Streaky Chelsea have negative momentumpublished at 11:59 GMT 10 December
11:59 GMT 10 December
Nizaar Kinsella Chelsea reporter
Image source, Getty Images
Chelsea's biggest problem from the 2-1 defeat at Atalanta in the Champions League is not the implications for the competition, but that negative momentum is starting to set in.
The Blues were being talked about as Premier League title contenders after a valiant 1-1 draw with 10 men against league leaders Arsenal just 10 days ago.
The atmosphere at Stamford Bridge that Sunday was electric, and there was a feeling Chelsea were going places.
However, 10 days is a long time in football. Two defeats and a draw later, the mood is very different ahead of high-flying Everton's visit to west London on Saturday.
There will be genuine pressure on the team from a demanding fan base that has, at times, been unconvinced by Chelsea manager Enzo Maresca, and only shown reluctant backing for the ownership depending on results.
Maresca insists Chelsea's potential to be title challengers has not changed in the past week, given Arsenal are also dropping points and the Premier League table remains congested.
For the owners, they only ask Maresca qualifies for the Champions League again and continues to display signs of progress.
Yet Chelsea fans will be the most demanding voices after last season's Club World Cup and Conference League triumphs. Any missteps against Everton, Cardiff and Newcastle before Christmas will only serve to generate anger and derision.
In the short term, the challenge is to escape this negative momentum and kick-start another run. Longer term, Chelsea need to show consistency over a sustained period to avoid remaining the streaky cup team they have been since Antonio Conte last won the Premier League in 2016-17.
Kofi: I think the constant tinkering with the starting 11 is having an impact. Or the team has already checked out for Christmas early. Might be a combination of both. After the draw against Arsenal, Chelsea have bottled it from the manager to the players. So much promise is not being delivered by the team and the manager at the moment.
John: To be in the top group of teams in Europe, whether it's in the league or Champions League, you need to be consistent. Chelsea are changing their team every game. OK sometimes it's due to injuries but you need to have a team that knows what each player is thinking and the next move. Too many mistakes in defence and not enough up front is hampering our progression.
Kenneth: An established and high-calibre coach is needed. Maresca is not at the level of managing a big club with big players.
Nii: This idea that Maresca has that players can't play two games in a week - where did it come from? Is it the players or the medical department? The great Chelsea managers, Jose, Conte, Tuchel, etc, played the same team week in and out - weekend, midweek, Premier League, Champions League - and the players never complained. Please can we have a core starting 11 and only change a couple of players.
Igor: Chelsea urgently need experienced players and a proper striker if they want to achieve something in the near future.
Dave: When you change half the team for every match it's a recipe for a team to struggle. It could be December blues again for Chelsea like last season.
Thomas: I really love my team Chelsea as a fan from all the way in Africa , but the players are making it difficult for me to enjoy them playing. We needed all three points at Atalanta, but all was not good. Maresca has all the materials he needs.
'Maresca is making too many changes'published at 08:25 GMT 10 December
08:25 GMT 10 December
Image source, Getty Images
Former Premier League winger Andros Townsend believes Chelsea are suffering from the lack of a "settled side".
The Blues' hopes of qualifying automatically for the Champions League knockouts were dealt a blow as Atalanta came from behind to win 2-1 in Bergamo on Tuesday.
Maresca made five changes for this game as he continued his run of rotating players in and out of his starting line-up.
The changes here came after he made the same number for the loss to Leeds and six for the draw with Bournemouth prior to the trip to Atalanta.
"It seems Chelsea haven't found a consistent team and starting XI," Townsend told BBC Radio 5 Live's Football Daily podcast.
"Because they have so many players it is so easy for Maresca to chop and change.
"He changed his two centre-backs against Atalanta, he changed his left winger.
"He's making too many changes and they just haven't found that formula to settle on an XI and go on a run like they did in the summer at the Club World Cup.
"At the Club World Cup they had a settled side and went on to win that competition.
"Now it feels like Maresca makes four or five changes every game and that doesn't help any team."
When asked about his rotation post-match, Maresca said: "I think tonight [in] the first XI we had eight or nine players who played against Tottenham, Barcelona and Arsenal.
"If you see the five changes that we did compared to Bournemouth it is is different but it is the eight or nine players playing Barcelona.
"The ones who played tonight are the ones playing almost all the games."
'Everton now a must-win' - Colepublished at 08:24 GMT 10 December
08:24 GMT 10 December
Image source, Getty Images
Former Chelsea midfielder Joe Cole says Everton's visit to Stamford Bridge on Saturday is now a "must-win game" for Enzo Maresca's side.
Defeat to Atalanta in the Champions League on Tuesday means Chelsea are now winless in four games after a run of six without defeat prior.
"Chelsea are not just there, they're just not there yet," Cole told TNT Sports after the 2-1 loss in Bergamo.
"There are great performances and then there are performances that just fall off.
