, Joe has been a visionary, creating businesses across the world which multiple generations of his family are now taking forward. There is so much more to the Joe Lewis story than this one event.” Vivienne has been a regular at games since Levy’s departure and the Lewis family last month confirmed the injection of £100m into Tottenham, as first revealed by Telegraph Sport. The family have vowed to prioritise sustained sporting success, with the club fifth in the Premier League table and 10th in the Champions League standings. Lewis, who was born in London’s East End, was ranked 39th in the 2023 Sunday Times Rich List with an estimated worth of around £5bn. Before his sentencing in April last year, Lewis said that he learned as he grew up in England during World War II how “precious life is” and had devoted himself to finding a cure for “horrendous diseases”. Trump has issued a number of pardons since returning to the White House, some of which have provoked controversy and criticism.

A sentiment to how far Marc Cucurella has come His story is madness https://siphillipstalkschelsea.substack.com/p/a-sentiment-to-how-far-marc-cucurella Marc Cucurella was literally written off by nearly everyone at one point. I will say, I did see some Chelsea fans sticking with him and still believing in him, but the majority had lost faith. I had always said, and I can find the articles if needed, that Cucurella was a good player simply because I watched him at Getafe and Brighton and saw how good he was, and I always wanted us to sign him. I thought he was a superb left back. Then he came to Chelsea and he did struggle a lot. He had some off field personal issues going on which likely effected his form. But whatever happened, he was largely not rated by the Chelsea fan base. Before the last Euros in 2024, Cucurella was still being written off by everyone, and Gary Neville even said that Cucurella would be the reason Spain don’t win in that tournament. Of course, Spain went on to win that tournament, and Cucurella played some of the best football he had played in a while to help them. It kicked started his Chelsea career too and since then, his form has been superb and he has become one of the most important players in our team and probably one of the first names on the team sheet. What an incredible turnaround. Cucurella went from being booed by a section of Chelsea fans, being written off and being the butt of all jokes, to being one of Chelsea’s most important players and also, Michael Olise’s toughest opponent to face! Olise said this week: “I’ve faced a lot of top players over the years but the toughest has to be Marc Cucurella. “I’ve played against him a couple of times, and trust me, it’s never easy.” This is probably one of the biggest compliments you can have as a player, for one of the best wingers in the world to say that you are his toughest ever opponent. If only these two were on the same team playing in blue, hey!? Fair play, Cucu, fair play. His attitude is top, and to face adversity like he did and to rise back up, will always have my upmost respect and admiration. He’s become one of our needed leaders in this young group. I applaud Marc Cucurella!

🔵 View from the Bridge — John Terry tears into the UK Government https://aviewfromthebridge.substack.com/p/view-from-the-bridge-john-terry-tears snip Speaking on The Obi One podcast, John Terry slammed the UK Government for their treatment of Roman Abramovich, who was sanctioned shortly after Russia invaded Ukraine. “I think he’s one of the nicest people you could ever meet in your life,” said the Chelsea legend. “I think it’s disgusting what happened to him, I really do. I think the UK government should be embarrassed by our actions towards him. “What he did during lockdown and what he did for the NHS was sensational. He opened up Stamford Bridge to all the nurses and gave people homes during that difficult time. “He was just a lovely, lovely man who loved our football club and thankfully turned away from one other football club and made the right decision to come.”

Givairo Read is the most modern full-back https://scoutedftbl.com/givairo-read-is-the-most-modern-full-back/ The full-back role is perhaps the best bellwether for football’s constant change. The full-back ‘meta’ has shifted significantly in a short space of time: as soon as the inverted versions became a mainstay at the top level, the traditional flyers were back in fashion. That means a full-back that can do both is of heightened value. Givairo Read can do both. He can move beyond the ball, manipulating width to provide depth and development in a more traditional method, and also progress and penetrate as a passer from behind the play, tucking inside in build up. In terms of contemporaries and compatriots, the Feyenoord right-back offers a fleet-footedness that compares to Jeremie Frimpong and a sturdiness that is reminiscent of Jurriën Timber. His rounded skillset was outstanding for the Netherlands as they triumphed at the UEFA U-19 EURO last summer and has been a boon for Robin van Persie at club level this season. His profile is burgeoning in the Eredivisie and beginning to attract interest from some of the biggest clubs on the European scene. His tactical, technical and physical flexibility is a golden goose for head coaches and squad planners at the highest levels. Expect to see him make a milestone move next year.

