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It’s been a hectic start to the year for English football, with one of the main reasons being Chelsea.

The Blues had the Premier League’s attention on New Year’s Day thanks to the announcement that Enzo Maresca had left the club after a year and a half in the hot seat.

The Blues then went up to title-challenging Manchester City with Calum McFarlane in charge, came away with a point, and, as if that wasn’t enough, just a day later, Liam Rosenior was announced as the club’s new permanent manager.

Appointing the Englishman is certainly a gamble, but there are reasons for Chelsea fans to be hopeful, and with how well Strasbourg have been playing, a few players in the Blues’ squad could really benefit from his appointment.

With that said, there are also a few players the manager should move to the bomb squad, including one who is more of a hindrance than Pedro Neto.

What Rosenior could bring to Chelsea

Despite never having worked outside England before and being a relatively young manager, Rosenior’s record in France is reasonably impressive.

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He took charge of 63 games, during which the French side won 32, drew 14, and lost only 17, for a decent points-per-game of 1.75.

Moreover, the BlueCo club qualified for European football for the first time in six years last season and, as things stand, sit atop the Conference League table, with five wins and one draw from six games.

Finally, and this is one of the reasons he could be such an incredible appointment for the Blues, he’s also proven himself capable of working with and getting the most out of a really young side.

For example, in August, Strasbourg were the first team in Europe’s top five leagues to field a lineup of players born in the 21st century.

Now, that’s not going to happen at Stamford Bridge, but the fact that the Englishman is so good at getting the most out of highly rated youngsters can only be an excellent thing for the likes of Estevao, Jamie Gittens, Alejandro Garnacho and Jorrel Hato, for example.

With that said, on top of helping some players improve, Rosenior also needs to identify those players who aren’t good enough, including a regular starter who is even more of a problem than Neto and needs to be placed in the bomb squad.

Who will be the biggest loser from Rosenior's appointment?

Now, at this point in time, there is probably a not-so-significant portion of the Chelsea fan base who’d want Neto sent to the bomb squad, and after his performance against City, who can blame them?

However, while the former Wolverhampton Wanderers’ star was incredibly frustrating at the Etihad, he’s still a useful player and has a decent enough tally of nine goal involvements this term.

Moreover, while he can be wasteful, a poor performance from the Portuguese international is unlikely to cause the Blues to lose a game.

Unfortunately, the same cannot be said for Tosin Adarabioyo.

Due to injuries and a need to rest certain players, the former Fulham star has been called into action a lot this season, but to say his performances haven’t warranted the 15 appearances he’s made would be an understatement.

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The 28-year-old could be a useful player for a team lower down the table, but he’s not good enough to provide cover, let alone start games for a side chasing Champions League football, like the Blues are.

Tosin’s 25/26

Competition

EPL

UCL

EFL Cup

Games

9

4

2

Starts

5

3

1

Minutes

557′

239′

90′

Goals

0

0

0

Assists

0

0

0

Points per Game

1.78

1.00

3.00

All Stats via Transfermarkt

That might sound harsh, but on more than one occasion this season, the uncapped defender has cost his side.

Perhaps the most egregious example of this came against Leeds United, when he somehow lost the ball in his own penalty area, which led directly to the hosts scoring, and content creator Tom Overend called him “utterly embarrassing.”

Ultimately, while it might sound unfair, one of the first things Rosenior should do at Chelsea is try to move on from Tosin, and if that doesn’t work, relegate him to the bomb squad.

Related Chelsea conducting checks on £35m "monster", could be Rosenior's first signing

Enzo Maresca had wanted a new defender for quite some time…

Posts ByDominic Lund

Arsenal are now showing strong interest in signing an “explosive winger”, who has been in impressive form this season.

Gunners keen on signing new winger

Mikel Arteta has indicated he could be willing to enter the market for some new signings in the upcoming transfer window, saying earlier this month: “I mean, we always have to be prepared. The moment that we have an option to touch the squad, to improve the squad or to protect the squad, depending on what happens, we need to be open for it.

“So, we don’t know but we’re certainly going to be alert and we know where the risk can come in terms of the squad and be ready just in case we have to do something.”

That is despite the fact his side remain in a strong position to compete on all fronts this season, currently sitting top of both the Premier League and the Champions League group phase.

Gabriel Martinelli has been on fire in Europe, scoring five goals in five outings, while Leandro Trossard has impressed in the league, contributing four goals and three assists in 13 appearances.

However, Arsenal are now showing strong interest in signing another winger, according to a report from Caught Offside, which states they have been conducting initial background checks on Hoffenheim winger Bazoumana Toure.

