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Enzo Maresca has urged Chelsea wonderkid Estevao Willian to ignore comparisons with Barcelona star Lamine Yamal, insisting the Brazilian should focus solely on improving himself. Ahead of a huge Champions League clash between two of Europe’s brightest teenagers, the Blues boss backed Estevao to become a “top player” if he keeps developing at his own pace.

• Maresca opens up on Estevao's comparison with Yamal

  Chelsea head coach Maresca has moved to calm comparisons between 18-year-old sensation Estevao and Barcelona prodigy Yamal as the pair prepare to share the pitch in a blockbuster Champions League encounter. Estevao has made an impressive start to his debut season in England, contributing goals and assists in limited minutes as Chelsea carefully manage his adaptation to Premier League football. His explosive dribbling and natural flair have made him a fan favourite already, and the youngster heads into the Barcelona match in strong form after impressing for both club and country.

  Maresca has repeatedly praised the winger’s maturity and willingness to learn but stressed that comparisons to more established players could add pressure at a stage where Estevao is still adjusting to European football. With four goals and one assist in 16 appearances, the Brazilian has already demonstrated he can influence high-level matches when used correctly. Chelsea consider him one of the cornerstones of their long-term project, but Maresca insists development must be gradual.

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  Maresca urges Estevao to enjoy football without pressure

  “Estevao is already playing at a high level and is starting games for Brazil,” Maresca told reporters ahead of the Barcelona clash. “He is very young and for sure can do many things better, but we are very happy with him. It’s nice for people who love football to watch players like Estevao, Lamine Yamal, Pedri. We are happy that Estevao is with us.”

  “Estevao is going to be an important player for this club in the future, no doubt. The most important thing for Estevao now is that he has to enjoy his football, he has to be happy, and not think about being better than this player or that player.” Maresca stressed the need to avoid external pressure. “He just has to be better than himself day by day, work hard and improve, and for sure he will be a top player for this club.”

  The Chelsea manager also warned that comparisons to Yamal are unfair and premature given their different trajectories. Yamal’s 31 goals and 42 assists in 118 Barcelona appearances place him in a more advanced career phase, while Estevao is only months into his European journey. Maresca finished by reiterating that enjoyment, learning and steady improvement remain the keys to Estevao’s development.

• Estevao's promising start at Chelsea after move from Palmeiras

  Estevao has been one of the breakout stories of Chelsea’s season, arriving from Palmeiras with enormous hype but immediately demonstrating he can handle the demands of elite football. His four goals and one assist only tell part of the story, as his speed, creativity and fearlessness have added a much-needed spark to the Blues’ attack. His international form strengthens his profile further, with five goals in his last six matches for Brazil signalling the rise of a future Selecao star.

  The winger’s journey from Palmeiras to England shows why Maresca is urging patience. At his former club, he registered 27 goals and 15 assists in 83 appearances, developing into one of South America’s top young prospects before Chelsea secured him. Despite the excitement, Maresca is aware of the challenges faced by young wingers entering the Premier League and wants to protect Estevao from comparisons that could hinder his growth.

  On the other side of the pitch is Yamal, whose prodigious emergence at Barcelona has set new standards for teenage talents. Having broken multiple age records and already established himself as a decisive force in La Liga and the Champions League, Yamal’s trajectory is unique even among elite prospects.

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  Chelsea take on Barcelona at Stamford Bridge on Tuesday

  Estevao is expected to feature in some capacity against Barcelona, though Maresca may continue to manage his minutes carefully given the intensity of the fixture. The club’s long-term plan is to gradually increase his influence as he adapts physically and tactically to English and European football. A strong performance on the Champions League stage would further elevate his status but Chelsea remain focused on steady, sustainable development.

  Meanwhile, Yamal will be the first name on Hansi Flick's team list as the Catalan side finally start to receive players back from injury ahead of the packed winter schedule.

Liverpool splashed the big bucks and then some over the summer, hopeful of retaining their Premier League title in style.

However, the majority of the whopping £415m spent now looks as if it has gone down the drain, with both Florian Wirtz and Alexander Isak remaining goalless, despite costing a combined £225m to bring to Anfield.