EXCL: Man United ready to move "fast" to beat multiple EPL clubs to £65m-plus signing of Antoine Semenyo https://thedailybriefing.io/p/antoine-semenyo-transfer-united-liverpool Manchester United are understood to be preparing a January transfer window move for one of the most exciting players in the country at the moment. I’m talking, of course, about Bournemouth forward Antoine Semenyo, and not for the first time either, as I reported here last month about Man Utd’s growing interest in the Ghana international. Ruben Amorim has long been keen to bring Semenyo to United, with Duncan Castles notably reporting that the Portuguese tactician actually met with the player in the summer to discuss a move. It didn’t happen on that occasion, with Bournemouth understandably demanding big money for Semenyo, but the sense now among well-connected sources in the industry is that the Red Devils would be prepared to make a big offer for the 25-year-old this January. Antoine Semenyo to be subject of Manchester United transfer bid Speaking to one source familiar with United’s plans for the upcoming winter window, it certainly sounds like they’re going to be the main name to watch for Semenyo’s signature. However, multiple sources also mentioned names like Liverpool, Arsenal, and Manchester City to me. “United’s scouting department have been tracking Semenyo for some time now and there’s strong interest,” one source said. “They want to move fast to anticipate competition from Liverpool in particular, as well as Arsenal and Man City.” The source added that a bid of “around £65m” looks likely to be “on the table” for Bournemouth this January, though it remains to be seen if the Cherries would accept that or insist on quite a lot more. How much is Antoine Semenyo worth? Semenyo is arguably worth a lot more than £65m, with Bournemouth perhaps likely to look for £80m or more, though this has been unconfirmed yet. For now the main thing to factor in is that Bournemouth will most likely push not to sell at all, with Andoni Iraola’s side surely set to aim to keep Semenyo until the end of the season at least. Still, we also know that Bournemouth sold players this summer as big names like Dean Huijsen and Milos Kerkez left the club, so they are a side who tend to cash in on their best players if the money’s right.

Chelsea eye TWO elite CB signings, including Liverpool transfer target https://thedailybriefing.io/p/Chelsea-araujo-ordonez-transfers Chelsea are eyeing up two central defenders as potential targets, with the Blues weighing up whether to move for a signing in that position in January or next summer. There’s been plenty to cheer about at Stamford Bridge this season after a strong start by Enzo Maresca’s side, though defence looks like one area of weakness in this squad. According to Simon Phillips, this has led to Chelsea exploring two options to potentially come in and bolster Maresca’s defence - Barcelona’s Ronald Araujo, and Club Brugge’s Joel Ordonez. As previously reported here, Araujo is also a target for Liverpool, with the Reds also scouring the market for new signings in that position amid doubts over Ibrahima Konate’s future. Chelsea like Ronald Araujo but Joel Ordonez transfer fits their strategy better According to Phillips, Chelsea have had Araujo on their list for some time, with the Uruguay international a proven player at the highest level after some strong displays for Barcelona down the years. However, the reporter also notes that the Blues tend to prefer to stick to their policy of recruiting the best young talent in world football, so that could steer them towards Ordonez instead. The talented 21-year-old is also someone who Moises Caicedo knows well as they’re Ecuador international teammates. Some Chelsea fans may well be keen to see the club go for at least one or two more proven players, but there are also signs now that the long-term project put in place under this ownership is starting to bear fruit. Chelsea eyeing other elite young talents Another exciting player on Chelsea’s radar at the moment is Como playmaker Nico Paz, who is also being eyed for a return to Real Madrid. Another young attacking midfielder to watch could be Kenan Yildiz, as previously reported by Fabrizio Romano and others.

