Fulham have signed Ruben Loftus-Cheek on a season-long loan | James Williamson – AMA/Getty Images
Fulham have confirmed the signing of Chelsea midfielder Ruben Loftus-Cheek on a season-long loan.
The England international started Chelsea’s opening day victory over Brighton, but has not featured in the top flight since.
Loftus-Cheek missed the majority of the 2019/20 season with a serious achilles injury that kept him sidelined for nine months, meaning he was restricted to just two starts in the Premier League.
The 24-year-old remains highly rated at Stamford Bridge, with the move to Craven Cottage aimed at him gaining more top flight minutes and improving his fitness.
Speaking to Fulham’s website, he said: “I’m really happy to come ‘next door,’ if you will! I watched Fulham at the start of the season and they looked like they’re playing decent football. With this manager, I think I can get back to my best football. That’s the main thing for me, to find my form and help this team win games.”
Loftus-Cheek pockets £150,000 per week with the Blues, and Chelsea are said to be subsidising a portion of his salary packet in order to enable the move to Fulham to go through.
The midfielder is one of 12 Chelsea players to have been sent out on loan across Europe and up and down the English football pyramid during the 2020 transfer window.
Tiemoue Bakayoko is the most recent to have departed Chelsea on a temporary basis, having joined Napoli on a season-long loan on deadline day.
Ross Barkley and Michy Batshuayi are both also out on loan at fellow Premier League sides, having joined Aston Villa and Crystal Palace earlier in the window.
The loan move is Loftus-Cheek’s second of his career, after he spent the 2017/18 season at Crystal Palace. The Chelsea academy product impressed so much during his time at Selhurst Park that he forced his way into the England senior side and was named in the Three Lions’ 23-man squad for the 2018 World Cup.
A similar impact at Fulham would be most welcome, with the Cottagers currently marooned to the bottom of the Premier League table without a win or point in the top flight all season.
Rudiger is on his way out of Chelsea | DeFodi Images/Getty Images
Exclusive – Milan are close to securing the loan signing of Chelsea defender Antonio Rudiger with the Blues happy to let the German depart without penning a new deal.
Rudiger is yet to make a Premier League appearance for Frank Lampard’s side this season, with the likes of Kurt Zouma, Andreas Christensen and Thiago Silva all being preferred at centre-back.
The 27-year-old currently has two years left on his current deal and it had been reported that Chelsea were keen to extend this by 12 months before sanctioning his Stamford Bridge departure.
However, a source has told 90min that the Blues are now willing to let Rudiger join Milan on loan without a new contract being agreed beforehand. Talks are already well underway between the two clubs and a deal is likely to be struck soon.
Paris Saint-Germain and Tottenham have also been linked with the former Stuttgart man recently but the Rossoneri appear to have won the race for his signature.
Milan have made a perfect start to the season, winning all of the first three Serie A games and also progressing into the Europa League group stages after an enthralling penalty shootout victory against Rio Ave. Their first game back after the international break is against city rivals Inter, where their new signing could line up against former manager Antonio Conte.
Rudiger made 26 appearances in all competitions last season thanks to a string of niggling injuries. These days, he is some way down the pecking order in west London and it is thought he is open to a loan move as he tries to earn his place in the Germany squad for next summer’s European Championships.
He did manage to squeeze his way into the most recent Die Mannschaft selection but with competitions for places rife, it could only be a matter of time before Joachim Low explores other options.
Allan Saint-Maximin is a baller | Pool/Getty Images
Having sat through and endured Newcastle United’s 3-1 victory over Burnley on Saturday evening, there remains only one thing left to say: Merci beaucoup, Allan Saint-Maximin.
The Frenchman is without doubt one of the ultimate entertainers in the Premier League, and even when his multicoloured feathers contrast jarringly against the drab, pale backdrop of Steve Bruce’s defensive wall, he still glows that little bit brighter.
Saint-Maximin is a peacock, living in a world of magpies.
Newcastle versus Burnley will never be a fixture that entices the neutral, hence why it’s put in the least appetising slot in the weekend’s calendar. While everyone was out cramming as many pints into their system before 10pm as humanly possible, these two loyal fanbases were settling down for a tough, arduous night of football, destined to be separated by the finest of margins.