A whole host of Premier League clubs are in the race for Toure, off the back of his impressive first half of the season, with Manchester United, Brentford and Newcastle United also named as potential suitors.

The German club are reluctant to sanction a departure in the January transfer window, but a move is more plausible next summer, at which point a deal is expected to amount to around €45m (£39m).

Related Arsenal hold talks for "monster" Real Madrid target ahead of January

The Gunners are chasing a rising star…

Posts ByBen Goodwin "Explosive" Toure could be exciting addition for Arsenal

With Martinelli and Trossard already on the books, signing the Hoffenheim star may not be necessary unless one of Arteta’s current options departs, but there are indications the Ivorian could be an exciting addition to the squad.

Since joining Hoffenheim from Hammarby, the 19-year-old has established himself as a key player, contributing two goals and eight assists in 29 appearances for the Bundesliga side.

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When providing an overview of the left-winger’s key strengths, scout Jacek Kulig lauded him as an “explosive winger”, with good pace, acceleration, dribbling and agility.

Not only that, but the teenager, who is represented by the same agency as Ethan Nwaneri, is strong in the air, averaging 1.86 aerials won per 90 over the past year, which places him in the 95th percentile, compared to other attacking midfielders and wingers.

With Martinelli and Trossard impressing, a move for Toure in January wouldn’t make much sense, but should Arteta reshuffle his squad next summer, Toure could be a fantastic long-term addition.

Zimbabwe’s selectors have not sprung any surprises in their 15-man squad for the five-ODI series in Pakistan.Ray Price and Gary Brent, who have both returned to the side after turning their backs on international cricket, are named, as is Sean Williams, whose inclusion in the side which played in South Africa last week reportedly caused a bitter dispute among the selectors who wanted another black player instead.Meanwhile, Peter Chingoka, Zimbabwe Cricket’s chairman, denied claims that his board was putting player safety second to the standing of the country within the ICC. “The players and their technical staff are all comfortable with the tour,” he said. “I will accompany the team on the first leg of the tour and the vice-chairman, Tavengwa Mukuhlani, will then join the travelling party when I return on January 17 or 18. The chairman of the cricket committee, Cyprian Mandenge, will take over from Mukuhlani on January 24 and return with the team.”Critics point out that the women’s World Cup qualifier has been moved from Pakistan to South Africa on safety grounds and accuse ZC of not taking the proper steps to establish the security situation in the country. Zimbabwe will be there in the build-up to the national elections in mid February when many are predicting an escalation in violence.Zimbabwe squad Prosper Utseya (capt), Gary Brent, Chamu Chibhabha, Elton Chigumbura, Keith Dabengwa, Timycen Maruma, Hamilton Masakadza, Stuart Matsikenyeri, Chris Mpofu, Tawanda Mupariwa, Ray Price, Vusi Sibanda, Tatenda Taibu, Brendon Taylor, Sean Williams

Irfan Pathan’s form, both with bat and ball, are critical to the team balance and he’s likely to get a chance on his home ground © AFP

With the four-match series against the West Indies winding to a close, India are stuck with more questions than answers. While it would be over the top to say they are indisarray, the Indian team certainly needs to clear the question marks hanging over certain key players in the lead-up to the World Cup.The most important, perhaps, is Irfan Pathan, who had, through his ability to score runs both at the top of the innings and later on, given the team the option of going light on the batting and playing the extra bowler. But, with his bowling falling away to the extent that he lost his place in the team, all talk of balance seems a bit of a luxury.Speaking at a press conference ahead of the final one-dayer against West Indies, where Pathan is set to return to the side on the back of seven wickets in his last Ranji Trophy match, Rahul Dravid took the safety-first option when asked about him. “The proof of the pudding will be in the eating,” said Dravid. “When Irfan goes out there and playsa few games and performs, only then will we know. I’m just looking forwardto him playing again. Him bowling well and performing well – those areimportant words – are critical to the balance of the team so we hope thathe’ll do just that.” Pathan’s batting form has been on a steady rise, sothere’s no real concern there. If his bowling comes through then that’sone less headache India have.Sreesanth’s meteoric rise in Test cricket has, intriguingly, had little todo with his fortunes in the one-day game. His performances in Tests,both in West Indies and in South Africa, were forceful and filled withpurpose, sometimes even inspirational, but he has bled runsin ODIs. He’s the kind of bowler who you want to be able tocall up at any time, but he’s by no means a certainty to make the cut forthe World Cup just yet.”Sree’s a young bowler and is competing for a spot in the side as anyoneis. He’s finding out it’s not that easy to bowl on Indian wickets. He’sgot to keep learning and improving. That’s part of what it is to be ayoung cricketer. We’ve got to be patient with some of our youngcricketers. It can be hard to bring on and develop a young player here inIndia because of the expectancy of immediate results,” said Dravid. “Thatdoesn’t always happen, especially with the difference between domestic andinternational cricket being a big one. You look at some of the other teams – Marlon Samuels has been doing well but they’ve given him so much time and been patient with him. That’s something we have to learn.”