The Magic Of Blue 💙 | Chelsea Christmas Ad 2025 The Magic of Blue 💙 With 700,000 Londoners experiencing loneliness, we're coming together with @Chelseafcfoundation, Chelsea Supports’ Trust and local charities to donate gifts and raise funds supporting those who may be spending Christmas alone.Help make Christmas a little brighter for those that need it most. ✨ To find out more about The Magic of Blue, Chelsea Foundation beneficiaries involved and our charity partners for the festive campaign, head to: https://www.chelseafc.com/en/the-magic-of-blue Chelsea Football Club and Chelsea Foundation have launched The Magic of Blue, a powerful new Christmas film that highlights the growing epidemic of loneliness in London and beyond. There is a chance to contribute to the campaign by donating gifts or purchasing from a festive range of merchandise. Research commissioned by the Greater London Authority found that a large number of Londoners, 700,000, say they are ‘often or always lonely’, with 15 per cent of over-65s and nine per cent of young people spending Christmas alone according to a study by the Policy Institute at King's College London. As society becomes more digitally connected, many are feeling increasingly isolated, but football, with all its emotions and passion, offers a place to belong. Christmas film At its heart, The Magic of Blue is a story about community, imagination and the unexpected bonds that can form between strangers. It follows the story of a young girl and her elderly neighbour, both facing loneliness in different ways. When the neighbour gifts her a Chelsea shirt for Christmas, a magical journey begins - one that transforms not only her day but his as well. The young girl, Molly, unwraps her first Chelsea shirt on Christmas morning and is instantly transported into a world of wonder and escapism. In her imagination, her London townhouse becomes a stadium; her quiet play turns into a match alongside stars like Enzo Fernandez, Joao Pedro, Lauren James and Naomi Girma, and her everyday surroundings transform into something truly magical. Meanwhile, her elderly neighbour, spending Christmas alone, is surprised when Molly returns the gift by inviting him into her family home to share the joy of the season. It is a full-circle moment that captures the true meaning of togetherness and reminds us that football is more than just a game – it is a way to belong. The Magic of Blue features cameos from Leo Woodall (A-list actor from One Day and The White Lotus) and WWE superstar Jey Uso, as well as players from Chelsea’s men’s and women’s squads including Moises Caicedo, Estevao Willian, Alejandro Garnacho and Millie Bright. Donations welcome The Chelsea family are invited to join efforts in the build-up to Christmas this year and make a difference by donating thoughtful gifts that can offer comfort and joy to someone who may otherwise be spending Christmas alone. From 20 November to 13 December, Chelsea Foundation, in partnership with the Chelsea Supporters' Trust, will host Magic of Blue collection points for supporters to donate gifts on upcoming matchdays at both Stamford Bridge and Kingsmeadow. This covers the following home games: Chelsea Women vs Barcelona Femini - UEFA Women's Champions League - Thursday 20 November Chelsea vs Barcelona - UEFA Champions League - Tuesday 25 November Chelsea vs Arsenal - Premier League - Sunday 30 November Chelsea Women vs Everton Women - Women's Super League - Sunday 7 December Chelsea Women vs Roma Femminile - UEFA Women's Champions League - Wednesday 10 December Chelsea vs Everton - Premier League - Saturday 13 December Items welcome for donation include (all gifts need to be in their original packaging and we are not able to accept food or drink items): Soft cosy blankets Unisex warm socks/slipper socks (with grip bottoms) Gloves Mittens Hats Scarves Craft kits Puzzles Crossword books Photo albums Notebooks 2026 diaries and calendars Posh pens Christmas decorations At Stamford Bridge, the matchday drop-off point will be situated at Stamford Gate behind the security checkpoints. At Kingsmeadow, it will be near the merchandise outlet and ticket office. Look out for the Chelsea Foundation/Magic of Blue gazebo. There will also be Magic of Blue roaming fundraisers giving you the chance to donate money to support loneliness. Those who will not be able to make it to Stamford Bridge or Kingsmeadow and who wish to support with an online donation can do so via this Magic of Blue donation link As part of the campaign, a festive range featuring a Chelsea-inspired Christmas jumper (which sold out last year), winter accessories and gifting options will all be available in the Stamford Bridge Megastore and through our online store. A percentage of all sales from the club’s Christmas range will be donated to fundraising efforts, with expert charities including Age UK and Shepherd’s Star distributing donated items and funding to support those experiencing loneliness within our communities. Donated gifts will also be shared with the Chelsea Supporters’ Trust’s chosen charities. Campaign charity partners Players from the men’s and women’s teams will learn about the work our charity partners do by spending time with beneficiaries in the build-up to Christmas, and Chelsea Foundation will once again open the doors to Stamford Bridge and welcome vulnerable members of our local community when hosting its yearly Christmas lunch. Age UK Age UK is the UK's leading charity working with and for older people. The organisation is dedicated to providing essential services and support to help older people make the most of their later life. Age UK's work includes campaigning, local support, advice and friendship, aiming to change the way older people are treated and represented in society. Shepherd’s Star Shepherd’s Star is a community initiative dedicated to reducing isolation and empowering adults facing hardship in south-west London. Through skills introduction workshops, social connection, shared meals and signposting to support services, it helps individuals rebuild confidence, develop new skills and re-engage with their communities. Chelsea Foundation beneficiaries Chelsea Foundation arranged for five participants in its programmes to feature in The Magic of Blue film and they are introduced here: Catalina is 65 and from the Philippines. She attends walking football and walking tennis regularly and became involved through Age UK. She is married to Frank (details below). Frank is 67 and attends walking football and walking tennis. He also got involved through Age UK and has self-reported that he experiences low levels of social interaction in a recent survey. Abdul became involved with Chelsea Foundation following a heart attack. He now attends walking tennis and other sessions regularly. He lives alone and self-reported experiencing isolation in a recent survey as well as qualitatively to staff several times. Freya is in Year 5 at school and is really into her football. She is part of the girls’ team at school and has taken part in our Players’ Project from the start. She suffers with communication and language barriers. Elias is a super-enthusiastic boy and is a massive football fan. He takes part in our Players’ Project. He met Millie Bright at our World Book Day event last March, which was also the launch of the Players' Project. Laura Cordingley, CEO Chelsea Foundation, said: 'The Magic of Blue is about bringing people together and spreading kindness at a time of year that can feel especially lonely. 'Recent reports have confirmed that one in nine people will be spending Christmas Day alone and so the need for connection has never been greater. This campaign celebrates the power of community. Whether that's between generations, neighbours or fans, they are all united by their love of Chelsea. 'Through initiatives like our Walking Football, we’ve seen how simple moments of connection can transform lives. After just five months engagement with the programme participants, participants who said they feel isolated had dropped from 15% to just 2.5%. 'This Christmas, we’re helping make the season a little brighter for those who need it most - because the real magic of Chelsea lies not just in football but in the compassion and togetherness of our community.' Jess Millwood, CEO Age UK Kensington and Chelsea, added:‘We see every day how loneliness can affect older people — especially at this time of year. Partnering with the Chelsea Foundation on The Magic of Blue helps us end this crisis hidden in plain sight and reminds us of the incredible power of community, kindness, and connection to bring people together.' The Magic of Blue follows Chelsea FC and Chelsea Foundation’s 2024 festive campaign Wrap Up Warm, which saw over £90,000 raised and 3,600 items of warm clothing donated to support those in London affected by homelessness.