As it happened, that margin was fine indeed. And it came in the form of some bouncing locks, a headband every man can only secretly dream of pulling off so effectively, and the swagger of a superstar about to drop the hottest album of the year.
Saint-Maximin is the difference. He was signed by the Magpies to be the difference, and despite fears over his attitude or consistency upon his arrival over 12 months ago, he is more often than not, the difference.
Against a stodgy, resolute and frankly boring team like Burnley, you need a man in your ranks who thinks outside the box. A man who sees the answer while others are still reading the question. A man who doesn’t say ‘why?’, but ‘why not?’
And so, while the two sets of supporters were bracing themselves for a long 90 minutes ahead, ASM decided to flourish his hypnotic feathers to the world. The winger picked up the ball, took one look at his opponents – and probably had a little chuckle to himself.
“Time to have some fun.”
Driving at the Clarets’ defence, Saint-Maximin approached the edge of the penalty area and had a quick shot at goal. Only, he didn’t. He dummied, sending three defenders sprawling and hitting the deck and the panic button. Now on his left foot, and with the opponents stumbling to their feet, the Frenchman arched to pull the trigger, but once again executed the perfect dummy.
All three defenders hit the floor with the same conviction as in the first trick. Prepared to put them out of their misery, he shaped back onto his right foot and drilled the ball into the corner of the net. Easy as you like.
The rest of his performance was equally fantastic. The ball remained glued to his feet for eternity, cast under his spell, while defenders were left in some sort of trance by his own witchcraft. The 23-year-old picked up a vital assist for the second goal, after his inferior teammates allowed Burnley back into the game, and Callum Wilson’s penalty eventually wrapped up the points.
One thing is for sure: Saint-Maximin is far too good to be playing in this Newcastle side. Whether the Magpies invest in some shiny wrapping paper, glitter or sparkles, they simply can’t dress it up. This team of plucky magpies pales in the presence of their beautiful peacock.
How long will he stay on Tyneside? That’s a question no Geordie will want to hear, and they will shout to the heavens that he is now a cult hero, and will never experience such love from a fanbase as he does at St James’ Park.
That may be true.
But it immediately transports me to a touching scene from the timeless film Shawshank Redemption, as prisoner Red contemplates life behind bars without his maverick best friend, Andy.
“I have to remind myself that some birdsaren’t meant to be caged. Their feathers are just too bright. And when they fly away, the part of you that knows it was a sin to lock them up does rejoice. Still, the place you live in is that much more drab and empty that they’re gone.”
Enjoy him while he’s here, everyone. Neutrals included. And if that means sitting through Bruce’s turgid football to witness him in action, then that’s a punishment this writer is willing to accept.
Liverpool forward Sadio Mane has tested positive for COVID-19, the club confirmed on Friday evening – just days after teammate Thiago Alcantara tested positive for the coronavirus.
Thiago missed Thursday night’s Carabao Cup penalty shootout defeat to Arsenal as he continues to self-isolate, and Mane will miss Sunday evening’s trip to Aston Villa – although the upcoming international break will give him a little time to recover without missing games for his club.
A club statement read: “Sadio Mane has tested positive for COVID-19 and is currently self-isolating according to the necessary guidelines. The forward, who started and scored in Monday’s 3-1 victory over Arsenal, has displayed minor symptoms of the virus but feels in good health overall.
“However, like with Thiago Alcantara, Liverpool Football Club are – and will continue to – follow all protocols relating to COVID-19 and Mane will self-isolate for the required period of time.”
The Merseyside derby could be Mane’s first game back after a period of self-isolation if he recovers in good time, with rivals Everton looking more of a test than they have in a number of seasons. That being the case, Mane – who has started the season well, scoring three times in three games, could have a crucial part to play in that match.
New signing Diogo Jota is likely to make his first Premier League start in Mane’s absence.
The presence of two positive tests in a short timeframe may cause some concern at Melwood, where a lot of work has been done to minimise any chance of an outbreak within the squad and staff.
Monday’s release of COVID-19 testing results showed the highest number of cases in one round (10) since the season restarted, as numbers across the country continue to peak for a second time.
