Chelsea

We asked for your thoughts after Saturday's Premier League game between Chelsea and Manchester United.

Here are some of your comments:

Chelsea fans

Paul: About time young Estevao got a chance. He's so good for a young player. Another clean sheet for the team. The defending still needs work but getting better.

Phil: Wesley Fofana could have cost us the game in the first half with two basic mistakes. Second half, we responded well and overall deserved the win. Romeo Lavia was totally awesome. Estevao did enough to warrant more starts but needs to vary his performance up front. It is not just about cutting in and shooting.

David: A win is a win, and that is about all. The defence is open and shaky all the time. The attack misses too many chances. If we want a top-four finish, the manager needs to find a formula and consistency that work.

Nick: After a wobbly first half, Chelsea improved hugely in the second period to run out comfortable winners. While Estevao has, naturally, received the most media attention, Lavia had his best game for Chelsea. He was an absolute monster in midfield, providing a solid defensive shield while powering Chelsea forward. The complete midfielder and most fans' man of the match. Acheampong deserves great credit too and has become a top-class defender.

Man Utd fans

Stephen: While the first half was encouraging, the lack of confidence in front of goal is so evident. The United team look unfit in terms of sprinting back, or simply won't do it. Michael Carrick cannot be responsible for a player's lack of commitment, but he can drop them and pick youngsters who have desire. The football club is a complete mess, and anyone who thinks that good is around the corner is deluded until sweeping changes are made from the top down. Remember what Ralf Rangnick said:" Open heart surgery required."

Gary: Can't blame the manager. As soon as they step on the pitch it's down to them. They've got no heart for United.

Mick: Absolutely clueless. Antonio Conte would be my choice for manager. He would inject a bit of fire back into the club.

David: Relegation is looking more likely with each passing week. With no recognised number nine, a lack of goals means United are vulnerable. We should have been ahead in the first half but it all went wrong again. With Europe and the fixture list up to Christmas, they look like they will be in relegation area around then. What they do in the January window is anyone's guess.

Nizaar Kinsella
Chelsea reporter at Stamford Bridge

Image source, Getty Images

Chelsea midfielder Romeo Lavia had never completed 90 minutes for the club before this week but has now done so in back-to-back matches.

His first full 90 minutes came in Wednesday's penalty shootout defeat by Liverpool, before the 22-year-old followed it up in Saturday's 2-0 win over Manchester United.

Lavia made nine defensive actions, won seven ground duels and made five tackles, as well as recording an impressive 14 ball recoveries.

After the match, Xabi Alonso explained that he had only been informed of Lavia's selection late the previous evening because of Jordan Henderson's illness. He also praised the midfielder's "top performance", saying he "deserves huge recognition".

Having avoided injury throughout the season so far, Lavia was asked by BBC Sport whether this was the best he had felt since joining Chelsea from Southampton in 2023 for £53m.

Lavia replied: "I think you can say so, yeah. All I can say is that the work that we're doing with all the people at the club is going well so far. It's just about keeping it going and hopefully it can continue this way.

"As long as I feel good, I'll do everything possible to help the team to get this type of result and I'm feeling good, so I'm very happy with my performance."

Cole Palmer also told BBC Match of the Day that Lavia had produced "one of his best games" and that "people don't realise how good he is".

Meanwhile, Eden Hazard, who has been in regular contact with fellow Belgian Lavia throughout his time at Chelsea, was also in attendance.

Speaking about his conversation with Hazard, Lavia said: "Yes, he's a very important figure for me and we speak quite [a] lot, so it's good to see him out here and I can see in his eyes that he's happy for me and proud, so that gives me that extra motivation."

Nizaar Kinsella
Chelsea reporter

Image source, Getty Images

Chelsea looked rudderless until Morgan Rogers took the game by the scruff of the neck in the 50th minute.

Receiving the ball from midfielder Romeo Lavia, the £117m club record signing slalomed through the Manchester United defence before lifting a delicate chip over Senne Lammens.