Arne Slot thankfully has the January transfer window coming into view now to try and turn around his side’s lacklustre campaign, with Liverpool all the way down in eighth position at the moment, as Manchester United are even ahead of the Reds on goal difference.

Liverpool planning to spend big again

You would think that the Merseyside giants might be more cautious in the transfer department after such a wild summer spending spree.

However, reports suggest that the underwhelming reigning champions could go all out to try and win Michael Olise from Bayern Munich for an astronomical £177m fee.

Moreover, one of the best players in the top-flight this term in the shape of Antoine Semenyo is reportedly also on their radar as they try to upgrade on an attack that looks short on confidence, even with Mohamed Salah starting week in, week out.

On top of flashy recruits being rumoured to join the Anfield ranks in attack, an update from Liverpool-based writer DaveOCKOP has also revealed that the Reds are holding initial talks with Crystal Palace over midfield star Adam Wharton.

Transfer Focus

Mega money deals, controversial moves and big-name flops. This is the home of transfer news and opinion across Football FanCast.

It is stated that the move is more likely for the summer of 2026 than the upcoming January window, but never say never when it comes to Liverpool’s ambition in this department, with it also being revealed back in September that the English international’s preference – if he were to leave the Eagles behind – was a switch to Slot and Co.

Having just made his first start for the Three Lions during this international break, the sky really does appear to be the limit for Wharton currently, with a mammoth £100m price tag also above his head.

How Wharton can become Slot's own Gerrard

As Slot looks to reshape his midfield in 2026, he could find a new beating heart at the centre of his team in the form of Wharton, much like a certain Steven Gerrard was back in the day.

By the close of his distinguished career at the very top, Gerrard was showered with some immense praise, with Gabriel Agbonlahor notably once describing him as the best midfielder in Premier League history, even ahead of Kevin De Bruyne.

Indeed, away from bagging a stunning 186 goals and picking up 155 assists for his boyhood club, the well-rounded servant also closed out his long-standing career on Merseyside with a Champions League title.

As Liverpool’s website affectionately put it when Gerrard hung up his boots, the Englishman was a revered “gladiator” for his boyhood side.

Of course, it would be crazy to expect Wharton to be as impactful from minute one of his own Anfield journey, but in time, he could be Gerrard 2.0, displaying a similar level of composure and ball manipulation from midfield.

The data above displays Wharton’s similar well-roundedness from the middle of the park, which is very much like the Liverpool great, with the 21-year-old only getting better with time, as he becomes more and more used to the demands of the Premier League.

Unfortunately, he hasn’t quite uncovered a goalscoring mojo in the top-flight yet, like Gerrard, but with the likes of Ryan Gravenberch and Dominik Szoboszlai next to him if he takes on this huge Anfield opportunity, there is a possibility that he enhances his varied game to that next level.

Hailed as a “genius” at a very early age at Blackburn Rovers by ex-boss Tony Mowbray, and now an “incredible” star by former Selhurst Park teammate Eberechi Eze, it does feel as if a big move soon awaits Wharton.

If all clicks into place for the 21-year-old at Liverpool, he might well be the second coming of Gerrard; a powerful English midfield technician who has all of the tools to be a Three Lions mainstay for years to come.

It will take some big bucks to land his services, but if Slot can win a new legend in the process, it’s a bold investment that’s definitely worth making.

New Trent: Liverpool star is "one of the most underrated players in England"

Slot could find a shrewd solution to Liverpool’s problems in this talent.

By
Angus Sinclair

Nov 17, 2025

New York Yankees designated hitter Giancarlo Stanton is in danger of missing Opening Day as he deals with pain in both elbows. Stanton, who told reporters that the pain level has been "very high," hasn't swung a bat in nearly a month as he deals with what Yankees manager Aaron Boone described as something close to "tennis elbow."

As it turns out, the pain Stanton is feeling in the tendons of his elbows could trace directly back to his swing. Doctor Timothy Gibson of MemorialCare Orange Coast Medical Center explained to Brendan Kuty of that Stanton's fast and "violent" swing, powered by his tight grip on the bat, could be putting extra stress on his elbows.

"If you swing harder than anybody, that means you’re holding on to the bat tighter than everybody," Gibson said. "If he’s using more of his arms, there’s a lot of stress across his elbows."