The reason why most teams want to play three fast bowlers is thePower Plays. But with the experience of our two main spinners they might beable to do that job and that could be quite critical

The other massive cause for concern is Munaf Patel. Not long ago he wasleading the pack of young fast bowlers coming through. Now, after thesorry episode of South Africa, where he sat out virtually the wholeseries only to return for the final Test well below full fitness andembarrass himself, the road back may not be so easy. Munaf’s honesty inrevealing the extent of his injury was under question, and no captain willstick his neck out for a player who he believes has been economical withthe truth. Dravid, though, had encouraging words for Munaf. “Just watchingMunaf in the nets today, even though he was not in the squad, was good. The way he was running in and bowling …” he said. “We needed to find outwhether he had come back fit and from what I’ve seen in the nets that’sheartening.”Dravid, who was batting against Munaf and even otherwise watching himfrom close quarters in the nets, may have seen something that was notobviously evident. But from thirty feet away it certainly did not looklike Munaf was near full fitness. He was not steaming in, appeared to bebowling well within himself – almost as though he feared a relapse – anddid not extract that trademark rearing bounce. But with only four gamesagainst Sri Lanka left before the World Cup, Munaf will certainly get alook in. Whether he goes on to book himself a place for the big tournamentremains to be seen.With so many doubts over the fast bowlers, the role of the spinnersbecomes far more critical and Dravid agreed when this was put to him.”The experience of Anil [Kumble] and Harbhajan might give us the option of usingthem even in the Power Plays,” he said. “If we’ve got four experiencedbowlers and Anil and Harbhajan can do a job for us in the twenty overs ofthe Power Plays it may even give us the option of playing an extra batsman.”The reason why most teams want to play three fast bowlers is thePower Plays. But with the experience of our two main spinners they might beable to do that job and that could be quite critical.” It might not only becritical to India’s fortunes, but also to Ramesh Powar’s, for as someone who’s performances are seldom mentioned, he could well find himself a place in the squadahead of one of the quick men.

ScorecardSreesanth rocked the top order, Somasetty Suresh ripped the middle while Sreekumar Nair removed the tail to bundle out Jharkhand for a paltry 189 in their first innings and following on Jharkhand were 13 for 1 at stumps as Kerala gained complete command over the Plate match at Palakkad. Manoj Joglekar offered the lone resistance with an half-century. Earlier Fernandez Robert hit 59 to lift Kerala, overnight at 320 for 6, to 399.
ScorecardMadhusudan Acharya and Sandeep Singh shared five wickets between them to engineer a stunning collapse as Tripura, well placed overnight at 63 for 1, crumbled to 112 before Vidarbha rode on half-centuries from Amit Deshpande and Alind Naidu to reach 184 for 5, 228 runs ahead, at stumps on the second day at Agartala. Acharya, the offspinner, struck twice off successive deliveries to reduce Tripura to 91 for 6 before Sandeep, the medium pacer, got into act, grabbing two wickets in an over to further push Tripura to 104 for 8. Vidarbha then consolidated their hold on the game through a 107-run partnership for the second wicket between Deshpande and Naidu.
ScorecardHalf-centuries from B Songavkar and Shitanshu Kotak powered Saurashtra, overnight on 269 for 4, to 439 before they reduced Goa to 50 for 3 to dominate the second day’s play at Rajkot. Songavkar and Kotak added 92 runs for the sixth wicket after the departure of the overnight centurion Cheteshwar Pujara who added 34 runs today. Sandip Maniar grabbed two wickets to push Goa on the backfoot by close of play.
ScorecardMohammad Aslam grabbed three wickets to bundle out Assam, overnight at a comfortable 198 for 5, for 240 before Rajasthan batted their way to a position of relative strength at 172 for 4 by the end of the second day’s play at Udaipur. J Arunkumar, overnight centurion, took the score to 223 for 5 when he fell triggering a collapse; 5 wickets fell for the addition of 17 runs. Naresh Gehlot, the left-hand middle order batsman, hit an unbeaten 42 to consolidate the Rajasthan innings after the openers had put a 76 run stand.
ScorecardPowered by an 119-run stand between Arshad Bhatt and Kavaljit Singh for the third wicket J&K reached 257 for 5 by the end of the opening day against Madhya Pradesh at Indore. While Bhatt’s was a breezy effort, 89 off 146 balls with 11 fours and a six, Kavaljit played a patient hand. The duo’s efforts were consolidated by an unbeaten 41 from Pranav Mahajan. The match had been postponed by a day since the J&K team had not arrived in time due to flight delay.
ScorecardS Sehgal starred with an seven-wicket haul as Himachal Pradesh collapsed from 120 for 2 to 168 all out before Orissa reached 18 for 0 at stumps to dominate the opening day’s play at Cuttack. Owing to bad weather and problems in flight connectivity the match between Orissa and HP was postponed by a day. Half-centuries from Mridul Gupta and Rajeev Nayyar had lifted HP to a comfortable position before Sehgal got into the act.

