A group of masked protesters gathered outside a four-star hotel in Portsmouth after wrongly believing that a group of asylum seekers had been taken there. They later discovered that the people staying at the hotel were members of Pakistan’s Under-19 cricket team.Around 40 people gathered outside the Marriott hotel on Tuesday evening, with many wearing balaclavas or other face coverings. The protesters had reportedly seen a group of men they believed were asylum seekers arriving at the hotel.George Madgwick, a Reform councillor whose ward includes the hotel, was called to the scene to help resolve the situation. He spoke to the hotel manager, who explained that the men were Pakistan’s Under-19 cricketers, who are in England for a tour and are using the Marriott as their base.Madgwick also spoke to the team’s coach and was shown proof that the group were cricketers.“I went out to the protesters and told them, ‘You’ve got it wrong guys, it’s a cricket club.’ They left within a couple of minutes. It was a massively unfortunate incident,” Madgwick told The Guardian.He said the misunderstanding was partly because the coach carrying the players was operated by the same company that had transported asylum seekers who recently arrived in Portsmouth by boat.“From the perspective of the people of Portsmouth who are already on high alert, this was a coach from the same company which was turning up with about 40 foreign men,” Madgwick said.The incident came after tensions rose in Portsmouth following the arrival of asylum seekers on small boats from France. Hundreds of people, many wearing balaclavas, clashed with police in the city on Sunday evening. Police are investigating possible assaults and criminal damage.A day earlier, crowds dressed in black and wearing balaclavas had blocked a road near the port of Dover. Far-right activist Daniel Thomas, who is closely linked to Tommy Robinson, said he had organised both demonstrations.Madgwick said he understood the concerns of local residents but acknowledged that the incident was far from ideal.“It doesn’t make our city look like the welcoming city it is. But it’s reflective of the climate we live in, and where people are deeply concerned about the issues,” he said.Madgwick had earlier posted on Facebook asking people not to go to the hotel after residents contacted him about what they believed were migrants staying there. He later made the post private after it attracted abusive comments.The England and Wales Cricket Board has since contacted the Pakistan Cricket Board to check on the wellbeing of the players and is reviewing security arrangements for the remainder of the team’s tour.Pakistan Under-19 recently played England Under-19 in a four-day Test, losing by 10 runs. The teams are scheduled to meet in a one-day match at Arundel on Wednesday, before another ODI in Guildford on Saturday.Pakistan’s senior men’s team is also currently in England for the third and final Test against England at Edgbaston.
Chris Kreider and the Anaheim Ducks have agreed to part ways, giving Anaheim additional cap space as the team continues contract talks with Cutter Gauthier.
Chelsea scored four times in 12 second-half minutes as Leeds suffered a Carabao Cup collapse to lose 6-3 in the third round at Stamford Bridge.
The visitors led 2-0 just after half-time thanks to Tarik Muharemovic and Brenden Aaronson against a Blues side showing nine changes from Sunday’s defeat to Arsenal, but after Xabi Alonso sent on Cole Palmer at the head of four half-time substitutions, everything changed.
Palmer got two in two minutes to equalise – the first a penalty – then Pedro Neto, another half-time introduction, scored to complete a six-minute turnaround.
Pedro Neto completed the turnaround to put Chelsea 3-2 up (PA Wire)
Dominic Calvert-Lewin scored as Leeds looked to pick up the shattered pieces of what had been an excellent away performance, but which was rubber-stamped as a horror show when Valentin Barco got his first goal for the club to make it five. Welbeck headed in a sixth in stoppage time.
A topsy-turvy game was further evidence of Chelsea’s new reality under Alonso, that they have a fine first XI capable of scintillating attacking football but a squad that lacks quality in depth and is defensively brittle.
Advertisement
Their second string were a poor second best in the first half. Understudy goalkeeper Mike Penders made two impressive save but then a costly error to hand leads their opener, conceding a needless corner from which Muharemovic headed in.