It was a moment of magic, described by TNT Sports pundit and former Chelsea attacker Joe Cole as "Gascoigne-esque" - reminiscent of former England midfielder Paul Gascoigne - and one that exposed United's poor defending.

The goal came after Michael Carrick's visitors had dominated the first half but failed to take their chances, with Rogers' strike settling a disjointed Chelsea team.

Serious problems remain for Chelsea, not least the absence of eight players before kick-off, with first-choice striker Joao Pedro's injury arguably the most damaging in the short term.

The Brazilian suffered a thigh injury before the 2-0 home loss to Tottenham, a match that produced Chelsea's poorest attacking display of the season and the first time they had failed to score at Stamford Bridge.

Rogers struggled as a central striker in that game, while alternative option Danny Welbeck, signed from Brighton in the summer, remained on the bench.

However, after scoring in the penalty shootout defeat at Liverpool in midweek, Alonso kept faith with Rogers up front and was rewarded.

The solo effort was Rogers' sixth goal of the season in all competitions, to go with four assists. The forward has now been involved in 10 goals in 13 appearances, while no Chelsea player has featured more often this season.

Rogers became just the second Premier League player, after Manchester City striker Erling Haaland, to reach 10 goal involvements.

Cole Palmer's first goal in six games came from the penalty spot and effectively sealed victory, following a week on from his red card in the defeat by Spurs.

Although Chelsea remain a work in progress structurally, with Alonso saying his side will "look very different" and be "better" by the end of the season, their attack remains potent enough to outgun opponents.

Once again, with so many available attacking options, Xabi Alonso kept United guessing, with Rogers and winger Pedro Neto often in central positions.

It worked on this occasion as two natural strikers, Danny Welbeck and Emmanuel Emegha, were left on the bench.

"Today has worked really well," Alonso said. "We need to be creative at times and try to find solutions with the players available. Even Pedro [Neto] has worked really hard in that position. It's not new for him."

Read more here

Chelsea starting XI:

Mike Penders: The Belgian goalkeeper remains under pressure after his mistake against Tottenham last week, but he was steady here and made several comfortable saves. 7

Josh Acheampong: The young defender looked shaky early on but recovered well, making a fantastic block from a Bruno Fernandes volley and improving as the game went on. 6

Wesley Fofana: The Frenchman made a brilliant block from one of Amad Diallo's shots but was twice at fault as the winger broke clear on the counter-attack. His header also struck the post after taking a deflection off Moises Caicedo in a chaotic display. Fofana also won the second-half penalty. 5

Levi Colwill: The England defender was part of an overall poor defensive display but did not make any obvious errors himself. 6

Marco Palestra: The Italian made some good recovery runs on his first start for Chelsea but was also part of a below-par defensive display from an organisational perspective. 7

Moises Caicedo: Influential presence in a scrappy midfield battle, helping Chelsea compete physically in the centre of the pitch. 6

Romeo Lavia: Often the player who helped Chelsea play through Manchester United's pressure, sparking several counter-attacks with intelligent passing. Won the ball for Chelsea's opener. 7

Pedro Neto: Arguably Chelsea's most dangerous attacker but finishing let him down, with one effort saved and another fired well wide in the first half. 6

Cole Palmer: A quiet game by his standards and unconvincingly scored a second-half penalty. Aside from that, he attempted an ambitious effort from inside his own half and gifted United one of their major chances. 6

Estevao Willian: Lost possession with his first touch but recovered impressively. Looked lively throughout, having a couple of dangerous-looking shots on goal and two that he scored but were ruled out for offside. His set-pieces were also of consistent high quality. 8

Morgan Rogers: A surprisingly anonymous start and struggled in the number nine position until he was given the chance to run at United's defence, scoring with a sublime dink in the 50th minute. 8

Chelsea substitutes:

Pep Chavarria (on 71, Palestra): Game was already won when he entered. 6

Malo Gusto (on 86, Pedro Neto)

Valentin Barco (on 86, Estevao Willian)

Danny Welbeck (on 86, Moises Caicedo)

Geovany Quenda (on 90, Cole Palmer)

Read the full article and see how you rated the players

Sam Drury
BBC Sport journalist

Image source, Getty Images

After a home defeat by Tottenham and exiting the Carabao Cup at Liverpool, this was a timely victory for Chelsea.