Stephen Fleming admitted that the last-wicket partnership between Glenn McGrath and Jason Gillespie took the game away from New Zealand© Getty Images

Stephen Fleming
On what went wrong
The turning point was yesterday when the game was well balanced. We had Australia five down and if we could have bowled them out for parity, or for 50 to 100 runs ahead, we could have looked to set them a target. But that period in the afternoon gave them an advantage and that last partnership took the game away from us. The team that turned up today probably had a hangover from that.On what was most disappointing
Today is extremely disappointing, but I think yesterday was more disappointing.On some unlucky decisions
We’re working with pretty small margins against a pretty good Australian side. We need things to go our way and when they don’t it makes it hard. It hurt us at times during this game, but it’s not why we lost.On the tension between the teams
There’s nothing more than usual. I’d be disappointed if it was all cuddles and handshakes.On the McMillan and Gilchrist disagreement
I was interested in how it finished when I saw that conversation in the middle of the field. Craig said it was sorted and I take his word for that. He seemed pretty relaxed about it.On the walking situation
Just because one or two guys are on a crusade doesn’t mean it changes the way of 95% of the other cricketers. We all like the game played in the best spirit, but if individuals don’t it has to be respected either way.On a team agreement
I’m not going to put a blanket on my side that says they must walk or follow every gentlemanly agreement. It’s still international sport and some guys are playing for their livelihoods. It’s been happening for too long to be changed overnight, and putting pressure on players to do it is wrong.On the side’s batting
Today’s batting was poor. In the first innings, to have No. 7 get us through to a score is becoming too much of a trend for my liking, and the top order have to improve. To get 350 is a par score … just.On any mental damage
I don’t think it damages us too much because I think you expect the best to come out.John Bracewell
On more technology coming into the game for decisions
Clearly Hawk-Eye has been shown to be inadequate throughout this match. Some balls were hitting the stumps or not hitting the stumps, and the umpires, who aren’t wrong, were in difference to that. Clearly the technology is not up to it yet, and shouldn’t be used.On changes to the team for Adelaide
Everybody except James Franklin is fit in the squad. We will be looking at the surface first, and obviously the history. Losing James could have made some difference for us here.On the bowling
Chris Martin was magnificent for long periods, and it was good to see him get the snap back that he lost in our winter. Dan [Vettori] bowled beautifully and to a plan for several batsmen coming in. A number of these [Australian] guys are great cricketers, they are establishing records of greatness, and there are very small windows of opportunity.On how they dealt with the Australian batsmen
Perhaps only Martin, of the quicks, had bowled against them before, and the counter-attacking may have become a little bit too much for them.

At a time when many things in cricket are changing – central contracts, more and more international cricket, the newfangled Twenty20 Cup – you could always rely on MCC to remain the same. Until now, that is. For the first time in its 216-year history, MCC has entered into a joint commercial venture.The other half of this enterprise is the Australian company Albion, the leading manufacturer of cricket headgear. By teaming up with Albion, MCC will become the exclusive distributor of caps, hats and helmets across England and Europe. And according to MCC, the joint venture reflects its commitment to increasing commercial income which can be ploughed back into the game.Albion’s products include the Baggy Green caps worn by the Australian Test team, the popular “Greg Chappell” wide-brimmed sunhat used by many club and Test players, and the special caps made to mark the Centenary of Federation during Australia’s Test against West Indies at Sydney in January 2001. Albion also produced the distinctive skull cap worn by the Australians to mark the first Test of the 21st century. As well as caps, they supply international players from all round the world with helmets and sunhats.Roger Knight, MCC’s chief executive, said: “We are delighted to be joining forces with a company of Albion’s calibre. Its Baggy Green is the most famous cricket cap in the world; we believe that its helmets are the world’s best; and its sunhats have led the way in providing players, around the world, with excellent protection from the sun. This venture is an exciting new development for everyone involved.” The commercial venture will be formally launched at Lord’s on Friday October 3.