The remaining eight sides are just three games away from Wembley | Laurence Griffiths/Getty Images
The draw for the Carabao Cup quarter finals has taken place with Arsenal set to face Manchester City and Manchester United travelling to Goodison Park to take on Everton.
The draw took place immediately after the the Gunners booked their place in the last eight of the competition by beating Liverpool on penalties on Thursday night. Things do not get any easier for Arsenal in the next round, with current champions City set to offer them another stern test.
The game will see Gunner boss Mikel Arteta lock horns with Pep Guardiola, the man he previously served as assistant manager.
Meanwhile, United face face a tricky away game against Everton. The Toffees have started the Premier League season in fine form and have also scored 12 goals in their opening three Carabao Cup games.
Stoke City, who secured passage to the last eight with a 1-0 win over Aston Villa, have been rewarded with a game against Tottenham. The Potters also defeated Wolves in the second round and will be hoping to secure a third Premier League giant killing to book themselves a place in the semi finals.
Meanwhile, Brentford, who defeated Fulham to get this far, will host Newcastle. The Magpies have not won a major honour in decades and against second tier opposition will fancy their chances of progressing into the final four.
Here is the draw in full:
Stoke City vs Tottenham Hotspur
Brentford vs Newcastle
Arsenal vs Manchester City
Everton vs Manchester United
The ties will not be played for some time with the current schedule pencilling them in for just before Christmas. The current holders of the Carabao Cup are City, who defeated Aston Villa 2-1 in 2019/20’s final back in March.
Dominic Calvert-Lewin netted his second hat-trick of the season as Everton overcame West Ham to progress to the quarter-finals of the Carabao Cup, while they have been joined by both Manchester clubs and Newcastle – who all won on Wednesday evening.
The Everton striker opened the scoring for the hosts after just 11 minutes, but West Ham equalised early in the second half. However, Carlo Ancelotti’s men regained their advantage through Richarlison just before the hour mark. Calvert-Lewin then popped up again to net twice more inside the final 15 minutes to help his side progress. This means he now has eight goals to his name for the season already.
Manchester United, meanwhile, picked up their second win within a week against Brighton at the Amex Stadium, easing their way to a 3-0 win over Graham Potter’s side in what was…well, a slightly less dramatic encounter than the one on Saturday.
Scott McTominay gave the Red Devils the lead just before half time, before Juan Mata made it 2-0 with 73 minutes on the clock. Paul Pogba also came off the bench to score a deflected free-kick to wrap up the game.
Pep Gaurdiola’s Manchester City comfortably saw off Burnley with a 3-0 win as well, with summer arrival Ferran Torres netting his first goal for the club. Raheem Sterling scored either side of the break, before Torres made it 3-0 with 25 minutes remaining. Guardiola named a fairly strong lineup for the tussle, with the likes of Riyad Mahrez and Kevin De Bruyne starting alongside Sterling, and he was rewarded as they dominated proceedings.
Finally, League Two outfit Newport County came within minutes of dumping Newcastle out of the competition, but the Magpies found a way to win. Tristan Abrahams gave the hosts the lead within five minutes with an effort that should have been saved. Both sides had chances to find the net as the tie progressed, but it appeared as though the Magpies were going to leave frustrated.
However, Jonjo Shelvey curled home expertly with three minutes remaining to send the game to penalties. Steve Bruce’s men went on to win the shootout 5-4, with Brandon Cooper missing the all-important spot kick.
This now means that both Manchester clubs, Everton, Newcastle and Tottenham will all be in the hat for the quarter-final draw, which will take place on Thursday.
Jose Mourinho masterminded a game of two halves on Tuesday night | MATT DUNHAM/Getty Images
Tottenham have won a penalty shootout, people. The end is very much nigh.
Following a 1-1 draw after 90 minutes and nine successful spot-kicks on the bounce, Mason Mount’s effort which rebounded wide via the post sent Spurs into the quarter-finals of the Carabao Cup.
And their progression into the last eight much has to do with the work of manager José Mourinho on what was a vintage night for the Portuguese string-puller; from spats with Frank Lampard to chasing Eric Dier down to the home dressing room toilet midway through the second half, it was some night for the ‘Special One’.