The pressure on Xabi Alonso was a long way from that on Michael Carrick but the locals were getting a little restless, questioning not just the underwhelming performances but his tactics and selections.

The Spaniard answered the latter by introducing Estevao, who fans had been clamouring for, to the XI but it did little to help a largely toothless first-half showing.

The Brazil international showed signs of rust, Cole Palmer was largely anonymous, as was Pedro Neto - pushed into service up front in the absence of Joao Pedro - leaving Morgan Rogers as the only attacker looking likely to provide a spark.

At the other end, it was a half that Fofana would like to forget with his errors and misjudgements gifting Manchester United a number of opportunities.

It was a different story in the second half. A goal can do wonders and it was no surprise that it was £117m signing Rogers who provided it.

Romeo Lavia's role in the goal should not be underplayed and the midfielder impressed throughout with his tenacity and use of the ball.

Meanwhile, Estevao was increasingly involved, showing just why fans had been perplexed by his absence.

He will surely get further chances in the coming games, while for Alonso, the three points helps to quiet some of the murmurings that had arisen in the past week.

Chelsea boss Xabi Alonso, speaking to Match of the Day: "We showed intensity, but it felt good to get the three points. For moments, the first half was quite intense. In the second half, we started much better.

"After 2-0, the sending off, the context of the game was on our side. Three points, which is important. I would say the first 15 minutes of the second half, we were in good control. We had good balance and we looked much better."

Estevao: "Really happy for him. He deserves this moment to connect with the good feeling on the pitch.

"He was tired at the end, but he deserved that ovation that he got. Very good news and the best way to respond to a coach when he is not playing that much."

On Chelsea's energy being high: "This is what it takes. If you don't have that in the Premier League, you don't get points. First half was transitional, second half we were better."

Did you know?

• Morgan Rogers became just the second Premier League player to reach 10 goal involvements in all competitions this season (six goals, four assists), after Erling Haaland (13).

• Morgan Rogers has scored five goals in the Premier League this season. No Chelsea player has more.

• Chelsea won a Premier League home game without conceding for the first time in 13 matches, since a 2-0 victory against Brentford in January.

Whether you were at the game or following from elsewhere, we want to know what you learned.

Have your say on Chelsea's performance

What did you make of Manchester United's display?

Reaction and analysis to follow - and come back on Monday for a selection of your replies.

There are eight games in the Premier League on Saturday and BBC Sport will bring you every moment.

• Chelsea v Manchester United (12:30)

• Bournemouth v Leeds United

• Brentford v Nottingham Forest

• Coventry City v Sunderland - first half on BBC Radio 5 Sports Extra 2, second half on BBC Radio 5 Sports Extra

• Hull City v Ipswich Town

• Manchester City v Brighton - listen on BBC Radio 5 Live

• Tottenham v Crystal Palace (17:30) - listen on BBC Radio 5 Live

• Aston Villa v Fulham (20:00)

Kick-off times 15:00 GMT unless stated.

Follow all of the action and reaction here

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Matthew Hobbs
BBC Sport journalist

Manchester United will attempt to ease the pressure on under-fire head coach Michael Carrick against a Chelsea side who lost in the EFL Cup on Wednesday.

BBC Sport examines some of the key themes ahead of their meeting at Stamford Bridge on Saturday (12:30 GMT).

Chelsea's elimination from the League Cup against Liverpool on Wednesday night was a disappointing return to Anfield for both manager Xabi Alonso and midfielder Jordan Henderson.

Former Liverpool captain Henderson did score during the unsuccessful shootout and while the result against a home team featuring seven changes may have been deflating, the result does allow Chelsea to focus solely on Premier League football until the FA Cup third round begins in January.

