Live Blog
- 20 Jul 2020, 13:34
- Updated: 20 Jul 2020, 13:34
CHELSEA will face Arsenal in the FA Cup final on August 1 after a terrific victory over Man Utd at Wembley.
Off the pitch the Blues are moving closer to the signing of Kai Havertz and Brendan Rodgers has failed to reassure Leicester fans that Chelsea target Ben Chilwell will stay at the club.
Get all the latest news and transfer gossip from Stamford Bridge here…
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just now WHAT THE BLUES NEED
Chelsea could miss out on the top four – but only if they lose BOTH their remaining games, against Wolves and Liverpool.
Frank Lampard’s side currently sit in third with 63 points, one ahead of both United and Leicester, with two games to play.
That would need United to beat West Ham and Leicester to beat United for it to play out.
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11 minutes ago ‘ROUD AWAKENING
Olivier Giroud is looking to break Arsenal’s hearts once again in a final as he gears up for the FA Cup clash on August 1.
The French striker scored in Sunday’s 3-1 semi-final victory against Manchester United – his eighth goal of the season in his 21st outing in all competitions.
And Giroud – who is targeting his second FA Cup triumph with the Blues – has revealed he cannot wait for the “special” meeting against his former employers.
Commenting on the match-up, he said: “I said to the boys I would love to win another one, it would be my fifth FA Cup and we are in another final.
“A big game against Arsenal which will be so special for me personally.
“We played very well and we want to finish in the top three in the Premier League now.”
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Today, 11:54 ON THE ‘BLAK BURNER
Chelsea have NOT launched a move for Jan Oblak – and Atletico Madrid have no intention of selling if they do.
The Blues are believed to be looking to offload Kepa Arrizabalaga this summer.
And rumours are mounting they were planning to table a £90million swoop for the Slovenia international.
However, sports journalist Fabrizio Romano has claimed the LaLiga giants have not received a bid for the stopper.
And he also states they have no interest in selling him either.
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Today, 11:44 TURNING THE AIR BLUE
Bruno Fernandes was criticised by Chelsea fans for more diving theatrics in Manchester United’s FA Cup defeat on Sunday.
The Portuguese midfielder netted a late consolation from the penalty spot as the Red Devils fell to a 3-1 loss to the Blues.
On the half hour mark, the former Sporting Lisbon skipper went down under Mateo Kovacic’s challenge.
Yet replays showed there very minimal contact – if any – and Chelsea fans furiously labelled Fernandes a diver.
One tweeted: “Bruno Fernandes is a dive merchant.”
Another said: “Bruno Fernandes will jump on the floor if a Chelsea player breathes on him.”
A third added: “I hate this guy already he’s a good player but this is definitely gonna affect his career.”
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Today, 10:32 TICK FOR TIC-TACS
Frank Lampard got his formation and tactics spot on in Chelsea’s 3-1 win over Manchester United yesterday.
Here are how the two line-ups played out during the game.
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Today, 09:18 CHAPTER AND ‘VERTZ
Kai Havertz is reportedly on the verge of becoming the latest high-profile player to sign for Chelsea in a deal worth £80million.
It has been widely speculated that Frank Lampard has made signing the Bayer Leverkusen attacking midfielder his No1 priority after agreeing deals for Hakim Ziyech and Timo Werner.
SunSport recently reported how the 21-year-old has chosen to make the move to Stamford Bridge, despite attracting interest from the likes of Bayern Munich, Manchester City and Real Madrid.
And now The Athletic claim that he is closing in on a switch to West London, with the Blues the only club willing to fork out the huge sum of money for him.
They state that personal terms are not an issue and only fine details need to be agreed between both parties.
Havertz is said to have bought into the project that Lampard is building having spoken with the Blues gaffer.
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Today, 08:40 RATINGS – FRONT TWO
Olivier Giroud – 8
Giroud scored the opening goal for Chelsea in typical fashion and was a real problem for the United defence the whole game.
Mason Mount – 8
Some typical energy from Mount and he was a constant nuisance to United. He scored early in the second half that David De Gea really should have done better with the shot.
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Today, 08:30 RATINGS – MIDFIELD
Jorginho – 7
The Italian international did what he needed to do and helped Chelsea control the high press and the tempo of the game.
Mateo Kovacic – 7
He gave away a couple of silly dangerous free kicks in the first half but Kovacic plays so much better in a deeper role, closer to Jorginho, and had a very solid game.
Marcos Alonso – 8
It was another good performance from Alonso, staking his claim at left wing-back where he is so much more comfortable.
Willian – 8
A moment of magic for Chelsea’s first goal and he worked very hard throughout.
He was a real asset defensively for Chelsea as well.
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Today, 08:28 CHELSEA RATINGS FROM WEMBLEY – DEFENCE
Willy Caballero – 7/10
It was a very alert performance from Caballero in to replace Kepa tonight. The Blues’ No2 looked very assured throughout.
Cesar Azpilicueta – 8
Mr reliable stepped up with a typically consistent performance. The man they call Dave stepped up to the plate when needed and perfectly set Olivier Giroud up for the opening goal.
Kurt Zouma – 6
Some dodgy moments at the back from Zouma in the first half, but overall he continues with his decent form in general and had a much better second half.
Antonio Rudiger – 6
Rudiger was more comfortable with two other centre backs close to him but he never fills me with confidence.
It was a solid showing from Antonio but nothing too special again, although his darting run did bring the third goal.
