Cesc Fabregas reveals why N'Golo Kante was once late for training

N'Golo Kante is a good egg

Cesc Fabregas has once again re-affirmed N'Golo Kante's nice guy status, not that it was ever in doubt. Throughout Euro 2020 the Spaniard has been sharing training ground stories and has revealed why Kante was once late to an important Chelsea team meeting.

Thomas Tuchel reveals plans to keep all of Chelsea's defensive midfielders happy

Thomas Tuchel insists he can keep all four of his DMs happy 

Thomas Tuchel has outlined his plans to re-build squad unity following Frank Lampard's departure. The German boss insists he will be able to keep his four defensive midfielders happy amid fierce competition for a place in Chelsea's starting lineup.

Since his arrival in the Premier League at Leicester, N'Golo Kante has widely been regarded as one of the best midfielders in Europe. However, he has struggled for minutes over the last 18 months with his time under Lampard marred by a number of injuries. 

Chelsea 0-0 Sevilla: The one Frank Lampard had his first goalless draw

Having played out their last Champions League match in August, the return didn't have quite pomp it usually has when it returns to our lives. Knowing there aren't brilliant away days in our near future certainly doesn't help matters either. But to think 2012 runners-up Bayern were crowned champions just a few weeks ago and here we are at the start of a new campaign. Relentless and strange.

For the first time in his time as Chelsea boss, Frank Lampard saw no goals. That's an extraordinary run of games to go to reach this stage. Although for the sake of sainity and entertainment, let's hope it's not end game. While a Chelsea clean sheet is akin to spotting a unicorn these days, it's really not worth it if the attacking side is going to be sacrificed. Balance is everything.

Chelsea 0-2 Liverpool: The one that Andreas Christensen saw red

You know when the team news drops and you see what should be a problem area for the opposition and you're feeling good. You think to yourself this is the one. If we can just exploit that 'weakness' it should all come together. And then it very much does not? That's exactly what happened on Sunday afternoon.

Liverpool were to face Chelsea with just one recognised centre back. With Joe Gomez and Joel Matip unavailable Fabinho slotted in next to Virgil van Dijk. It was the the dream that quickly turned into a nightmare. Of course he turned into prime Fabio Cannavaro.

Chelsea 1-0 Norwich: The one where World Cup winners play Scrabble

Looking for that triple word score

What a ridiculous let off over the weekend. After an absolute shoeing by Sheffield United on Saturday, Chelsea somehow remained in third. Leicester's second half implosion at Bournemouth not only worked in Chelsea's favour as a result - but also took the heat off as far as embarrassing performances go. Man United failing to hold on against a motivated Southampton side was a bonus.

Chelsea 2-1 Man City: The one that Liverpool were NOT playing in

Captain America can't be stopped

Chelsea hosted Manchester City at Stamford Bridge on Thursday night in one of their most important matches of Project Restart. With Man United having closed the gap to just two points with a win over Sheffield United the night before, this was a must win game for the Blues in their bid to secure a Champions League place for next season.

But you wouldn't have known it was an important game if you were listening to the punditry on BT Sport. In fact, their focus was so singular that you wouldn't have known the two teams that were actually involved in the actual football match playing out if it weren't for your own eyeballs seeing it play out on screen. I appreciate narrative as part of sport - who doesn't love a story - but there are levels.

Aston Villa 1-2 Chelsea: The first one of Project Restart

Frank Lampard sits where he wants

It took more than 100 days but the Premier League is finally back in all of our lives. But not quite as we know it. No fans, lots of elbow bumps and far too many water breaks. But who cares?! How good was it to be able to watch Chelsea again? And by good I definitely mean nerve wracking and a bit shouty at times, at least in my front room.

Chelsea 0-2 Man United: The one where VAR lost the plot

VAR: Not a red...

Manchester United managed their first league double over Chelsea since 1988. And the first time they've managed it without conceding since 1965. None of those formidable Sir Alex Ferguson sides managed it. But here we are.

It was another frustrating night out at Stamford Bridge. And not the ideal preparation for a now very much in-form Bayern Munich side. Olivier Giroud once again overlooked for a starting place while Kepa still bizarrely remains on the sidelines.

