Chelsea 1-0 Tottenham – Premier League: Trevoh Chalobah’s good header provides Blues the lead following a prolonged VAR verify – plus updates from Aston Villa 0-2 Olympiacos

Is that basically you, Cole Palmer?

Chelsea forage ahead on the counter-attack and Noni Madueke performs it throughout to Cole Palmer in acres of area.

You anticipate him to on the very least check Vicario, however he bends his effort miles over the bar.

Not the Palmer we have now come accustomed to.

I’ve already heard Son Hueng-Min’s identify extra this half than I did within the final.

He has the ball on the left-hand aspect and is chopped down by Alfie Gilchrist, and now Spurs have a free-kick in an excellent place.

Pedro Porro fizzes the set-piece in but it surely’s cleared by goalscorer Trevoh Chalobah.

Ange Postecoglou should have given his Spurs aspect one hell of a talking-to at half-time.

In simply the primary couple of minutes they already appear to be a unique workforce, they need to battle for the shirt now.

Surprisingly, Spurs haven’t made any modifications…

I believed we might have seen a number of substitutes, however Ange Postecoglou sticks to his weapons.

Anyway, we’re again underway at Stamford Bridge.

Kieran Gill, Mail Sport, at Stamford Bridge:

In contrast to different stadiums, one of many positives of Stamford Bridge is the proximity of the press field to the technical space. I do not suppose I’ve ever seen Ange Postecoglou as indignant as this. He was throwing tantrums all by way of that first half. Rightly so, too, as a result of they’ve been abysmal.

Karen Carney, former Chelsea midfielder, talking on Sky Sports activities:

Offended Ange! Truthfully, I’ve by no means seen him so indignant and animated. They stored stepping into midfield and giving it away and actually it’s about Jonson and Son, they missed the ball and so they lose possession and provides away this free-kick that results in the purpose.

It goes from dangerous to worse for Aston Villa…

It is Ayoub El Kaabi on the double, he will get in behind the Villa backline once more and slots it underneath Robin Olsen.

Olympiacos are in dreamland whereas Villa have a variety of work to do.

Conor Gallagher is having some season for Chelsea.

The Blues skipper had a banner in his honour displayed earlier than the match, and he rewarded his aspect with a superb help.

I didn’t anticipate to see him present extra assists than a few of the names on this record.

I might watch this header on repeat.

The best way it loops over Guglielmo Vicario is simply so satisfying, the way in which he manages to stretch his neck muscle tissue to go the ball was good.

Chelsea followers, if you have not seen it, now’s your probability. You’ll definitely take pleasure in it.

Simply look how a lot it meant to Trevoh Chalobah too.

This wasn’t within the script…

Ayoub El Kaabi is distributed by way of and smashes the ball previous Robin Olsen with aplomb, however his celebrations are lower quick when the offside goes up.

Nonetheless, VAR checks the purpose for a while and it is given. He was actually onside.

Disastrous for Aston Villa!

Oh, that could be a good block by Trevoh Chalobah!

The defender places his physique on the road to stop Pape Sarr from bringing Spurs stage.

He celebrates like he has simply scored the Champions League ultimate winner…

There are groans from the gang because the fourth official shares that there can be 4 minutes of stoppage time.

That tells you all you have to know, Tottenham are lastly getting some momentum.

Tottenham have lastly livened up.

For the reason that Cristian Romero miss, the away aspect have regarded miles extra assured and you may really feel the nerves inside Stamford Bridge.

Chelsea have thrown away many leads this season…

Leon Bailey sends Villa Park right into a frenzy, however the pleasure is short-lived…

The Jamaican ahead heads dwelling on the far put up, however the purpose has been dominated out attributable to a shirt pull from Clement Llenglet.

Villa Park cannot imagine it, but it surely stays all sq..

Oh, Cristian Romero, how have you ever not scored?

Romero had so many alternatives within the North London Derby and he has simply had a large one right here.

A free-kick is distributed over to the again put up, it lands straight on his head lower than six yards out, however he someway misses the goal.

I am undecided how he hasn’t scored there…

Ange Postecoglou goes completely bonkers on the touchline.

The Australian just isn’t a cheerful bunny, I do not suppose he can be calling any of his gamers ‘mate’ at half-time.

It is utterly warranted, Tottenham have been dreadful to this point.

Chelsea are actually having fun with themselves proper now!

Cole Palmer is dominating the Spurs defence and he performs in Mykhailo Mudryk on the left. Mudryk cuts inside and fires narrowly huge of the put up.

It was actually so shut, I used to be anticipating it to hit the again of the web.

Proper then, we’re underway at Villa Park!

The stadium is alive and kicking, they understand how a lot this match means.

Can Aston Villa get the job completed within the first leg?