While the likes of Manchester City, Arsenal and Liverpool must contend with European football in addition to domestic games, Chelsea's comparatively lighter schedule could provide the opportunity to climb the Premier League table.

And being able to focus on league matches and one cup competition by this stage of the season has been a good omen in the past. The last time Chelsea were eliminated from the EFL Cup prior to the quarter-finals and were not involved in Europe, they won the title.

Alonso will want to arrest his poor playing record against Manchester United, with the former Liverpool midfielder losing five of the seven Premier League meetings, his joint-most defeats against any opponent along with Chelsea.

His most recent game against United as a player was in a 2-1 win with Real Madrid at Old Trafford in March 2013, when Michael Carrick played the full 90 minutes for the home team.

The Manchester United boss will be in charge at Stamford Bridge on Saturday despite a run of eight games without a win in all competitions. Captain Bruno Fernandes could also feature after "clear-the-air talks" with his head coach.

Fernandes was dropped for the home defeat to Bournemouth after criticising Carrick's tactics in the Champions League loss at Como, but the Portugal international's influence and ability will probably be needed if United are to alter their downward trajectory.

The Red Devils have won only 29% of their 17 Premier League games without Fernandes starting since he joined from Sporting Lisbon in 2020, in comparison to winning 49% of 233 when he does start.

Even if the manager-captain row has been resolved to the point of Fernandes returning to the team, wholesale improvement across the board is also necessary with United facing the prospect of failing to win nine matches in a row for the first time since 1988.

Carrick could be boosted by the return of Kobbie Mainoo, who returned to training earlier this week following two weeks out injured, while Harry Maguire could make his 300th Premier League appearance in this match.

Maguire is one of only three United players to have played every minute so far this season, along with Senne Lammens and Bryan Mbeumo.

Everyone will be watching this game because of Michael Carrick's situation at Manchester United and wondering how much longer he will be in charge.

Carrick kept his job after the heavy defeats against Como and Bournemouth last week and my view is that, by keeping him on for now, they are possibly just prolonging the misery for him really.

Going by how insipid United were against Bournemouth, it is hard to see them going to Chelsea and getting anything.

Chelsea were not much better in their defeat by Tottenham last weekend and since then they have been knocked out of the Carabao Cup by Liverpool too.

Xabi Alonso is still without the injured Joao Pedro so I expect Danny Welbeck will lead their attack like he did against Liverpool and Cole Palmer will be back after his suspension.

Chelsea have had a bad week but I can't see things changing for United, even if Bruno Fernandes is back in their team.

Sutton's prediction: 3-1

Read the full predictions and have your say here

Nat Hayward
BBC Sport journalist

Image source, Getty Images

As Chelsea fans left Stamford Bridge into the pouring west London rain at the end of a rare defeat by rivals Tottenham last Saturday, the mood among them reflected the weather.

It was the lowest it had been since before news broke of Xabi Alonso's pending appointment as manager a short time after May's FA Cup final defeat by Manchester City bought a new-found optimism at the end of an exhausting campaign.

The Blues allowed themselves to be bullied by a Spurs side they have taken such pride in dominating for so many years and last season's discipline problems threatened to re-emerge.

The mood has not lifted this week, despite an improved performance in Wednesday's penalty shootout Carabao Cup exit to Alonso's former side Liverpool at Anfield. Unhelpful sub-plots continued to emerge and develop.

Last season's shining light, Estevao, was once again was left on the bench while Wesley Fofana only served to further damage his poor standing among Chelsea fans by giving away a penalty and then missing the decisive spot-kick.

Emmanuel Emegha finally made his debut and, while impressing in flashes with his sharp movement, still looks very raw and needlessly barged into Virgil van Dijk before also missing in the shoot-out. It is too early to consider him a viable back-up to the much-missed Joao Pedro.