"That’s his style, though," Gibson continued. "I would not be surprised if you did a biomechanical study and saw the stress of his elbows, it’s more than any other player. Just swinging harder than everyone puts more strain on them than anyone else. That’s just logic."

The 6' 6", 245-pound Stanton is built more like a linebacker than ballplayer, and he uses this muscular frame to bludgeon the baseball better than most in MLB. Since the Statcast era began, Stanton owns the most balls hit over 120-MPH, and he has ranked inside the top 10 in average exit velocity in each of the last four seasons.

Not only does Stanton cause damage when he swings, he also swings harder than anyone in MLB. In '24, the Yankees slugger led baseball in average bat speed, at 81.3 MPH. Such metrics have led to elite production—he is the active career home run leader with 429—and injuries. Stanton has played over 150 games in a regular season just once since joining the Yankees, and has been plagued by various lower-body ailments.

This time, it's an upper-body ailment that has Stanton in danger of missing games. And the solution may not be so simple.

Leeds United have finally picked up another win this season in the Premier League on their own patch.

Before Friday night’s clash versus lowly West Ham United, the Whites’ last home success in the league stretched way back to the opening day.

Now, however, the Elland Road hoodoo has been lifted, as a quickfire double early into the tense game handed Daniel Farke’s men a much-needed 2-1 win to shove the Hammers further into their relegation pit.

Several top performers on the night ensured the three points were secured, as Leeds thankfully broke out of a run of three games without a victory in league action.

Leeds United's top performers against West Ham

Leeds fans, heading into this Friday night clash under the Elland Road floodlights, would have been lamenting their side’s recent wasteful displays in league action, having notched up 14 efforts on the Burnley goal at Turf Moor in a dire 2-0 defeat.

This wastefulness wasn’t on display against Nuno Espirito Santo’s lax visitors, however, as a first-half sucker-punch gifted Leeds a two-goal cushion after just 15 minutes had ticked away, with Brenden Aaronson getting the show on the road when converting a rebound after only three minutes.

Aaronson was a bright spark all night long, away from merely this crucial contribution, with 100% of his dribbles being successfully completed, making him a notable thorn in the side of a leaky West Ham outfit.

With 80% of his ground duels won as well, it’s fair to say everyone was singing the American’s praises come the full-time whistle, despite Farke stating at the full-time whistle that he can often be a “polarising” presence.

Joe Rodon would also be lathered with praise come the end of the 2-1 win when connecting with this sweetly taken corner to double his Premier League goal tally for the season, with Sean Longstaff also boosting his assist haul in the process, as the Welshman was left with plenty of space to head past a busy Alphonse Aréola.

Lucas Perri also stood out in between the sticks on his return to the Leeds XI, having had to calmly palm away an acrobatic Jarrod Bowen effort right after Aaronson’s instinctive opener. He was so close to a clean sheet, too, only for Mateus Fernandes to grab a Hammers consolation effort at the death.

Yet, despite the relief of a win being notched up, not every Whites first-teamer performed at their very best against the East Londoners, with this rusty individual in danger of losing his spot in Farke’s main team, as games come thick and fast in November.

The 6/10 Leeds star who could now be dropped

Of course, there will be concerns in West Yorkshire that Dominic Calvert-Lewin went another game without a Leeds strike, especially when coming up against such a charitable Hammers defence.

Still, nobody could deny the number nine’s determined work ethic for his team, with eight duels won in total when he has thrown into the thick of action.

On the contrary, Ao Tanaka would exit the contest on the 72nd mark with zero of his ground duels being successfully won, as Farke potentially prepares to reshuffle his midfield pack for the test of Brighton and Hove Albion away at the start of next month, away from starting the Japanese gem again.

Indeed, while Ethan Ampadu and the aforementioned Longstaff made their presences widely known – as Ampadu successfully won three ground duels from his 66 touches of the ball – number 22 faded in and out of the clash, with Tanaka actually amassing fewer touches than Perri come the full-time whistle at 37 touches, next to the ex-Lyon stopper’s tally of 51.