The way he set-up his Tottenham side was typical stuff, as well. With Harry Kane on the bench and Giovani Lo Celso rested, Mourinho utilised a passive 5-3-2 with Erik Lamela and Steven Bergwijn leading the line, while Sergio Reguilon made his debut at left wing-back.
On the surface, however, uninspiring is perhaps a generous way to summarise Spurs’ first-half showing.
With clear intent to limit space centrally for the Blues in their deep block, the hosts were overly reliant on Bergwijn, Lamela and the odd darting run from midfield in regards to causing Chelsea trouble in transition – their most likely method of creating chances.
But with the freedoms of Aurier and Reguilon restricted, there were a distinct lack of outlets in this Spurs side meaning they were easily pressed. With Tanguy Ndombele the only press-resistant profile in the starting XI, the Blues had tremendous success counter-pressing and winning the ball back in dangerous areas.
Fortunately for Spurs, though, they went into the break just 1-0 down, a goal which came from a Reguilon error – and eager slide – in the build-up phase. On the whole, Mourinho’s side had done well to limit Hugo Lloris’ workload considering Chelsea’s territorial superiority.
But then the alteration came, the switch flicked for Mourinho. After sucking up 45 minutes of pretty tame Chelsea pressure, now was the time to attack a vulnerable backline and a goalkeeper making his debut.
Edouard Mendy looked very assured, by the way, and the Senegalese international was called into action early in the second period to deny Reguilon after the Spaniard met Aurier’s cross from the right with plenty of conviction – a sequence, nonetheless, which epitomised Spurs’ contrasting performance either side of the break.
The hosts’ more enterprising and aggressive approach allowed the previously limited wing-backs to maraud down their respective flanks and both enjoyed superb second halves. Aurier impressed going both ways while the debutant showed tremendous character to bounce back from his earlier error and put in an incredibly energetic and dynamic display.
The former Real Madrid man’s destined to be a fan-favourite in N17, that’s for sure.
Nevertheless, despite their improvement down the flanks, increased authority out of possession and the greater control established in midfield by the ever-improving Ndombele, Spurs’ equaliser remained anonymous.
That was until a certain Erik Lamela, who, despite all his ludicrous hard-work, churned out a typically infuriating display, capitalised on some unconvincing Chelsea defending to poach an equaliser following a cross from that man Reguilon with ten minutes to go.
Mourinho’s master plan worked a treat; limit the damage with a deep 5-3-2, then pick the opportune moment to be aggressive late on in the game. It was no surprise that Pierre-Emile Hojbjerg and Harry Kane earned minutes after the break, as Spurs switched to a back four to round off the contest.
The irresistible N’Golo Kante tried his best to swing momentum back Chelsea’s way, but once Lee Mason blew the full-time whistle to send the contest into penalties, there was almost a sense of inevitability about the victor – despite the justified pessimism of the Lilywhite faithful.
This is undoubtedly a Spurs side on the up, they were superb against Newcastle on Sunday – forget about the nonsense which occurred in the dying embers – and have looked pretty good ever since a certain Frenchman pirouetted his way past James Ward-Prowse to eventually set-up Son Heung-min’s equaliser at Southampton ten days ago.
The feeling around the club is great; Sergio Reguilon looks a sure bet to be a star, Tanguy Ndombele’s second season remontada continues – his 2:20 Twitter compilation will be a must-watch, by the way – Gareth Bale’s celebrating goals in the stands and, what do you know, Jose Mourinho still knows how to coach a football team.
Maccabi Haifa await on Thursday amid their hectic September schedule in the final hurdle of their Europa League qualifying adventure.
Liverpool offered a timely reminder of just how substantial the gulf in class between themselves and the rest of the Premier League is with a 3-1 victory over a very decent Arsenal side.
Question marks have been thrown at Jurgen Klopp’s side seemingly ever since they lifted their maiden Premier League title; can they do it all over again? How can they repeat last season’s antics? Will they remain motivated after such an exhaustive title-winning effort?
Their defensive performance against Leeds in their opening match of the 2020/21 campaign only stoked concerns that they would not be quite as unbeatable this time around, but after last weekend’s performance against Chelsea and Monday night’s result and display against Arsenal – coupled with Manchester City’s capitulation against Leicester – Liverpool have demonstrated that they are still the team to beat this season.
