The end of the year is complicated for the Chelsea of Joao Felix (left) and Marc Cucurella (right).
Imago
Chelsea were surprised at the promoted and currently relegated Ipswich (2-0), Monday, in a Premier League evening where Manchester United made a fool of themselves again, this time in front of Fabian Schär’s Newcastle at home (0-2 ).
The defeat of the Blues, their second defeat in a row in the league, sends them to the foot of the podium. 4th with 35 points after 19 days, they could see the top 3 move further away if Arsenal (3rd, 36 points) were to win at Brentford on Wednesday. Their setback at Portman Road brought joy to Nottingham Forest, 2nd (37 points) behind Liverpool (45 points).
Chelsea suffers a cold snap
Chelsea experienced a big cold spell over the last three matches of 2024, pocketing only one point at Everton (0-0) and conceding two defeats in quick succession, including one at the end of the match against Fulham.
The new coach Enzo Maresca, who started the usual replacements on Monday (Jorgensen, Disasi, Nkunku…), had suffered only two defeats during the first 17 days of the Premier League. His Blues gave in on Monday to a penalty from Liam Delap (12th) and a goal from Omari Hutchinson (53rd), well served by the 21-year-old striker.
Ipswich are yet to win at home this season and have lost five of their previous six matches. The Tractor Boys, 18th (15 points), are just one unit behind the first non-relegation team, Wolverhampton (17th, 16 points).
Newcastle double Manchester City
Joelinton’s joy contrasts with the distress of Noussair Mazraoui.
Imago
Manchester United suffered a third consecutive defeat in the Premier League, against Fabian Schär’s Newcastle at Old Trafford (0-2), which leaves Ruben Amorim’s team in 14th place at halfway. The Portuguese coach, successor to Erik ten Hag in November, has a poor record after eight league matches: five defeats, one draw and two victories.
After 19 days, Manchester United only has 22 points. A slim total which places the rich club from the north of England between West Ham (13th, 23 points) and Crystal Palace (15th, 20 points). A gulf separates the Red Devils from current leader Liverpool (45 points, with a game in hand), historic rival to whom they go on Sunday.
Newcastle, on the other hand, finished the year very strong, in 5th place, with one point more than Manchester City (6th, 31 points). That now makes it four wins in a row for the Magpies in the Premier League. A series during which they scored 13 goals and conceded only one.
It’s the exact opposite of Manchester United, with a faltering attack and far too porous defense. This gave way twice in the first 20 minutes, with the same scenario: a crosser left too free by the full-back Noussair Mazraoui and central defenders overwhelmed in the engagement.
Aleksander Isak took advantage of the space left between Harry Maguire and Lisandro Martinez to place his header (4th, 0-1) and bring his total to eight goals in the last six Premier League matches. Then Joelinton doubled the lead by winning his aerial duel with Martinez (19th, 0-2), designated captain in the absence of Bruno Fernandes, suspended.
Amorim released striker Joshua Zirkzee after a good half hour for midfielder Kobbie Mainoo (33rd). A rather successful electroshock in the game but which did not reduce the gap. The Portuguese recalled Marcus Rashford after dropping him from the squad in the previous four matches. But he didn’t bring it into play.
Play Fantasy Football
20 minutes is exclusively launching a team management game to mark the start of the Swiss Super League season. Register now, create your team and win great prizes.
(afp)