Kieran Gill, Mail Sport, at Stamford Bridge:

Personally, I am glad that purpose stood. It will have been a farce if VAR disallowed it as a result of Marc Cucurella was blocking Brennan Johnson earlier than Trevoh Chalobah headed dwelling. These incidents occur 10 occasions a recreation!

Stamford Bridge was moaning and groaning by way of that VAR course of however on the finish of it, there was a deafening roar.

The chants are in full movement now as Marc Cucurella’s supposed block was not deemed a foul.

Chelsea are in full movement too, Mykhailo Mudryk bursts previous Pedro Porro once more, however his cross is collected by Guglielmo Vicario.

Spurs are everywhere!

That may be a beautiful header!

It has been coming, and now Chelsea lead by way of Trevoh Chalobah and my phrase, it is some header.

Spurs as soon as once more battle from a set-piece, and Conor Gallagher’s free-kick lands straight onto Chalobah’s noggin and he loops his header over Vicario.

After a stupidly lengthy VAR verify, the purpose is given.

Noni Madueke has taken some confidence from the Aston Villa match, he’s trying very vigorous on the left-hand aspect.

He jinks his approach in from the left and releases a smashing shot, but it surely flies simply over the bar.

Mykhailo Mudryk has Pedro Porro on toats and he practically squeezes his approach by way of the entire defence however he cannot get a shot off.

That is the perfect I’ve seen him play in a very long time!

Kieran Gill, Mail Sport, at Stamford Bridge:

Mykhailo Mudryk generally is a slippery so-and-so down the left wing. He is already had the beating of Pedro Porro greater than as soon as right here. When he is enjoying confidently like this, he is a pleasure to look at.

Moises Caicedo is in some ache and you may see why.

Dejan Kulusevski unintentionally leaves his studs on his Achilles, which can be extraordinarily sore. I squirmed simply watching it.

Whereas he’s getting handled, the Chelsea crowd chant Thiago Silva’s identify which ends up in a wave from the Brazilian.

This comes after he introduced this week that he can be leaving the membership on the finish of the season.

Alfie Gilchrist sees his identify in lights, that is his second… and he blazes the ball over.

It was a troublesome probability to be honest to the teen. Marc Cucurella pulls a low cross and it evades everybody and appears to take an age to get to Gilchrist.

It does finally, and the remainder.

Guglielmo Vicario is at all times so nervous when a nook is available in.

Chelsea swing a nook in and Vicario shakily punches the ball clear and collides with Richarlison within the course of.

Chelsea will know he struggles from set items, he has completed all season, not simply within the North London Derby.

Emerson Royal is screaming for a penalty.

The Spurs full-back is in a battle with Noni Madueke within the Chelsea space and he goes down fairly theatrically.

The penalty just isn’t given and I believe it is primarily due to how weirdly Emerson went down, in fact.

Chelsea can be relieved nothing is given…

Tottenham have their first assault and it falls flat on its face.

Chelsea give Brennan Johnson a lot room that you simply anticipate him to drive at them, however he floats in a cross that goes out of play.

I’ve seen higher assaults from the Welshman…

Mickey Van de Ven has simply saved Guglielmo Vicario’s bacon!

Mykhailo Mudryk sends Nicolas Jackson by way of and Vicario loses is steadiness as he comes near Jackson down.

Jackson rolls the ball underneath him and it is destined for the web, however Van de Ven races again to clear it because it’s about to cross the road.

It solely went so far as Cole Palmer, however he could not convert.

Tottenham are having fun with the lion’s share of possession within the early moments of this recreation, however they’re coming underneath a variety of strain.

Chelsea look actually hungry tonight, and their press has simply compelled Vicario and Emerson to muck up. Nothing comes from it although.

Stamford Bridge remains to be very loud…

It’s so loud at Stamford Bridge, the Chelsea followers are definitely prepared for this derby.

Mauricio Pochettino and Ange Postecoglou embrace and we’re able to get this present on the street.

Chelsea get the ball rolling to an almighty roar!

Stamford Bridge may be very vibrant tonight.

This rivalry brings drama, which in flip brings an unimaginable environment. It appears the Chelsea followers are bringing it tonight.

Because the groups come out, the Blues followers have modified the phrases of their normal tune ‘The Liquidator’ to let the Tottenham aspect understand how they really feel about them.

That is going to be intense.

Ange Postecoglou, Tottenham boss, chatting with Sky Sports activities:

Yeah, look I believe he’s (James Maddison) like a variety of lads all through the season, however regardless of that it’s about freshening up the workforce tonight and we’ve bought some guys who didn’t play on the weekend, Pap Sarr and Bissouma who will assist us within the midfield. Madders doesn’t begin – that doesn’t imply he cannot have an effect within the recreation.