Ange Postecoglou linked with Leeds job

word is (FWIW, it's probably bullshit) that Palace want £150m for Wharton

I agree that he cuases a lot of chaos for oppossing teams and I deffo would take him over ANY of our current LWers, but I just do not agree that he is 'the best winger in the EPL' atm. I would say he IS perhaps the 2nd best LWer after Antoine Semenyo atm. and then there are multiple RWers I rate over him (as a winger in general) atm: Bukayo Saka (the best winger overall in the EPL atm IMHO) Phil Foden (is rounding back into WC form after a difficult spell, I know he is hated here but he is a crazy good player when firing on all cylinders) Bryan Mbeumo (close and if Doku starts scoring more he will pass him up IMHO) Estêvão (if not now, then he soon will be better than Doku IMHO) Mohamed Salah is complicated. Up until until this season he was THE best winger in the EPL (no one else was close, not even Saka), if not the world (along with Yamine Lamal, and probably Michael Olise, as Mbappe and Ousmane Dembélé are now almost exclusively CF's, plus Vini Jr is in real turmoil and I rate all those listed in this sentence (save for Salah atm and a Vini Jr in current turmoil) over Raphinha, who is nonetheless a superb winger who I would kill to have on Chels) BUT Salah and Pool are both struggling a lot this season, and it looks like age may have finally caught with a 33yo Mo.

false framing it is not Americanising football at all to say scoring only 3 or 4 goals over 40 odd games (what he is tracking to atm) is NOT the stuff of the 'best winger in the EPL'

🙄 he has one EPL goal in 11 games the one today

timing is everything

great 2nd half

this aged well

boooooooooom 3 nil

weeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeee 2 nil

weeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeee

Dire.

11 goals conceded to go