So Saturday's visit of crisis club Manchester United takes on added importance. Win and Chelsea will end the day back in the top four before Liverpool host Arsenal on Sunday. Fans can enjoy the rest of the Premier League weekend while Alonso and his squad have some breathing space in the eight days before next Sunday's trip to struggling Sunderland.

Drop points again and the Spaniard will come under real scrutiny. A draw would feel unsatisfactory, but to lose at home to Spurs and this haggard United side, and exit a cup which they harboured realistic ambitions of winning, within a week would raise serious questions.

Two wins and a combined seven goals against Bournemouth and Everton after the last international break banished memories of the limp 3-0 defeat to Brentford, but Alonso needs a win to avoid the mumurings of disatisfaction not only returning but getting much louder.

United boss Michael Carrick now appears charged with a weekly mission to hang on to his job, and, although it is far too early to say the same about his opposite number on Saturday, a victory for Alonso would go some way to ensuring the mood around the club improves at the end of a chastening week.

Chelsea boss Xabi Alonso has been speaking to the media before Saturday's Premier League game against Manchester United at Stamford Bridge (12:30 GMT).

Here are the key lines from his news conference:

• Alonso gave an update on defender Maxence Lacroix, who limped off during Wednesday's Carabao Cup exit at the hands of Liverpool: "Max picked up an injury and we expect he will not be available before the international break. He will be out for a few weeks."

• Could goalkeeper Emiliano Martinez return before the international break? "Yes there is a chance. We need to still wait for the next week, let's see how things go. In case he is ready to play, he will need a face mask."

• Moises Caicedo has "no issue" after appearing to pick up a knock at Anfield and Pep Chavarria is back in the squad, while Jorrel Hato remains sidelined.

• Who could replace Lacroix in the coming weeks?: "With Max's injury, Wes [Fofana], Levi [Colwill], Josh [Acheampong] and Jorrel can play centre-back."

• On facing United after defeats by Tottenham and Liverpool: "We are back in Premier League mode and that for me is the main competition for us - this year and almost every year. It is a big one. We didn't have long to prepare but its really important after the last home game we had that we keep winning games and get that winning feeling."

• Alonso was asked about Estevao's lack of minutes after he again was left on the bench against Liverpool: "Yeah sure he will play. The season is long and there will be opportunities for everyone. He will have his minutes. We are still early in the season but he will be there. It is not about attitude, it is about the context of games. He is a great guy. We are still in October and he will be important."

• He added there is "no discussion" about a possible loan for the winger in January.

• What has he learned in the past week?: "I've seen a better version of us on Wednesday than I did on Saturday even though the result wasn't what we wanted in either. This is a journey where we will have tough moments and we need to learn from them."

• On United and their head coach Michael Carrick's recent struggles: "I have great respect, I have great sympathy for Michael as a manager. I know him because we have played against each other. We played recently in a legends game and had a chat. He is a good guy and one you want to be around. Aside from that it is not for me to comment."

• Has he spoken to Cole Palmer after his red card against Spurs?: "We have spoken about the game and things we can improve. But, we always do. We don't want it repeated but for him it is the first one. So we have talked more about football because Cole is a smart guy."

Follow all of Friday's Premier League news conferences and the rest of the day's football news

Nizaar Kinsella
Chelsea reporter

Image source, Getty Images

There is nothing that creates scrutiny quite like not winning football matches.

Xabi Alonso is under nowhere near the same pressure as his opposite number, Michael Carrick, before Chelsea host Manchester United on Saturday.

However, a home league defeat by Tottenham has brought increased scrutiny, with questions raised about his tactics, while a penalty shootout loss at Liverpool in the Carabao Cup added to his problems.

The latter result on Wednesday was notable for who did not play: namely, Estevao Willian.

The Brazilian teenager is regarded as one of the world's brightest young attacking talents but has played only 172 minutes for Chelsea since the start of the season, the equivalent of less than two full matches.

Given the cup exit and no European competition, there are now even fewer matches available to Estevao and others on the fringes of Chelsea's large 27-man squad.