Wow, this statistic from Mail Sport’s Kieran Gill is unimaginable.

Chelsea have been ravaged by damage issues this season, they at the moment have 14 gamers out.

Whereas their beginning 11 remains to be quite robust, their bench is effectively, much less so…

Matt Barlow, Mail Sport, at Stamford Bridge:

Emerson Royal in at left-back and Maddison dropped for the primary time are the speaking factors from workforce choice.

Additionally, Mikey Moore, a really thrilling teenage expertise on the bench for the primary time. Nonetheless solely 16.

I’ve simply discovered myself bobbing alongside to the music at Stamford Bridge.

Whoever is answerable for the playlist inside the bottom has struck the suitable tone, it’s groovy, and hopefully, the soccer follows swimsuit.

Each side are actually out making their ultimate preparations, we have now simply 20 minutes till the ball is rolling.

I am not going to return to having fun with the music…

Tom Collomosse, Mail Sport, at Villa Park:

No Pau Torres within the beginning XI for Aston Villa which, until he’s carrying a knock, is a shock – he’s been one in all their key gamers this season. The remainder of the workforce is as we anticipated, with Diaby anticipated to accomplice Watkins in assault and Bailey and Rogers huge.

Right here is Aston Villa’s beginning 11 for arguably their largest match in 42 years…

Unai Emery has made three modifications from the aspect that drew 2-2 with Chelsea on Saturday night time.

Robin Olsen deputies in purpose for the injured Emi Martinez whereas Clement Llenglet and Moussa Diaby additionally are available.

The final time Chelse confronted Spurs, Nicolas Jackson introduced himself to the Premier League.

I believe it is honest to say that Jackson has not had the smoothest of rides to this point within the division, removed from it.

Nonetheless, one efficiency he can look again fondly on was we he bagged three targets away at Tottenham in a 4-1 win.

It could not have been essentially the most dazzling hat-trick of all time, however all that issues id placing the ball behind the web.

Chelsea might do with him doing it once more tonight.

Ange Postecoglou, Tottenham boss, talking on Wednesday:

I believe anybody who does not suppose that Mauricio’s 5 and a half years right here had been profitable, does not actually respect soccer for what it’s as a result of, , to get to the Champions League ultimate, to, , come runners-up within the hardest league on the earth.

There isn’t any silverware however in my thoughts, significantly the way in which he developed that group, I believe he was a hit. That is the enterprise we’re in and we get measured by – most of us get measured by different issues so we have got to just accept that.

Mauricio Pochettino definitely is aware of this rivalry effectively, simply from the opposite aspect.

The Argentine gave Spurs followers a few of their greatest recollections in latest historical past and he was adored throughout his time on the membership.

Pochettino had Tottenham difficult for titles once more, led them to a Champions League ultimate, and was the catalyst for Harry Kane’s success.

So, when it was introduced final summer season that he can be taking the reigns at rivals Chelsea, it’s honest to say Spurs followers weren’t the happiest.

As you could have simply learn, Pochettino nonetheless holds robust emotions in the direction of Tottenham, however tonight he might want to allow them to go.

It’s going to be one other battle on the Bridge, however this time he’s within the blue nook.

Kieran Gill, Mail Sport, at Stamford Bridge:

Massive recreation for Alfie Gilchrist at proper again, together with Benoit Badiashile alongside Trevoh Chalobah. Badiashile grew into the sport at Aston Villa – he had a fantastic second half – and he’ll want to indicate some dominance right here.

Earlier than kick-off, there needs to be an enormous show for Conor Gallagher, as Chelsea followers look to ship a message to the hierarchy forward of an intriguing summer season by which he could possibly be offered… probably to Tottenham.

I wager Cole Palmer is glad to be again at Stamford Bridge.

The attacking midfielder has been on fireplace not too long ago for the Blues, particularly at dwelling, he has netted in every of his earlier seven league appearances on the Bridge.

To not point out, he’s additionally the main Premier League goalscorer in 2024, netting 12 targets for the reason that flip of the yr, with all of them coming at dwelling.

Will he add to his tally tonight?

Mauricio Pochettino, Chelsea boss, talking on Wednesday:

It’s at all times emotional (dealing with Tottenham) as a result of we’re going to meet individuals we labored with for an extended interval. Sure, I can’t cover my emotion for the membership and I believe it’s going to be emotional.

Wow, I wasn’t anticipating to see James Maddison on the bench.

Ange Postecoglou has not held his punches, he makes 5 modifications from the workforce that misplaced the North London Derby.

Emerson Royal, Yves Bissouma, Pape Sarr, Brennan Johnson, and Richarlison all are available.

The large information is that Maddison has been dropped…

Simply the one change for Chelsea then.