Monday evening’s victory over Arsenal was particularly impressive given the stature of opposition. Mikel Arteta’s side are currently one of the Premier League’s form teams, beating the Reds on penalties in the Community Shield final less than a month ago.
This was not a bad performance from Arsenal either, who confidently played out from the back from start to finish and beat the Liverpool press emphatically to open the scoring. Although the mistake from Robinson and finish from Alexandre Lacazette were scruffy, this should not take away from what a slick Arsenal move it was to begin with, showing just what this Gunners side were capable of.
But Liverpool primarily prevented Arsenal from playing through them like this. The goal had come against the run of play, with the Reds camped in the visitor’s half for most of the first period.
And the response to going a goal down was instant. Within 10 minutes of conceding the opening goal, Liverpool were 2-1 up. This is a side who do not like losing. This is not a side who have lost their winning mentality and become a soft touch now the Premier League trophy is in the cabinet.
These were classic Liverpool goals too – Klopp’s side at their best. The fizzing energy of Mohamed Salah to worm his way past Kieran Tierney for Sadio Mane’s first, followed by the quality of delivery from Trent Alexander-Arnold and the desire of Robertson to latch onto his inch perfect cross.
Alexander-Arnold’s stunning distribution was a constant all evening, his slightly shaky defensive display against Leeds becoming more and more of a distant memory with each pinpoint delivery.
Arsenal should have equalised in the second half but Alisson once again proved his importance for Liverpool with a big save to deny Lacazette, before new signing Diego Jota popped up with a very well taken goal to assure the Reds of all three points. You get the sense the former Wolves man could be another astute signing who Klopp manages to squeeze the absolute very best out of.
This was a slick Liverpool performance, and even more impressive considering Thiago Alcantara and Jordan Henderson were absent through injury.
The speed at which they bounced back from going a goal down was in stark contrast to the manner in which Manchester City just melted away against Leicester on Sunday, demonstrating that this Liverpool side are just as hungry, just as motivated and just as ruthless as ever.
Houssem Aouar is Arsenal’s top transfer target | FRANCK FIFE/Getty Images
Arsenal’s Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang has spoken about speculation linking the Gunners with a move for Lyon star Houssem Aouar, saying he would be ‘in favour’ of the deal.
Gunners boss Mikel Arteta has made no secret of his desire to recruit a new midfielder and Aouar is understood to be at the top of his wishlist. The dynamic 22-year-old has already made close to 150 appearances for Lyon and played a key role as Rudi Garcia’s side reached the Champions League semi-finals last season.
If Aouar does end up joining the club, he will be welcomed with open arms by Aubameyang who lavished him with praise during a recent interview.
“Of course I am in favour [of signing him],” he told Foot+ (via the Metro). “He would add quality. Let’s see what happens. I cannot hide that, even if he is with Lyon.”
Aubameyang is formerly of Lyon’s arch-rivals St Etienne, hence the jibe about the seven-tIme Ligue 1 champions.
Arsenal have already submitted a £32m big for Aouar, which was quickly rebuffed by OL president Jean-Michel Aulas, who values the midfielder far higher. According to French journalist Olivier Tallaron, Lyon are set to demand between €40m and €50m.
If a deal for Aouar cannot be agreed, the Gunners could turn their attention to Atletico Madrid enforcer Thomas Partey. It is understood that Los Rojiblancos are unwilling to let the Ghanaian depart for anything less than his £46m release clause, which Arsenal are unlikely to pay in full.
Another option is Chelsea playmaker Jorginho. However, Paris Saint-Germain are also interested in taking the Italian on loan.
A sticking point in all three of these potential deals is money. Arsenal have already spent over £30m on new arrivals during the current window and Arteta does not have much more room for manoeuvre without selling a few players first.
Emiliano Martinez has already been sold to Aston Villa for £15m and several more players may need to leave before the Gunners bring in a new midfielder.
Southampton players celebrate the opening goal of the game | Pool/Getty Images
Southampton clinched their first points of the season with a 1-0 victory over Burnley on Saturday evening, as Danny Ings proved to be the difference once again for the Saints.
