Latest news with #westLondoners
Daily Mirror
04-06-2025
- Sport
- Daily Mirror
Liam Delap explains why he picked Chelsea over Man Utd in £30m transfer deal
Liam Delap has completed his £30m switch to Chelsea from Ipswich after their Premier League relegation - choosing to snub Manchester United's interest in the process Liam Delap claimed Chelsea are on an upward trajectory after completing his £30million switch to the Blues - snubbing Manchester United 's interest in the process. The Ipswich frontman was always expected to move this summer and had several options. Chelsea and the Red Devils emerged as the two leading candidates but the Englishman has decided to head to Stamford Bridge. It is understood that playing in the Champions League was a big pull for the former Manchester City youngster. The west Londoners won the Europa Conference League and got into the top five with a win on the final day. United meanwhile failed to qualify for any European tournament, which may have proved defining when Delap decided on his next move. The 22-year-old scored 12 times in the Premier League - including one in the shock win over Chelsea midway through the season - and was shortlisted for the Young Player of the Year award. Delap made it clear that he felt that Chelsea were firmly a side on the up as they continue to invest in new talent and believes Stamford Bridge is the best place for him to his own personal development. He said: "I understand the stature of this club and can see the trajectory it is on with these players and the head coach. It's going to be an incredible place for me to develop, and I hope to achieve amazing things here and help the club win more trophies." Delap added: "I wanted to come here to win trophies. When I spoke to the club, everyone wanted to get back to the very top, and they have the quality and the players to do that. The hunger and desire to keep adding trophies, to take the club back to where it belongs, that is the main objective." Chelsea boss Enzo Maresca had made it clear that he wanted to add more firepower to his frontline. Nicolas Jackson has been relied upon to lead their attack but beyond him there isn't the quality and the manager doesn't seem to trust the likes of Christopher Nkunku. Maresca has said he was determined to bring someone in who could provide competition for Jackson and Delap is poised to do exactly that. The new signing's efforts despite Ipswich's relegation is what marked him out as a quality operator and his release clause became live when the Tractor Boys dropped into the Championship, making him particularly attainable. Those in Manchester will have to turn their attention elsewhere. Already they have signed Matheus Cunha from Wolves for just over £60m and Ruben Amorim will have to consider other options on his shortlist as he looks to bolster the United forward line.
Yahoo
28-05-2025
- Business
- Yahoo
Chelsea and Cole Palmer storm back at Real Betis to win Conference League
The signings will keep on coming under this voracious Chelsea ownership but it is unlikely they will ever make a smarter one than Cole Palmer. This was his stage. Palmer stood up when Chelsea needed him most. Two gorgeous assists in the space of five minutes – one for Enzo Fernández, one for Nicolas Jackson – turned the Uefa Conference League final around and brought the west Londoners their first trophy since being bought by Todd Boehly and Clearlake Capital three years ago. The first of many? The predictability of the outcome did not make the feeling any less sweet at full-time. Enzo Maresca delighted in denying his mentor Manuel Pellegrini a first European trophy at the age of 71. Real Betis dreamt of a romantic finish after going 1-0 up but the financial reality took hold long before Moisés Caicedo made it 4-1 to Chelsea in added time. Related: Chelsea beat Real Betis 4-1 to win Uefa Conference League – live reaction It was a relief to focus on the football after two days marred by idiotic violence involving supporters of both sides in the city centre. Footage on social media showed riot police using tear gas and a water cannon to combat the disorder, resulting in 28 arrests and heightening tensions to an unnecessary degree in the hours before kick-off. At least there was a positive vibe inside a stadium dominated by the green and white of Betis. There was no disguising the sense of longing emanating from the Spaniards, their desperation for their band of Premier League cast-offs to rise to the occasion in the club's first European final. Chelsea, an incongruous presence in a competition never meant for squads built at a cost of over £1bn, were under pressure to match that desire. Word of them failing to fill their allocation hardly hinted at a club gripped by Conference League fever. There was a surprising heaviness to Chelsea, who ought to have had a spring in their step after clinching Champions League qualification by beating Nottingham Forest last Sunday. The shape was wonky, the touches were loose and the early tactical was won by Pellegrini targeting the space left by Maresca's system, which had Malo Gusto drifting inside from right-back to play as an auxiliary midfielder. It was not clear why Chelsea's strategy seemed to hing on Gusto's turn as a quarterback. The Frenchman, who was one of five changes from Maresca, endured a torrid first half