Limited overs champions KwaZulu-Natal built on three successive victories on the road with a three-wicket win over Easterns at home in their Standard Bank Cup match at Kingsmead on Friday night. In other games, the Eastern Province Jumbos added to the Highveld Strikers’ miseries with a five-wicket win at St George’s Park while in Kimberley Griquas accounted for Free State by four wickets.KZN’s triumph was set up by a blistering 57 off 51 balls from Gulam Bodi as the home team chased Easterns 154 for eight. Despite the start given the Dolphins by Bodi, the home team wobbled in mid-innings before getting home with more than eight overs to spare. Andrew Hall, with 67, provided the substance of the Easterns innings.In Port Elizabeth the Strikers collapsed after Adam Bacher (70) and Daryll Cullinan (30) had put on 73 for the first wicket. Garnett Kruger at one point took four wickets in 11 balls before finishing with five 29 as the Strikers were bowled out for 158 and with Dave Callaghan making 53, the Jumbos were able to get home in some comfort.In Kimberley, Warwickshire’s Mike Powell hit an unbeaten 62 to guide Griquas to a four-wicket win over Free State. Jimmy Adams’ 60 had enabled Free State to reach 186 for seven and at one point the Diamonds were creaking on 99 for five before Powell and Wendell Bossenger (31) added 68 for the sixth wicket to stabilise the innings.

Haryana with just 3 points have no chance of qualifying for the knockout phase. Perhaps this explained their lacklustre batting effortagainst Orissa at Cuttack. What would have hurt more is the fact thatHaryana won the toss and elected to bat.A combination of some effective bowling by leg spinner Jagannath Dasand a couple of run outs at the top of the innings stunned the Haryanainnings. Only Padamjeet Singh (51) and Parender Sharma (40) were up tothe task. The rest of the batting did not make scores worthy ofmention. Being knocked out for just 206, Das was easily the pick ofthe bowlers with 4/62 off his 19.5 overs.However, the drama was not over just then. After bowling Haryana outfor a small score, it would have taken only a steady battingperformance on Orissa’s part to put them in command on the firstday. However, they failed to do just that.Orissa were required to play out just eight overs, and in that shortperiod they suffered three causalities. Captain Shiv Sunder Das whohas had a good season with the bat succumbed to Jain after he had madejust 4 runs. P Das failed before he reached double figures and Orissawere in serious trouble at 12 for 2. In an attempt to stem the rot,Debashish Mohanty was sent as a nightwatchman. After surviving 15balls without scoring, Mohanty was trapped LBW by Sonu Sharma addingto Orissa’s woes. At the close of play Orissa were 17/3, not aposition they would have envisaged after bowling the opposition outfor 206.

Newcastle United are interested in signing Leeds United midfielder Kalvin Phillips in the summer transfer window, according to a fresh transfer rumour.

The Lowdown: Phillips indispensable at Leeds

The 26-year-old has arguably been the most important player at Elland Road over the past five years, maturing into a truly formidable footballer.

Not only has Phillips shone for Leeds, making 226 appearances for the club, he has also become a key figure for England, scooping his country’s Player of the Year award in 2021.

However, it could be that the midfielder looks for a fresh challenge this summer, despite his love for his boyhood club.

[freshpress-quiz id=“383507″]

The Latest: Newcastle eye up move for Phillips

According to The Daily Mail, Newcastle have emerged as potential suitors for Phillips’ signature, with their big-money takeover allowing them vast sums of money to spend on new signings.

Aston Villa are also mentioned in the report, with the Leeds hero ‘prepared to assess his options’ once this season reaches its conclusion.

[web_stories_embed url=”https://www.footballtransfertavern.com/web-stories/latest-leeds-united-news-37/” title=”Latest Leeds United news!” poster=”” width=”360″ height=”600″ align=”none”]

The Verdict: Survival paramount for Whites

It could be that Phillips decides to leave Leeds whatever happens this season, but there is no denying that relegation back to the Championship would almost certainly lead to his departure.

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An England regular simply isn’t going to be content with playing in the second tier, regardless of his love for the Whites, so that makes it all the more crucial for Jesse Marsch’s team to retain their top-flight status over the coming weeks.

The hope is that Phillips stay at Elland Road for the rest of his career – Tony Adams has hailed him as ‘fantastic’ – but it would be hard to begrudge the 26-year-old a move elsewhere considering the service he has given to Leeds, especially if a Champions League club were to come in for him.

In other news, Andrea Radrizzani has made a key claim regarding his future as Leeds owner. Read more here.