It took the visitors only four minutes to break the deadlock, after Kyle Walker-Peters split the home defence with a lovely through ball, and Ings was on hand to tuck away Che Adams’ excellent cut-back. The first half then passed with little incident, as both sides cancelled each other out.
The second period was equally as gritty and dysfunctional, with Burnley trying (and failing) to break down an extremely stubborn Southampton side. The South Coast club saw out the game expertly to earn their first win of the new campaign, condemning the Clarets to another defeat.
Let’s take a look at the player ratings from a stale evening at Turf Moor.
Nick Pope (GK) – 6/10 – Beaten to the ball by Adams in the buildup to Ings’ opener, and had little else to do on a disappointing evening.
Phil Bardsley (RB) – 6/10 – A typically dogged performance from Bardsley, who gave Djenepo the rough treatment throughout the game. Probably should have been sent off at some point.
Kevin Long (CB) – 6/10 – The best of the defensive bunch tonight. Left exposed from the off by his teammates, but did the rest of his duties well.
Jimmy Dunne (CB) – 5/10 – A tough evening for the youngster. Beaten too easily for the goal, and struggled to keep up with the tireless Adams, and the sly Ings.
Charlie Taylor (LB) – 6/10 – A fortunate 6. Taylor’s flank was ripped to bits after only four minutes, and Burnley were left chasing the game from then on. Not brilliant.
Josh Brownhill (RM) – 6/10 – Can’t really remember him doing anything bad. Not too much good, either. Scored a good goal in midweek though…I think.
Dale Stephens (CM) – 7/10 – Stephens slotted in like he’d played for Burnley all of his career. Solid addition to the squad.
Ashley Westwood (CM) – 5/10 – Possibly suffered a neck injury from watching the ball sail over his head for 90 minutes. Must be wondering why he bothers.
Dwight McNeil (LM) – 6/10 – The only guy with any spark in this side. So when he’s not on fire, then it’s damp squibs all over the shop.
Matej Vydra (ST) – 6/10 – Never quite looked like scoring tonight. And that’s kind of his job.
Chris Wood (ST) – 7/10 – Robbed of an excellently taken goal in the second half by a suspect offside decision and a frustratingly early whistle. Did his usual battering ram stuff and headed the ball a lot.
Alex McCarthy (GK) – 7/10 – Dealt with a bombardment of crosses very well, facing every ball with exceptional bravery. Pulled off a great save to deny Taylor in the second half.
Kyle Walker-Peters (RB) – 7/10 – Cut the Burnley defence apart with a beautiful through ball after only four minutes. Struggled to defend against the power and guile of McNeil, but stuck to his task.
Jann Vestergaard (CB) – 7/10 – Wasn’t quite as at ease as his partner, but refused to be intimidated by the fearsome presence of Wood and Vydra. Resolute.
Jan Bednarek (CB) – 7/10 – No defender must fancy coming up against Wood, you’d think. Bednarek clearly relished it though, going toe-to-toe in this physical battle. Repelled everything.
Ryan Bertrand (LB) – 7/10 – Excellent both in defence and attack, nullifying the forward advances of Brownhill and pegging Burnley back with his runs in behind.
Stuart Armstrong (RM) – 6/10 – Never really offered anything on the offensive, but he’s always up for a bit of graft. Dogged games require workers, and that’s what he was today.
James Ward-Prowse (CM) – 8/10 – Such a lovely player. Class stood head and shoulders above the abysmal football on show. Controlled the game for Saints, also offering his services at every given opportunity.
Oriol Romeu (CM) – 7/10 – A bitty, gritty player that broke up the play and rhythm all afternoon. If this game had a face, it’d that that of Romeu.
Moussa Djenepo (LM) – 6/10 – On the wrong end of some nasty tackles and sly fouls by Bardsley, but never gave up the fight. This is English football, enjoy.
Che Adams (ST) – 8/10 – Did brilliantly to lay Ings’ opener on a plate, cutting the ball back smartly. Did all the running up top, working the defence from side to side and always looking to play in his partner. An underrated Robin to Saints’ Batman.
Danny Ings (ST) – 8/10 – Tapped home the opening goal with ease, to get the scoring underway. Lurked in dangerous areas, waiting for something to drop his way.