Tanaka’s quiet performance was picked up on by Yorkshire Evening Post journalist Graham Smyth, with Smyth reserving high 9/10 ratings for the likes of Aaronson, but the former Fortuna Düsseldorf man would only receive a middle-of-the-road 6/10 appraisal after the dust had settled on the 2-1 win.

Smyth would simply note that Tanaka’s showing was a ‘mixed bag’ as the 27-year-old fell victim to being ‘outmuscled’ a couple of times, as evidenced by him losing 100% of his ground duels.

It will be interesting to see if Farke is tempted to drop Tanaka as tough games away at Brighton, Nottingham Forest, and Manchester City come onto his team’s agenda, with the number 22’s slight off-day very much sticking out as one rare negative, during what was a largely very positive showing against the relegation-threatened visitors.

Better than Rodon: Leeds star who won 100% tackles is already undroppable

This Leeds United star should be undroppable after outshining Joe Rodon against West Ham.

1

By
Dan Emery

Oct 25, 2025

Germany's new star forward Nick Woltemade finally broke his silence on the 'idiots' Newcastle claim made by Bayern Munich chief Karl-Heinz Rummenigge after the Bundesliga champions lost the transfer race to sign the striker from Stuttgart for £65m. After selling Alexander Isak to Liverpool on deadline day, the Magpies brought Woltemade as the Swede's replacement.

• Rummenigge called Newcastle 'idiots' after losing Woltemade race

  After missing out on one of their key transfer target for the summer, Bayern board member Rummenigge branded the Magpies 'idiots' for spending a massive transfer fee and even sarcastically congratulated Stuttgart for cashing in. The Bundesliga champions made several attempts to bring the German striker to the club over the summer, with their final bid reportedly touching €60m (£52m/$70m). Stuttgart, however, refused to let the player leave below their asking price of €75m (£65m/$87m).Ultimately, a desperate Newcastle made a club-record £69m bid and got the deal done.

  Speaking to , Rummenigge said: "I can only congratulate them in Stuttgart for finding, so to speak, an idiot who would pay that much money, because we certainly wouldn't have done that. I said: We're coming in on a scale that I no longer find acceptable. We shouldn't meet all of their demands. 

  "The players and their agents must also be careful not to trap themselves. The money has to come from somewhere, and that comes from expanding competitions or creating new ones."

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  Woltemade reacts to Rummenigge's comments

  The Magpies star has now finally reacted to Rummenigge's comments as he told : "My team-mates commented on it, I didn't. I think that was the right thing to do. A lot was made of my name, Bayern, and transfer fee during the summer; that was the story of the summer. To answer your question: the headlines everywhere said 'idiots.' But I read Mr Rummenigge's entire statement – it was certainly somewhat unfortunate, but not quite so dramatic.

  "When I arrived at the national team, everyone congratulated me. Bayern players also congratulated me. When they see a player taking a step forward, you get congratulations. That was the case for me too. There were no negative comments, especially since my circumstances were special."

• Ex-Newcastle star hit back at Rummenigge

  Reacting to the Bayern chief's harsh comments, former Newcastle winger Chris Waddle told : "They probably thought they had him at a lower price. Newcastle have obviously looked for a centre-forward after the saga with Isak. They've looked around and thought who's available? They've looked at Woltemade because he's a good player. He's a tall guy. He's quite mobile. Technically he's all right. 

  "Bayern Munich thought, 'he’s a player we can snap up who could replace Harry Kane in a couple of years.' They probably thought they had a deal done. But Newcastle came in and I think it's a little bit of sour grapes. I think Newcastle's offered a better contract, better wages, better everything. Bayern Munich would probably think they would get him at the price that they think he's worth. They think Newcastle's paid over the top. Time will tell on that."

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  How is it going for Woltemade?

  Woltemade has made an instant impact since moving to the Premier League from the Bundesliga in the summer. He has appeared in 14 matches for the Magpies thus far across all competitions and scored seven goals, including four in eight league appearances. 

  He has also performed consistently for his national team and he recently starred with a brace in Germany's close win over Luxembourg, which kept their hopes alive of securing a direct berth at the World Cup next year. The 23-year-old will be back in action for Germany on Monday as the four-time world champions face Slovakia.

Plenty of analysts predicted a New York vs. Los Angeles meeting in the MLB postseason, but few projected it to happen sooner than the World Series.