"There were spells in that game against Atalanta where they looked like a proper outfit and then they're conceding silly goals.
"And at this level you get punished. Charles De Ketelaere was unplayable at times but from Chelsea's perspective it makes the weekend [Everton at home on Saturday] very important.
"Four games without a win now, Everton coming to Stamford Bridge. It's a must-win game."
Atalanta 2-1 Chelsea: What Pedro saidpublished at 08:24 GMT 10 December
08:24 GMT 10 December
Image source, Getty Images
Chelsea goalscorer Joao Pedro spoke to TNT Sports after Chelsea's 2-1 defeat to Atalanta: "We are disappointed because we came here to win. We started well, scored first, and we gave chances to the other team. They are a difficult team.
"We need to go back to England to learn and be ready for the next game. We controlled the game in the first half and we started well. We had a lot of chances to score more.
"For 10 minutes in the second half - when they scored - they built up power and their fans also helped them. In the Champions League, if you concede one goal, and then another too early, it is difficult to come back.
"We need to learn. We're disappointed but we have to be focused on the next game."
Gossip: Chelsea interested in Diomandepublished at 07:59 GMT 10 December
07:59 GMT 10 December
Chelsea and Liverpool are both interested in RB Leipzig and Ivory Coast winger Yan Diomande, 19, who is likely to cost about 80-100m euros (£69m-£87m). (Fichajes - in Spanish), external
Atalanta 2-1 Chelsea: What Maresca said published at 22:43 GMT 9 December
22:43 GMT 9 December
Chelsea boss Enzo Maresca, speaking to Uefa: "First half we were controlling the game.
"After the goal we conceded first one we lost a bit of the control of the game. We are playing every two days and we probably look like we struggle a bit.
"We just want to win as soon as possible. We tried to be aggressive, when we conceded 1-1 probably the dynamic of the game changed a bit."
On Joao Pedro: "He is doing well, sometimes he plays as a nine and sometimes behind the nine."
On Chelsea's dip in form: "I am always worried. Two points in four games is not what we expect and we have to do better."
More from Chelsea boss Enzo Maresca, speaking to TNT Sports: "First half we were winning, we were good and controlling the game.
"After we conceded the first goal, we lost control a little bit of the game.
"We are playing every two days, two days, two days. For a moment we looked like we struggled a bit. Now it's about trying to win the next game.
"We were aggressive like them. We had different chances to make it 2-0 and when we conceded 1-1 the dynamic of the game changed a little bit."
Analysis: Disappointing run continuespublished at 22:19 GMT 9 December
22:19 GMT 9 December
Gary Rose BBC Sport journalist
Image source, AFP via Getty Images
This defeat to Atalanta was a hugely disappointing result for Chelsea as even a draw was keeping them well placed to secure the top-eight finish they need to avoid the lottery of the play-offs.
But they let their concentration slip in defence with seven minutes remaining and Atalanta took full advantage.
The Italians are in good form at the moment so this was always going to be a difficult test for the Blues, but they will be frustrated to be leaving with nothing after taking the lead.
But the bigger picture is that this continues Chelsea's concerning run of form in all competitions.
Since beating Barcelona 3-0 at the end of November they are now without a win in their last four games.
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Chelsea to stick with Guiu amid Delap's four-week absencepublished at 17:09 GMT 9 December
17:09 GMT 9 December
Nizaar Kinsella Chelsea reporter
Image source, Getty Images
Chelsea have no plans to recall Nicolas Jackson from his loan spell at Bayern Munich or to push through a move for Strasbourg's Emmanuel Emegha to cover Liam Delap's injury.
The Blues will continue with Marc Guiu, 19, as back-up to first-choice striker Joao Pedro, with Delap expected to be out for four weeks.
Cole Palmer, Pedro Neto and Tyrique George have all featured as a striker under boss Enzo Maresca and remain further options.
Jackson joined Bayern for an initial £14.3m, with an obligation to buy for £56.2m included. However, that obligation depends on the Senegal international making 40 appearances of 45 minutes or more – a target unlikely to be met given his expected involvement in the Africa Cup of Nations.
Chelsea had considered cancelling Jackson's loan at the end of the summer transfer window after Delap's hamstring injury in August, but eventually allowed the move to go through on improved terms.
Meanwhile, Chelsea also have a pre-agreement in place for Emegha to join from sister club Strasbourg next summer. That deal will not be brought forward to January, with Delap avoiding the worst-case scenario of a fractured shoulder.
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Gossip: Lyon eye Disasi published at 07:38 GMT 9 December
07:38 GMT 9 December
Chelsea's Axel Disasi has interest from Lyon, with the Ligue 1 club keen on a loan move for the 27-year-old France defender. (L'Equipe - in French), external
Meanwhile, Aston Villa are interested in Strasbourg's 23-year-old Argentinian striker Joaquin Panichelli, with Chelsea and West Ham also monitoring him. (Teamtalk), external
Joining Chelsea 'an easy decision' - Garnachopublished at 20:13 GMT 8 December
20:13 GMT 8 December
Image source, Getty Images
Chelsea forward Alejandro Garnacho has no regrets over his summer exit from Manchester United and says moving to west London was "an easy decision".