and was culpable when Betis went ahead after nine minutes. A slack ball into midfield invited trouble and Isco duly meted out the punishment, swivelling on the edge of the area and confounding Chelsea's defenders with a beautiful disguised pass to Abde Ezzalzouli, free on the left and unchallenged as he drove a low shot past Filip Jörgensen. Chelsea were shambolic. Maresca had gambled in defence, Benoit Badiashile and Trevoh Chalobah preferred to Levi Colwill and Tosin Adarabioyo in the middle, but nothing worked. Simple tasks were beyond Chelsea and Ezzalzouli delighted in tormenting Gusto. Isco, a European champion on five occasions with Real Madrid, was also a joy to watch; everything went through him. Betis called the shots. Marc Bartra stepped out of defence and tested Jörgensen from long range. Badiashile made a vital block to deny Johnny Cardoso. Maresca, who calls Pellegrini his footballing father, grew frenzied on the touchline. Chelsea had offered nothing in attack and were booed off at half-time. Maresca used the break to correct his error of leaving out Reece James. The captain replaced Gusto, who retreated having produced one of the most calamitous performances in European final history, and gave Chelsea more poise. Still, though, there was little from Palmer and his fellow creators. Pedro Neto was irritable with himself on the right. Noni Madueke was quiet. Jackson needed better service. But Betis were less vibrant at the start of the second half. Marc Cucurella was doing well against Antony, who was in Manchester United mode, and it was a relief for Chelsea when Ezzalzouli limped off. The mood changed, Chelsea stepping up, Fernández and Caicedo taking charge in midfield. Betis looked tired. They could not get out. Palmer took over. His influence grew, culminating in the moment when he cut in from the right and feathered a cross into the middle, the ball floating away from Bartra and in off Fernández's head. Chelsea's superior pace and power came to the fore. Palmer was irrepressible. There he was again in the 70th minute, twisting and turning past the Betis substitute, Jesus Rodríguez. This time the cross was firmer; it found Jackson, who chested past Adrián to give Chelsea the lead. This was the only European trophy missing for Chelsea. They knew it was theirs when two substitutes combined, Kiernan Dewsbury-Hall dribbling through and finding Jadon Sancho, whose whipped a shot past Adrian. Caicedo then capped it off, firing in from 20 yards.
Yahoo
28-05-2025
- Business
- Yahoo
Chelsea and Cole Palmer storm back at Real Betis to win Conference League
The signings will keep on coming under this voracious Chelsea ownership but it is unlikely they will ever make a smarter one than Cole Palmer. This was his stage. Palmer stood up when Chelsea needed him most. Two gorgeous assists in the space of five minutes – one for Enzo Fernández, one for Nicolas Jackson – turned the Uefa Conference League final around and brought the west Londoners their first trophy since being bought by Todd Boehly and Clearlake Capital three years ago. The first of many? The predictability of the outcome did not make the feeling any less sweet at full-time. Enzo Maresca delighted in denying his mentor Manuel Pellegrini a first European trophy at the age of 71. Real Betis dreamt of a romantic finish after going 1-0 up but the financial reality took hold long before Moisés Caicedo made it 4-1 to Chelsea in added time. Advertisement Related: Chelsea beat Real Betis 4-1 to win Uefa Conference League – live reaction It was a relief to focus on the football after two days marred by idiotic violence involving supporters of both sides in the city centre. Footage on social media showed riot police using tear gas and a water cannon to combat the disorder, resulting in 28 arrests and heightening tensions to an unnecessary degree in the hours before kick-off. At least there was a positive vibe inside a stadium dominated by the green and white of Betis. There was no disguising the sense of longing emanating from the Spaniards, their desperation for their band of Premier League cast-offs to rise to the occasion in the club's first European final. Chelsea, an incongruous presence in a competition never meant for squads built at a cost of over £1bn, were under pressure to match that desire. Word of them failing to fill their allocation hardly hinted at a club gripped by Conference League fever. There was a surprising heaviness to Chelsea, who ought to have had a spring in their step after clinching Champions League qualification by beating Nottingham Forest last Sunday. The shape was wonky, the touches were loose and the early tactical was won by Pellegrini targeting the space left by Maresca's system, which had Malo Gusto drifting inside from right-back to play as an auxiliary midfielder. Advertisement It was not clear why Chelsea's strategy seemed to hing on Gusto's turn as a quarterback. The Frenchman, who was one of five changes from Maresca, endured a torrid first half and was culpable when Betis went ahead after nine minutes. A slack ball into midfield invited trouble and Isco duly meted out the punishment, swivelling on the edge of the area and confounding Chelsea's defenders with a beautiful disguised pass to Abde Ezzalzouli, free on the left and unchallenged as he drove a low shot past Filip Jörgensen. Chelsea