It is not one they wished to make, however they’ve needed to, as Thiago Silva is dominated out with damage.

Younger Adam Gilchrist returns to the beginning 11 to make his first dwelling Premier League begin.

How typically do you see rival managers with this type of relationship?

I am positive all friendliness can be kicked out the door very quickly when the groups make their approach onto the pitch.

Pochettino did not appear to be he wished to let him go!

Sure, you learn that proper, EIGHT years…

On 2 Might 2016, the Battle of the Bridge was born. It’s a Premier League basic, a match that’s at all times regarded again on when these two meet.

I keep in mind precisely the place I watched this match. I used to be getting ready for my GCSE exams and determined to take a break from learning to look at it with my associates. Boy, was that a good selection.

The match had every part, from horrible tackles that led to fights, 12 bookings, 4 targets, and a last-minute equaliser from Eden Hazard that left Spurs’ title hopes in tatters.

It was a spectacle that can be remembered because the day that Chelsea helped Leicester Metropolis safe a magical Premier League title, whereas additionally stepping the rivalry between the 2 golf equipment up a notch.

If we get drama even near what we noticed that fateful night time, you higher strap yourselves in.

By the way in which, I’m sorry if I made any of you’re feeling outdated with this put up…

When these two meet there are at all times fireworks.

There has solely been one stalemate within the final 22 conferences between these two sides in all competitions. It nearly at all times ensures targets.

Do you need to know what else it brings to the desk? Purses.

This match appears to have a knack for getting feisty. There was the ‘Battle of the Bridge’ after which additionally final season’s handshake drama between Thomas Tuchel and Antonio Conte.

The fervour at all times bleeds by way of on this one and it is available in other ways season upon season.

I ponder what they’ve in retailer for us this night.

Stamford Bridge may be very not often a cheerful searching floor for Tottenham.

Spurs have solely a single win of their final 38 matches away at Chelsea, which got here again in 2018 when the now-Chelsea boss, Mauricio Pochettino, was in cost.

Having spoken to numerous Tottenham followers, it’s clear that they don’t go into this fixture with a lot hope, they’ve been let down too many occasions.

Nonetheless, I’ll say this quite a bit, however statistics are there to be damaged. Simply take a look at Everton final week, they received their first Merseyside Derby at Goodison Park in 14 years when no person gave them an opportunity.

If there was ever an excellent season to come back up trumps away at Chelsea, that is one in all them. The Blues are a far cry from their tremendous groups of the previous.

Will tonight be one for the historical past books?

Chelsea and Tottenham will not be the one Premier League aspect in motion tonight.

Aston Villa have waited 42 years for an enormous night time in Europe resembling tonight, and it’s lastly right here. They face Olympiacos this night at Villa Park for the primary leg of their Europa Convention League semi-final.

The Villans are actually certainly favourites to carry dwelling the trophy, however it is going to be no simple job. All I do know is that Villa Park can be rocking tonight.

We are going to be sure you carry you all the massive updates from the match within the West Midlands, I’ve a sense there can be a variety of targets to allow you to all learn about.

Tonight could possibly be a defining night time in each Chelsea and Tottenham’s seasons.

We now have now entered the ultimate month of the Premier League marketing campaign and each side are nonetheless within the hunt for Europe.

Tottenham at the moment sit in fourth place, seven factors behind Aston Villa, however with two video games in hand – the primary of which they play tonight.

Final night time it was confirmed that Germany have secured second place in UEFA’s coefficient desk for this season, solely the highest 4 locations within the Premier League will qualify for Champions League soccer subsequent season.

Tottenham can’t afford to lose tonight in the event that they need to be in European membership soccer’s premier competitors, subsequent yr.

In the meantime, Chelsea nonetheless have faint hopes of qualifying for the Europa Convention League subsequent season and a win tonight would definitely hold them within the hunt.

In the event that they earn three factors tonight they’ll transfer as much as eighth place, simply two factors behind Newcastle within the ultimate European spot with 4 video games to lose.

There’s a lot that each groups can lose tonight, it’s going to be tasty.

I believe it’s time for one more derby!

It seems like we have now been having them each different day currently, particularly in London, however there will not be many within the capital larger than Chelsea vs Tottenham.

After the North London Derby, this needs to be the second largest London derby, Chelsea and Spurs don’t like one another. The rivalry has actually heated up in the previous couple of years – a sure match involves thoughts…

If I can assure something about tonight, the match will definitely not be bland. Their rivalry combined with the dearth of defensive construction in each side, means we’re arrange for a belting recreation.

Don’t neglect, Chelsea and Tottenham are nonetheless gunning for a spot in European competitors subsequent yr. There isn’t a room for slip-ups.

I can’t look ahead to this one to get going, so let’s get cracking.