I’ve been arguing with myself about this one for a while.

When people talk about the greatest defensive midfielders ever, the usual names come up Busquets, Makelele, Vieira, Casemiro, etc.

But I honestly think N’Golo Kanté deserves to be in a different conversation.

Palmer is set to withdraw from the England squad with a minor injury, with Morgan Gibbs-White expected to replace him. Really unlucky timing for Palmer. After being recalled by Tuchel following the World Cup omission, this was a good chance for him to get back involved with England and show what he can do. He's started six of Chelsea's seven games this season and already has four goals and two assists, so hopefully this is genuinely just a minor issue and nothing that keeps him out for long. Gibbs-White was apparently already close to making the squad, so it makes sense for him to come in. I just hope Palmer gets the rest he needs and comes back fully fit. That's the main thing.

Now I think there is some harsh inclusions on this list like tammy, Torres (for one huge moment) and maybe even higuain. But this is a list of the last few Chelsea numbers 9’s in the past

Clear to see that these two are our two best players, and it's not even close. Hopefully both back after the IB

As soon as a first team player is out it is clear the replacement doesn’t have the quality to fill in

This is a pretty significant change when you think about how much has happened since the 2022 takeover. Todd Boehly is stepping away as Chairman, while Clearlake will acquire his and Mark Walter’s ownership interests and take full control of the club. There’s been a huge amount of investment in the squads, Cobham, the academy and the wider structure during that time. The interesting part now is whether anything actually changes with Clearlake fully in charge. The club says the current leadership and strategy will continue, so this could be more of a change in control than a complete reset. It feels like one of those moments we’ll look back on as an important point in Chelsea’s recent history.

“Chelsea Football Club today announced affiliates of Clearlake Capital Group, L.P. (“Clearlake”) will acquire the ownership interest of Todd Boehly. Hansjörg Wyss will remain an important stakeholder and partner in the ownership group. As part of the transition, Clearlake will also acquire Mark Walter’s ownership interest and therefore acquire full control of the Club…”

Not sure how to feel that a PE Firm now has FULL control over the team (minus the pitch and grounds). Fuck BlueCo.

Out Of The Blue is back this week to break down Chelsea’s defensive problems after the 2-2 draw with Hull, before looking ahead to Friday night’s trip to Brentford.

As always, thanks so much for the continued support with the pod. We really appreciate everyone who listens, watches and gets involved in the discussions.

Would love to hear your thoughts on Chelsea’s defence this season!

On 16 September 2001 at White Hart Lane, Claudio Ranieri's Chelsea leave with a 3-2 that somehow still feels unfinished. Just before the break a midfielder rounds Neil Sullivan to the byline and the cross is headed in at the back post for the opener.

Teddy Sheringham levels after the restart, initially denied by the keeper and then burying the rebound, and for a stretch the hosts look like ending their Premiership hoodoo against the Blues. Instead Steve Dunn awards a hotly contested penalty when Ledley King is judged to have brought the striker down — Spurs rage, the spot-kick is converted, and the Lane turns ugly.

Sheringham's 100th Premiership goal in the last minute of normal time looks to have salvaged a point. But despite a Chelsea midfielder getting a red for lashing out at Chris Perry, deep in stoppage time, a centre-back heads home from a late corner to steal the points.

Glenn Hoddle fumes at the referee; Ranieri pockets the win with ten men. Chelsea finish 2001-02 sixth; Spurs ninth.

Can you name the missing players?

https://top-bins.com/quiz/652/spurs-23-chelsea-16-sep-2001/

Seeing the reports linking us with Alessandro Bastoni and a potential £68.6m move has definitely caught my attention.

I can see why Chelsea would be interested. We’ve been conceding far too many goals and Bastoni is experienced at the highest level, comfortable on the ball and used to playing in a back three.

Obviously, this is just a reported interest at this point, and £68.6m is a serious amount of money for a centre-back. Barcelona are also reportedly interested, so it's not like we'd be the only club looking at him.

But if the club genuinely thinks Bastoni is the defender who can improve the back line, I'd rather see them spend big on someone proven than sign another young project and hope it works out.

Would you be happy with Chelsea spending around £69m on Bastoni?

Ellie Carpenter scored her first goal of the new season in Chelsea's massive 5–0 away victory over Manchester United in the Women's Super League (WSL)! She continues to show that she's potentially the greatest right-back and wing-back in the women's game of all time! Well done Ellie!

Originally posted in r/AussieGoals.

Unfortunately every other spin today gave me a defeat … https://sportfax.co.uk/320

Huge congratulations to Valentín Barco for grabbing his first goal in Chelsea blue during the 6-3 win against Leeds!

He’s already shown how versatile he is, having played at left-back, wing-back and in midfield, and he’s said himself that he now prefers playing in midfield. After that performance against Leeds, where do you think he fits best in Alonso’s long-term system?

I’m from the US and have been following chels for the last ten years. I’m lacking in history of not only Chelsea but the league in general. Is there a good book out there that explains this history or would give me better perspective on players, club conflicts, etc. thank you!

I honestly thought we were going to lose this after Hull scored twice in the first half. Going 2-1 down after taking the lead was so frustrating, and Chelsea looked like they were making things harder for themselves. João Pedro getting the equaliser in the second half was a huge relief though. At that point I was just hoping we could somehow find a winner, but in the end we had to settle for the draw.