Chelsea 1-0 Newcastle: The one where Marcos Alonso trolled Newcastle

'You're just a sad Mackem bastard'

Sunderland legend Marcos Alonso the difference in Chelsea’s win against Newcastle on Saturday. Satisfying on so many levels. Five wins from five across all competitions and fourth in the Premier League on goal difference — just two points off of champions Manchester City. Too soon to get excited about where the team could finish this season?

There were huge questions marks looming over the squad ahead of Saturday’s clash. The most recent international break saw FOUR Chelsea stars aggravate pre-existing injuries or come off with new ones. The most worrying was N’Golo Kante who has not been able to regain any sort of fitness this season - thanks in part to Didier Deschamps.

Leicester vs Chelsea: The one that saw improper footballers in action

Do not be alarmed. Chelsea have only gone and done a win. In a meaningful game no less. And just to keep it all really interesting the players were forced to play against the power of the tracksuit. It’s not quite turning things around at Camp Nou to progress in the Champions League - but it is a semi-final at Wembley. I will take it! So you lot can stop grumbling about the season and get yourselves up for it. Chelsea are 180 mins away from potentially lifting a trophy at the end of this season.

Some takeaways from Sunday’s game in varying degrees of usefulness as we look ahead to the end of the season

Leicester vs Chelsea: The One that was Zappa-tastic

Fernando -- is that you?

Remember when Chelsea were in crisis FORTY-FIVE minutes into the season? No doubt they’ll be plunged into chaos under the weight of expectation again this season. But it does say something to holding back and reserving judgement for like maybe a whole match. Or even a handful of matches. Unless you’re Crystal Palace and Frank de Boer. 

Still without captain Gary Cahill, Chelsea forged ahead with their back three of David Luiz, Cesar Azpilicueta and Antonio Rudiger. Guttering for Andreas Christensen. Although one would expect he’ll see his chance this month with Chelsea playing seven matches in twenty-two days. It would be nice for the youngster to start in the Champions League - Qarabag anyone? - but may have to wait until Nottingham Forest come to town next week.

Chelsea vs Manchester United: The One That Was Harder, Faster, Stronger, Kante

Azpilicueta & one of the Kanté twins

On the back of last season you would be loathe to believe it, but Monday night proved that Jose Mourinho can in fact inspire an outstanding performance from Eden Hazard. Chelsea’s mercurial Belgian looked unplayable at times throughout the game. The times where he was on his feet and not having the living daylights kicked out of him of course.

Liverpool vs Chelsea: The One David Luiz Made 100 PL Apps

Bottoms Up

Is there any fixture in the Premier League calendar that generates more nonsense in terms of narrative and delusion that Liverpool vs Chelsea? Before the match there were a number of comments about how ‘everyone’ was desperate for Liverpool to win this one, Jürgen Klopp included. As Liverpool fans seem to exist in a bubble, I suppose an argument could be made for them thinking it was everyone.

I suspect that sensible supporters, and I do realise that is an oxymoron, but supporters within touching distance of second would rather see both teams drop points. And I certainly find it unlikely that Manchester United fans were desperate to see Liverpool beat anyone, especially one that could draw them anywhere near top of the table.

Chelsea vs Spurs: The One That Spurs Quit Champions League For

Diego Will Stare Into Your Soul

Much has been made this week about European competition and the direct effect it has on domestic results. But what’s the point of fighting to qualify for a competition if you’re only going to whinge about being in it? Tottenham took it a step further and essentially chose a result at Stamford Bridge rather than continuing on in the Champions League.

What they hadn’t planned on was the result which they came away with. Even if they’d won, three points likely won’t make or break their season come May. But a mid-week mishap at Monaco would would mean the end of their Champions League campaign, so why prioritise the domestic game? Why give up Champions League to get a domestic result in hopes of — qualifying for Champions League?

Chelsea vs Manchester United: The One That Even Kante Scored

'Hello pot, this is the kettle. You're black'

The awkward moment when you’re forced to come face to face with an ex. Try as you might to pretend that they cease to exist in the universe - surely I’m not the only one - they do. They’re out there. Oh, and they’re with someone else and there’s not a single thing you can do about it. Words get said. You overanalyse them. They take on a life of their own. And by the time you are unwillingly dragged into this unwanted encounter by that bastard fate you have to force yourself to man up. Inevitably there is a winner and loser in these relationships - and Chelsea very much found themselves the former.