The 21-year-old was left out of the Europa League final starting XI by United manager Ruben Amorim and was critical of his boss in a post-match interview.
That prompted Amorim to tell him to find another club, and Chelsea swooped at the end of August for his signature.
"Sometimes in life, you have to change things to take a step forward or to improve as a player," he explained on the eve of the Blues' Champions League game against Atalanta.
"This was the right club and [moving] was an easy decision."
Garnacho has two goals and two assists so far for Chelsea and has been encouraged by new boss Enzo Maresca to develop his work off the ball.
The Argentina international says it is a side of the game he is learning to embrace.
"In modern football, you have to defend with everyone," Garnacho said. "I know I have to defend if I want to play.
"He [Maresca] told me this so I try to do the work he asks. I have to help the team defensively."
Maresca on Palmer, Delap & Italy returnpublished at 19:57 GMT 8 December
19:57 GMT 8 December
Joe Bradshaw BBC Sport senior journalist
Chelsea boss Enzo Maresca has been speaking to the media before Tuesday's Champions League game against Atalanta at New Balance Arena (kick-off 20:00 GMT).
Here are the key lines from his news conference:
It is "good news" that Liam Delap has not fractured his shoulder but boss Maresca is "not sure" how long the striker will be out of action.
He said Chelsea have already coped without their number nine this season and will "try to find solutions" in his absence.
Maresca added: "We have already had Liam out for two months unfortunately for him and for us. Joao Pedro and Pedro Neto have played as number nine and also Ty [George] at the beginning of the season. We know Liam is an important player for us and needs to play games to get better and better."
Cole Palmer will also miss out for Chelsea as he "cannot play two times in three days" at the moment. Maresca said this is part of the "process to protect" the England forward.
On whether Raheem Sterling is an option to come back into the first-team picture: "It is the same thing I said about Axel [Disasi]. He is a Chelsea player. At the same time, we are in December and January is coming. Anything can happen and we will see."
On Alejandro Garnacho's contribution since his summer move: "He wants to learn and is open-minded. He is working well on and off the ball. He can give much more but that is not only him. Overall he is doing well."
Maresca said it was good to return to Italy and is "very proud" of his body of work as a manager.
He also identified the main change in Serie A since his playing days: "Tactically. Many teams try to do something similar to what Atalanta have done in the past few years. You can see most teams play five at the back and play man to man everywhere. They follow you. If you go to the toilet, they go to the toilet."
Finally, Maresca revealed he is a keen chef and cooking is his "passion", when asked what he misses about his Italian home: "I like to cook - it's a passion for me. I am a good chef!"
FA Cup third round draw detailspublished at 13:45 GMT 8 December
13:45 GMT 8 December
Image source, Getty Images
The draw for the third round of the FA Cup will take place on Monday, 8 December at around 18:40 GMT, before the broadcast of Brackley Town v Burton Albion - the final game of the Second Round.
Former England internationals Joe Cole and Peter Crouch will conduct the draw that will consist of 64 teams on TNT Sports.
The 20 winners of the second-round ties will be joined by all 20 Premier League clubs and 24 Championship teams in the third round.
All matches will be played around the weekend commencing Saturday, 10 January 2026.
Unlike in previous years, there are no replays if matches end as a draw. All ties will go to extra-time and if necessary, a penalty shootout.
Palmer to miss Champions League trip to Atalantapublished at 12:13 GMT 8 December
12:13 GMT 8 December
Nizaar Kinsella Chelsea reporter
Image source, Getty Images
Chelsea forward Cole Palmer is expected to be left out of the squad to face Atalanta.
The 23-year-old made his first start in the 0-0 draw with Bournemouth on Saturday since 20 September but then did not feature in the subsequent open training session at Cobham Training Centre on Monday.
BBC Sport has been told that Palmer is simply being managed after his more than two-month injury lay-off, initially from a groin problem and a subsequent fractured toe sustained in a freak incident at home.
Palmer is being earmarked by medical staff to return for Everton's visit to Stamford Bridge on Saturday.
Chelsea manager Enzo Maresca is likely to confirm the news at his press conference this evening in Bergamo, Italy, scheduled for 18:30 GMT.
Alternatives to Palmer include Joao Pedro, Estevao Willian, Facundo Buonanotte and Jamie Gittens, who were all left on the bench or not included on Saturday at Vitality Stadium.
The Blues will definitely be without striker Liam Delap after an apparent shoulder injury sustained at Bournemouth, but midfielder Moises Caicedo is available having been suspended for the past two Premier League matches.