were shambolic. Maresca had gambled in defence, Benoit Badiashile and Trevoh Chalobah preferred to Levi Colwill and Tosin Adarabioyo in the middle, but nothing worked. Simple tasks were beyond Chelsea and Ezzalzouli delighted in tormenting Gusto. Isco, a European champion on five occasions with Real Madrid, was also a joy to watch; everything went through him. Betis called the shots. Marc Bartra stepped out of defence and tested Jörgensen from long range. Badiashile made a vital block to deny Johnny Cardoso. Maresca, who calls Pellegrini his footballing father, grew frenzied on the touchline. Chelsea had offered nothing in attack and were booed off at half-time. Maresca used the break to correct his error of leaving out Reece James. The captain replaced Gusto, who retreated having produced one of the most calamitous performances in European final history, and gave Chelsea more poise. Still, though, there was little from Palmer and his fellow creators. Pedro Neto was irritable with himself on the right. Noni Madueke was quiet. Jackson needed better service. Advertisement But Betis were less vibrant at the start of the second half. Marc Cucurella was doing well against Antony, who was in Manchester United mode, and it was a relief for Chelsea when Ezzalzouli limped off. The mood changed, Chelsea stepping up, Fernández and Caicedo taking charge in midfield. Betis looked tired. They could not get out. Palmer took over. His influence grew, culminating in the moment when he cut in from the right and feathered a cross into the middle, the ball floating away from Bartra and in off Fernández's head. Chelsea's superior pace and power came to the fore. Palmer was irrepressible. There he was again in the 70th minute, twisting and turning past the Betis substitute, Jesus Rodríguez. This time the cross was firmer; it found Jackson, who chested past Adrián to give Chelsea the lead. This was the only European trophy missing for Chelsea. They knew it was theirs when two substitutes combined, Kiernan Dewsbury-Hall dribbling through and finding Jadon Sancho, whose whipped a shot past Adrian. Caicedo then capped it off, firing in from 20 yards.
The Irish Sun
25-05-2025
- Sport
- The Irish Sun
Fulham vs Manchester City predictions, odds and betting tips
Fulham will host Manchester City at Craven Cottage in the final round of the 2024/25 Premier League season on Sunday. The Cottagers will be looking to cap off a solid campaign with a strong home performance. Manchester City are vying for the crucial points needed to secure Champions League qualification for next season. Fulham vs Man City tips Man City to win and under 3.5 goals - Erling Haaland to score anytime - Harry Wilson 1+ shot on target - Fulham vs Man City odds Find the latest football betting odds for Fulham vs Man City. Our odds are provided by the Fulham vs Man City predictions Fulham head into the final weekend of the season sitting tenth in the table on 54 points. Brighton's 3-2 win over Liverpool on Monday night ensured that eighth place is now out of the Cottagers reach, ending their dream of playing in the Europa Conference League next season. Despite this, it has been a solid campaign for the west Londoners. As well as a respectable mid table finish, Fulham also reached the FA Cup quarter-finals, and recorded respectable Premier League home wins over the likes of Nottingham Forest, Spurs and Liverpool, while avoiding defeat against Arsenal. Highlighting their recent inconsistency, though, Marco Silva's side ended a two-match losing streak with an impressive 3-2 win away at Brentford last weekend. A disappointing 1-0 defeat to Crystal Palace in last Saturday's FA Cup final ensured Manchester City ended the season without a domestic trophy. However, the Light Blues responded well with a 3-1 victory over Bournemouth on Tuesday. Goals from Omar Marmoush, Bernardo Silva, and Nico González secured the vital three points for City. The win lifts City to third place with 68 points heading into the final matchday. A victory against Fulham will guarantee Champions League qualification, though even a draw should be enough given Aston Villa's inferior goal difference. Despite a trophyless campaign, there was reason for optimism at the Etihad during the midweek win. Rodri made his long-awaited return from injury, coming off the bench to play the final minutes after 240 days on the sidelines - much to the delight of the home crowd. Fulham vs Man City betting tips Only one team has anything significant to play for this weekend at Craven Cottage. Fulham will be keen to end their campaign on a high, but City know they need to leave London with something to ensure European football next season. Our Fulham vs Man City betting tips follow: Man City to win and under 3.5 goals in match We already know that City needs at least a point, and we also know that Fulham have little to play for. Despite winning 3-1 at home to Bournemouth on Tuesday, City still weren't at their convincing best. In fact, when did we last see their convincing best? Anyway, the Light Blues failed to score in their two previous matches away from the Etihad, and although we can see them scoring one or two against Fulham, we don't see a landslide victory. ➡️ Erling Haaland to score anytime The big Norwegian has now gone three matches without a goal since returning from injury against