Thanks to a surprising late-season push from the New York Mets and continued success in the postseason, New York has announced itself as a legitimate postseason threat. After defeating the Milwaukee Brewers and the Philadelphia Phillies, the Los Angeles Dodgers are the next team in their way. They also pose the biggest threat yet to their hopes of pulling off true "Miracle Mets" status.

On the flip side, for the Dodgers, making it to the NLCS is an achievement, but by no means would exiting at this stage in the postseason be viewed as a good result for the year. After going out and spending this offseason on key free agents like Shohei Ohtani and Yoshinobu Yamamoto (adding to their already strong core that features the likes of Mookie Betts and Freddie Freeman), they expect to be one of the two teams left fighting for the World Series trophy.

This is how the schedule is laid out, with possible changes due to weather a possibility:

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Dodgers vs. Mets Record 2024

The two coastal teams met six times across two series during the regular season. In the first one, the Mets took two of three games, with the Dodgers sweeping the second three-game series and taking the overall season series 4-2.

The Dodgers outscored the Mets 36-20 in those six games, with the Mets scoring two or fewer runs in three of the games (shut out twice).

Here's a look at how the two teams stacked up in various stats throughout the year.

Dodgers vs. Mets Stats in 2024

Batting Stats

Pitching Stats

Starters

Relievers

In the wake of a complete collapse against the San Francisco Giants Tuesday, the Baltimore Orioles are parting ways with a veteran reliever.

The Orioles have designated pitcher Craig Kimbrel for assignment, they announced Wednesday afternoon. In Baltimore's 10–0 loss to the Giants Thursday, Kimbrel surrendered six earned runs in two-thirds of an inning.

Kimbrel pitched in 57 games for the Orioles this season, going 7-5 with a 5.33 ERA and 73 strikeouts in 52 1/3 innings.

Once one of the most feared closers in baseball, Kimbrel has nine career All-Star appearances to his name. The 36-year-old's 440 career saves rank fifth in baseball history, and trail only Kenley Jansen among active pitchers.

In an otherwise rock-solid season for Baltimore, its bullpen has been a major question mark. With Kimbrel presumably on his way out the door, pitcher Seranthony Dominiguez is now the Orioles' saves leader with nine.

Baltimore is currently 84-67, four games behind the New York Yankees for first place in the American League East division.

Cristiano Ronaldo once again proved why he remains football’s ultimate clutch performer, dragging Al-Nassr from the brink of frustration to a hard-fought 2-1 win over Al-Feiha on Saturday night. After being knocked out by Al-Ettihad from the King's Cup, their weekend could have been spoiled, but their Portuguese talisman decided otherwise. They are now leading the domestic standings after getting off to a perfect start with seven wins from seven matches, and on Saturday evening, the men in yellow once again showed why they are more determined than ever to be crowned as Saudi champions during their comeback victory.

• Nassr's comeback

  The hosts were dominating proceedings right from the first whistle, and Joao Felix came close to opening the scoring in the sixth minute but saw his effort tipped over the crossbar. However, almost against the run of play, Al-Feiha drew first blood after Jason was put through on goal. The goal came from a tactical misfire. Jorge Jesus’ high defensive line, designed to suffocate space, backfired horribly. Jason latched onto a simple long ball, broke free of the sluggish backline, and slotted calmly past Nawaf Alaqidi. It was a sucker punch that left the hosts stunned and briefly scrambling for rhythm.

  Despite going behind, Al-Nassr refused to panic. With Ronaldo barking instructions and Sadio Mane buzzing around the left flank, the home side resumed their onslaught. The equaliser appeared imminent when Mane squared for Kingsley Coman, who smashed the ball home, only for VAR to intervene. After a painstaking review, the goal was chalked off. Mane had strayed offside by a matter of inches when Ronaldo released him down the wing. The decision left Ronaldo visibly fuming, throwing his arms in the air in disbelief.

  A frustrated Ronaldo rallied his teammates again, and in the 37th minute, the Portuguese icon produced the goods to bring his side back on level terms. It was a perfect team goal, which was started off by Felix as he played a cheeky through ball to Coman. The French star split Al-Feiha's defence, and Ronaldo kept his calm to finish the move with a clinical finish. 