It is a curious situation that has driven discussion after travelling supporters on Merseyside chanted his name despite Estevao remaining an unused substitute.

Furthermore, Alonso's injury concerns are mounting.

Defender Maxence Lacroix is expected to be out until after the international break, joining Emiliano Martinez, Joao Pedro, Jamie Gittens, Reece James and Pep Chavarria on the sidelines.

More worryingly for Chelsea, Alonso cast doubt over the fitness of midfielder Moises Caicedo and Malo Gusto following a "physical" match against Liverpool.

There will be plenty to discuss when Alonso speaks to the media at 13:30 GMT on Friday.

Come back to this page later for all the key lines from Alonso.

Image source, Getty Images

We asked for your views on Chelsea's Wesley Fofana and whether it is time for the defender to move on or if you believe he has a future at Stamford Bridge, after comments from Blues fan Savage Dan on BBC Sport.

Here are some of your opinions:

Di: I completely agree with Savage Dan but who will be willing to pay for Fofana given his continual poor performances? Maybe the club has enough money to pay another club to take him off our hands.

Christopher: The coverage of Wes is harsh. We've lacked a leader since JT left. There are plenty of players who could, potentially, become a leader but they all seem too scared to show the sort of leadership skills JT possessed. If you're going to pick out Wes for the handball at Amfield, then what about Cole being needlessly sent off against Spurs? That cost us big time.

Daniel: Yes he should really pack and go, he's possibly one of the worst signings we've ever made. Almost five years worth nothing, hugely disappointing! We should have sold him earlier instead of Chalobah.

Pete: Fofana probably ranks right up there with one of our worst signings. Cannot think of a decent performance he has given since he joined.

David: I had such high hopes for Fofana. He looked great at Leicester. That said, he's been very disappointing at Chelsea. Maybe the injuries have taken their toll, but whatever it is, he needs to move to a slower paced, less physical league. Sooner rather than later. Maybe an Italian or French club would pay £30m for him?

Chelsea have been linked with a move for England right-back Trent Alexander-Arnold if the 28-year-old Real Madrid defender becomes available. (Football Insider), external

Chelsea are interested in Borussia Dortmund's United States winger Mathis Albert but Manchester City are favourites to sign the 17-year-old. (Teamtalk), external

The Blues could have a deal of about £90m agreed with Bournemouth for England midfielder Alex Scott, 23, before January. (Mail - subscription required), external

Chelsea, Arsenal, Manchester United andTottenhamare keeping a close eye on Nicolo Tresoldi, but Club Brugge have no intention of selling the 22-year-old German striker in January. (Football Insider), external

Finally, the Blues are monitoring 21-year-old Comodefender Jacobo Ramon, with Arsenal and Manchester United also linked with the Spaniard. (Mail - subscription required), external

Want more transfer stories? Read Friday's full gossip column

Follow the gossip column on BBC Sport

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Blues fan Savage Dan says he is "not sure where Wesley Fofana's Chelsea career goes from here" in reaction to the defender's display against Liverpool in the Carabao Cup on Wednesday.

Fofana joined the Blues in 2022 for £70m from Leicester City but has made just 78 appearances, though the 25-year-old did miss the whole 2023-24 season because of an ACL injury.

Speaking to BBC Sport after the defeat by Liverpool, Savage Dan said: "How many times am I going to say that there are players at the club who do not deserve to play for Chelsea, who do not deserve to put on that shirt?

"Wesley Fofana, I'm sorry to have to point you out yet again, but to give away the handball [penalty] and then, in a penalty shootout that seemed to be going on forever, to miss the decisive penalty as well, adds insult to injury.

"I'm not sure where his Chelsea career goes from here. I've been waiting for him to show us something for years and years and it still has not come to fruition. Maybe this will be the straw that broke the camel's back."

What are your thoughts on Fofana? Is it time for the defender to move on or do you believe he has a future at Stamford Bridge?

Get in touch with your views here

Watch the full clip on what Savage Dan had to say about Fofana and Chelsea's Carabao Cup exit here