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Gary Stonehouse GOOD MORNING CHELSEA FANS
No doubt you still have a smile on your face following Sunday’s 3-1 win over Manchester United.
Frank Lampard’s men stole the show as they booked their spot to take on Arsenal in the FA Cup final.
Olivier Giroud opened the scoring before Mason Mount doubled the tally in the 46th minute – thanks to some dodgy goalkeeping by David De Gea.
But it will be straight back to business for the Blues ahead of Wednesday’s clash against Premier League champions Liverpool.
Meanwhile, Graeme Souness has warned Chelsea boss Frank Lampard he might have picked up two duds in Timo Werner and Hakim Ziyech – just like Alvaro Morata.
The Liverpool legend fears Blues’ expensive recruits might not have what it takes to make it in the Premier League.
He said: “Timo Werner and Hakim Ziyech will be available for next season.
“Both come with good reputations but so did Alvaro Morata and he made no impression.”
In other news, Chelsea target Victor Osimhen has reportedly passed a Napoli medical.
RMC claims the Lille star, 21, underwent his tests in Rome ahead of a stunning £74million summer switch to his long-term suitors.
Chelsea and United were both keeping tabs on Osimhen, who has scored 13 goals and assisted five more in just 27 games this season.
But the Nigeria international will instead be heading to Serie A with Napoli and Gennaro Gattuso.
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Joe Miles BEING FRANK
Frank Lampard has reflected on his side’s monumental win over Manchester United.
The Blues boss said: “It is a great achievement for us to get to the FA Cup final, to win a semi is great but to win the final is the main thing.
“It is right up there with one of our best performances.
“But we have had some good performances this season.”
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Joe Miles FEELING BLUE
SunSport have rated all of the Chelsea players following the win over Manchester United.
Reece James earned himself a 9/10 while Cesar Azpilicueta picked up an 8/10.
Click HERE to read the rest of the ratings.
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Joe Miles ‘FINISHED’
Manchester United fans have ripped into David De Gea after his horror show against the Blues.
The Spaniard was at fault for two goals during the FA Cup semi-final at Wembley.
One United fan said: “De Gea is finished.”
Another added: “De Gea shouldn’t start another game for Manchester United unless it’s legends friendlies.”
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Joe Miles IT’S ALL OVER
Chelsea have booked their spot in the final with a 3-1 win over Manchester United.
Olivier Giroud and Mason Mount found the net before an own goal from Harry Maguire made it 3-0.
United pulled one back from the spot after Callum Hudson-Odoi gave away a penalty, but it was too little too late.
Click HERE to read the full match report.
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Joe Miles CUP FOR IT
Chelsea boast a two-goal lead over United in the FA Cup semi-final.
Olivier Giroud opened the scoring before Mason Mount doubled their tally – thanks to another error from David De Gea.
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Joe Miles BLUES BOOST
Chelsea fans will be delighted after Leicester dropped points against Tottenham today.
The Foxes are fourth in the Premier League table with 62 points – just one behind Chelsea.
But Frank Lampard’s men were given some breathing space after Spurs thrashed them.
Harry Kane bagged a brace as Jose Mourinho’s men triumphed 3-0.
Not bad, eh?
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Joe Miles HEN DO
Chelsea and Manchester United target Victor Osimhen has reportedly passed a Napoli medical.
RMC claims the Lille star, 21, underwent his tests in Rome ahead of a stunning £74million summer switch to his long-term suitors.
Chelsea and United were both keeping tabs on Osimhen, who has scored 13 goals and assisted five more in just 27 games this season.
But the Nigeria international will instead be heading to Serie A with Napoliand Gennaro Gattuso.
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Joe Miles AS IT HAPPENS
With kick-off just minutes away, click here to tune into our LIVE blog of United vs Chelsea.
SunSport guru Etienne Fermie will be bringing you live updates of the action as it happens.
You do NOT want to miss this one!
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Joe Miles TEAM NEWS
Here’s how Ole Gunnar Solskjaer’s side will line-up against Frank Lampard’s men.
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Joe Miles TEAM NEWS
Here’s how Frank Lampard’s side will start the FA Cup clash against Manchester United.
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Joe Miles WILL I NEVER
Chelsea star Willian has given an update on his future amid interest from the likes of United and Arsenal.
Speaking on YouTube channel De Sola, he said: “No, not for the time being. Chelsea aren’t jealous.
“They didn’t say anything. At least they showed no jealousy. They’re letting go!
“Just kidding, I already had a conversation with the club a few months ago, even before the break.”
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William Pugh VICCED TO THE POST
Chelsea and Man Utd target Victor Osimhen has reportedly completed a medical at Napoli ahead of his move from Lille.
Nigerian international striker was said to be in Rome yesterday to undergo the tests and passed, according to French outlet RMC.
Reports suggest there are still outstanding details to be resolved between the player’s entourage and Napoli, and the two clubs, before the deal can be fully concluded.
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William Pugh HAZ BEEN TOUGH
Eden Hazard helped Real Madrid win the LaLiga title in his first season at the club but still called it the “worst of his career”.
Los Blancos overturned a two-point deficit after the restart to leapfrog Barcelona and win their first league crown since 2016-17.
Looking back at his debut year at the Bernabeu, Hazard said: “There have been injuries, but I hope this is behind and that next year will be better.
“In reality it has not been such a terrible year because I have been able to come to this club and we have won the leag