  As the second half unfolded, Ronaldo led the charge for a breakthrough. He saw two efforts fly agonisingly wide, while Felix’s long-range strike was parried brilliantly by Mosquera. With every passing minute, it felt as though time was slipping away. Al-Feiha’s players began to sense they could escape with a draw, until fate intervened deep in stoppage time. Fortune smiled on the hosts, and after a lengthy VAR check, a penalty was awarded to Al-Nassr.

  Up stepped Ronaldo, calm and collected. As the whistle blew, he took his familiar stance, stuttered in his run-up, and smashed the ball into the net. He wheeled away in celebration, pounding his chest as the crowd erupted. Three more points!

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  The MVP

  Ronaldo popped up at the right time, at the right place, to once again save Al-Nassr's blushes. His numbers this season have been mind-boggling. The winner was his eighth league goal and number 36 in the calendar year. He is currently 48 goals away from the 1000-milestone, and the forward will back him to create more history after signing a two-year deal in the summer, which will keep him at the club until 2027. 

• The big loser

  While his side walked away with all three points, Jesus’s tactics left much to be desired. His defensive strategy gifted Al-Feiha their goal, and his inability to chalk up a Plan B could have cost them a perfect start to the season. If not for Ronaldo’s late intervention, this could easily have been the night Al-Nassr’s flawless run ended.

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  Match rating (out of five): ⭐⭐⭐

It was not an easy game, but Arsenal picked up another three points in the first Premier League game back after the international break.

The Gunners overcame Fulham at Craven Cottage in a game where their London rivals made it tough to earn all three points.

Facing off against a well-drilled Marco Silva side, it took Arsenal until midway through the second half before they were able to break the deadlock. Riccardo Calafiori did have the ball in the back of the net in the first 45 minutes, but the flag was up for offside, a decision VAR confirmed.

Finally, the Gunners were able to take the lead. Once again, it came from a corner, with Gabriel flicking a header on towards the back post.

Waiting there unmarked was Leandro Trossard, who converted the flick-on via his knee.

There was more drama to come, though. Moments after Fulham’s summer signing, Kevin, came onto the pitch, he brought down Bukayo Saka in the penalty box. However, it was overturned by VAR, after it was deemed that the Brazilian had played the ball.

Despite the win for Mikel Arteta’s side, it wasn’t an easy day at the office. One player who struggled once again was Viktor Gyokeres.

Gyokeres’ stats vs. Fulham

Life at Arsenal started fairly well for Sweden international Gyokeres. However, he failed to score once again at Craven Cottage, meaning he has now gone nine games without a goal for club and country.

Chalkboard

Football FanCast’s Chalkboard series presents a tactical discussion from around the global game.

That was not for a lack of trying, though. The former Sporting CP attacker had a tough day against a defensively diligent Fulham side. He did get close once in the first half, although his shot from a narrow angle was comfortably saved by former Arsenal goalkeeper Bernd Leno.

In the second half, he fired over from close range, squandering an excellent chance.

The stats after the game show that it was a tough night for Arsenal’s number 14. In 89 minutes, he had just 20 touches and managed two shots on target. He only completed five out of nine passes attempted, although he was more of a nuisance without the ball, winning three out of four ground duels.

One person who was critical of his performance was Goal journalist Charles Watts. He gave the Swede a 6/10 for his efforts, describing it as ‘another hard working display’ but did note there was ‘little to show for it’.

Gyokeres was not the only Arsenal player who struggled to make a real impact at Craven Cottage.

The other Arsenal star who struggled vs. Fulham

The trip to Craven Cottage was never going to be easy for Arteta’s men. The Cottagers are renowned for being tough to break down, and they certainly made life tough for Arsenal, as Gyokeres experienced first-hand.

It was also a tough evening for another Arsenal summer signing, Eberechi Eze. The England international played in Martin Odegaard’s usual role on the right-hand side of midfield, but struggled to get a real grip on the game.

That is certainly reflected in the stats. The former Crystal Palace star had 37 touches of the ball, and completed 24 out of 27 passes.

However, he only created one chance and completed one dribble from two attempted.