Southampton. Haaland is clearly building his way back to full fitness, possibly with the FIFA Club World Cup in mind, and as a result, still looks a little bit rusty. But every week he is looking sharper and he can count himself a touch unfortunate not to have scored against Bournemouth on Tuesday. Fully fit and firing or not, Haaland rarely goes this long without a goal. We are backing him to score against the Cottagers. ➡️ Harry Wilson 1+ shot on target Harry Wilson scored Fulham's winner in their 3-2 win over Brentford last weekend. His confidence will be high and he will fancy his chances of adding to his goal tally against City. Wilson isn't shy at taking on long range efforts at goal and he also takes some of Fulham's free kicks around the edge of the box. At just under even money to have one or more shots on target, a bet on Harry Wilson looks like good value. ➡️ 📺 How to watch Fulham vs Manchester City Location : Craven Cottage, London, England. Date and time : Sunday 25th May, 4pm. How to watch : Not available for live coverage, highlights to follow. About the author Craig Mahood Craig Mahood is an expert in sports betting and online casinos and has worked with the company since 2020. He joined the Betting & Gaming team at The Sun in June 2022 and works closely with the leading bookmakers and online gaming companies to provide content on all areas of sports betting and gaming. He previously worked as a Digital Sports Reporter at the Scottish Sun, covering Scottish football with particular focus on Celtic and Rangers, As well as football, he has covered horse racing, boxing, darts, the Olympics and tennis for the Sun. Responsible gambling A responsible gambler is someone who: Establishes time and monetary limits before playing Only gambles with money they can afford to lose Never chase their losses Doesn't gamble if they're upset, angry, or depressed Problem gambling – Gamble Aware – Help with gambling addiction If you have a problem with gambling, or you know someone who does, help is out there. Extern Problem Gambling is the leading provider of information, treatment, advice, and support for anyone affected by gambling harms across Ireland. Most read in Betting
Metro
24-05-2025
- Sport
- Metro
Pat Nevin names Chelsea's weak links for Nottingham Forest Premier League clash
Pat Nevin has identified Chelsea's main areas of weakness ahead of their trip to Nottingham Forest on the final day of the Premier League season. Champions League qualification is on the line for both teams on Sunday at the City Ground as the Blues continue their fight to secure a top-five finish. Nevin believes his former club Chelsea will get the job done against Nuno Espirito Santo's men but has also raised concerns over the Blues' defence. In an exclusive interview with Metro, Nevin has highlighted the threat of Chris Wood and Anthony Elanga against Chelsea's two centre-backs. 'You have to look at the centre of Chelsea's defence,' Nevin said via 'It's been different, it's changed throughout the season. Wake up to find news on your club in your inbox every morning with Metro's Football Newsletter. Sign up to our newsletter and then select your team in the link we'll send you so we can get football news tailored to you. 'It always has to be Levi Colwill – but it's who goes beside him. Trevoh Chalobah has been good, Tosin Adarabioyo has come in, various people have done it – and it's got a bit more stable recently – but this is a test. 'Especially against Anthony Elanga and Chris Wood, they are good players who are hard to deal with. 'Colwill is a litter older now (22) but he will need all the experience in the world to keep Wood quiet. Wood has had a brilliant season. 'His movement is superb and he's so intelligent. If Chelsea can keep Wood from scoring, I think Chelsea will win. 'They have more quality in the rest of the field, they are slightly better. But it's so slight – it's wafer thin between the two clubs.' Nevin also feels Chelsea miss the 'old Cole Palmer' and suggested the suspension of the Blues' No.1 striker Nicolas Jackson may be a factor too. 'Chelsea have been up and down this season,' Nevin added. 'Cole Palmer has been playing – but they miss the old Cole Palmer. That's a worry for Chelsea. 'There's no Nicolas Jackson, Chelsea will probably have the kid (Tyrique George) up front again… It really does make it different.' Nevin does, however, ultimately feel that Chelsea will get the three points they need to book their spot in the 2025-26 Champions League. More Trending 'I think Chelsea will dominate large parts of the possession even though it's away from home,' Nevin continued. 'I've said all season I think Chelsea will get Champions League football. It might have to be fifth! It's fabulously close and anything can happen.' The west Londoners have been in fine form towards the end of the 2024-25 campaign, losing just one of their last eight Premier League games. Enzo Maresca's side could finish the season with a trophy too ahead of their Conference League final with La Liga club Real Betis on Wednesday. MORE: How much money do Championship play-off final winners get for Premier League promotion? MORE: Chelsea and Manchester United lose out on Victor Osimhen as striker reaches agreement with new club MORE: Arsenal begin talks as Mikel Arteta decides between Benjamin Sesko and Viktor Gyokeres