Watts also noted that it wasn’t the easiest game for Eze. Like Gyokeres, he gave the Gunners number 10 a 6/10 for his performance in West London. The journalist said he was ‘sloppy at times’ but did acknowledge the fact that ‘it was very hard for him to find any space’ in a busy midfield.

It will be interesting to see whether Arteta keeps Eze in the side for the Gunners’ next game, a Champions League clash with Atletico Madrid. They face the La Liga outfit at the Emirates Stadium, and it could be another tough game.

Diego Simeone’s side are renowned for being tough to break down, and again, it could get congested in midfield. The Gunners’ Spanish boss might well decide to rotate Eze out of the team for that game, after struggling in similar circumstances.

If that is the case, he could bring Christian Norgaard or Mikel Merino into the fold. Both players came on against Fulham on Saturday night, with the latter replacing Arsenal’s number 10 just past the hour mark. There are certainly options if Arteta chooses to rest Eze.

Imagine him & Dowman: Arsenal have Rice 2.0 brewing in Hale End sensation

The talented youngster could be another Declan Rice-type player for Arsenal.

By
Jack Salveson Holmes

Oct 17, 2025

Chelsea returned to winning ways on Wednesday, but they made hard work of their victory at Wolves. Goals from Andrey Santos, Tyrique George, Estevao Willian and Jamie Gittens saw the Blues claim a narrow 4-3 win in the Midlands to book their place in the quarter-finals of the Carabao Cup.

Enzo Maresca named a much-changed side for the game at Molineux with the likes of Moises Caicedo, Enzo Fernandez and Reece James starting from the bench, but the visitors raced into a three-goal lead in he first half, though they also benefited from some poor defending by the home side.

Tosin Arokodare and David Moller Wolfe (twice) netted for Wolves after the restart while Liam Delap was sent off to set up a nervy finish, but it was too little, too late for Vitor Pereira's side as they fell to a third successive defeat to amp up the pressure on the Portuguese boss.

GOAL rates Chelsea's players from Molineux…

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  Goalkeeper & Defence

  Filip Jorgensen (5/10):

  Saw little action in the first half but conceded three of the four shots he faced.

  Malo Gusto (7/10):

  Got forward well down the right, but was out of position for Wolves' first goal before coming off after an hour.

  Josh Acheampong (4/10):

  After a solid first half, was caught ball watching for Arokodare's strike just minutes after the restart.

  Tosin Adarabioyo (5/10):

  Hardly the most convincing performance from Chelsea's most experienced player.

  Jorrel Hato (6/10):

  Shifted to centre-back on the hour mark. Largely unfazed despite sustained second half pressure by Wolves.

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  Midfield

  Romeo Lavia (5/10):

  At fault for Arokodare's goal and was withdrawn on the hour mark.

  Andrey Santos (8/10):

  Settled some early Chelsea nerves with the opening goal. Pressed Lopez brilliantly to set up Estevao's first-half goal, too.

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  Attack

  Estevao Willian (7/10):

  Carded midway through the first half but made amends with a fine dink over Jose Sa shortly before the break. Taken off after an hour.

  Facundo Buonanotte (6/10):

  While the Chelsea attack clicked, Buonanotte struggled to gain a foothold.

  Jamie Gittens (9/10):

  Provided the assist for Santos' early opener and added a second having turned provider for George 10 minutes later. Scored Chelsea's fourth with a stunning strike to seal victory.

  Tyrique George (7/10):

  Doubled Chelsea's advantage in the 15th minute having been picked out by Gittens. Should have added a second minutes later.

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  Subs & Manager

  Marc Cucurella (6/10):

  Made a couple of crucial clearances late on after Chelsea had been reduced to 10 men.

  Enzo Fernandez (5/10):

  Introduced to settled nerves but struggled to get a foothold in the game.

  Liam Delap (2/10):

  Made his first appearance since August. Failed to track Wolfe's run for Wolves' second before receiving his marching orders.

  Pedro Neto (5/10):

  Did little of note at his old stomping ground.

  Moises Caicedo (N/A):

  Brought on with five minutes to play.

  Enzo Maresca (5/10):

  He called for consistency after the Sunderland defeat, and while he isn't helped by an inexperienced squad, the Italian struggled with his game management.