Tarik Muharemovic had headed Leeds in front (Reuters)
There was barely a flicker of a response from the Blues. Their only chance came when Reggie Watson – the debutant 16-year-old son of former Wigan defender Ben – started a move with a lovely ball out wide that was flicked by Pep Chavarria into the path of Jamie Gittens, whose drive was pushed into the side-netting by goalkeeper Michael Zetterer.
Alonso evidently had seen enough. He sent on Reece James alongside Rogers, Neto and Palmer for the second half, but Chelsea’s situation got worse almost immediately.
Just over two minutes in, Barco lost possession needlessly and Leeds worked it wide to Ethan Ampadu who crossed, Lukas Nmecha flicked on deftly and Aaronson strode onto the ball unmarked to slam home.
Then the came a remarkable fightback, led by Rogers and Palmer. Dan James stood on the foot of Chavarria and from the penalty spot Palmer made it 2-1.
Advertisement
Palmer led the fightback for Chelsea (Reuters)
His goal to equalise only seconds later was well taken but surely an error from Zetterer, a gentle caress of a finish into the corner that left the goalkeeper inexplicably rooted to the spot.
Neto rolled Chelsea into the lead from Rogers’ pass before the hour mark as Leeds’ capitulation continued apace.
Welbeck’s goal was arguably the best of the lot. Rogers picked him out with a low ball into the box but the the veteran striker had everything still to do, dragging the ball inside before dodging by his defender and firing straight through Zetterer.
Calvert-Lewin finished well from Noah Okafor’s cross as Leeds found a renewed hope, one that was quickly extinguished when Barco drilled in a fifth, before Welbeck headed his third Blues goal.
After surrendering an early own goal, Daneil Salloi and Emilio Aristizabal scored in the second half to push Toronto FC to a 2-1 win against Major League Soccer frontrunners Nashville FC on Wednesday.
Aristizabal, who subbed in for striker Josh Sargent in the 75th minute, knocked in the game-winner from close range in the box, three minutes into extra time.
Salloi’s game-tying goal was the result of a perfect goal-line cross by substitute Theo Corbeanu in the 72nd minute at BMO Field as Toronto (6-7-11) extended its unbeaten streak to seven games (3-0-4).
Nashville (16-3-5) had its unbeaten streak halted at six outings. This was Toronto’s first win against Nashville since a 2-1 decision at home on Sept. 18, 2021.
Advertisement
Toronto midfielders Niklas Dorsch and Alonso Coello suffered a communication breakdown with goalkeeper Luka Gavran as Dorsch’s short pass found its way past Gavran for an own goal in the fourth minute.
In the first half, Sargent had three chances to tie the game. Coming off his first hat trick last Saturday, Sargent’s header off a corner was stopped. He then missed wide from close range on a redirect off a pinpoint cross from Richie Larye.
He later hit the side of the goal from inside the box.
Visiting goalkeeper Brian Schwake arrived on the scene with 11 clean sheets in 2026.
Advertisement
Nashville had a goal called back after right back Reed Baker-Whiting was caught offside in the 49th minute.
Mercedes Moné has been on an incredible run following her return to AEW this year. Unfortunately, her boyfriend has not been on an amazing run, as he has yet to win a match on Dynamite in roughly two years.
The Beast Mortos has become a must-see talent on the roster, as he is a luchador who is able to showcase both his athleticism and his strength. He is a member of La Faccion Ingobernable and has gotten to share the ring with several top names on the roster.
The luchador was in action tonight against Andrade El Idolo as he challenged him for the AEW National Championship. This was not a straightforward match for the champion, as he had to work hard for the win. He was able to connect with his Dia de los Muertos elbow and followed this up with the DM for the win.
Advertisement
Andrade has scored yet another win in his campaign to become the greatest National Champion of all time. He is also looking to build up great momentum before he uses his world title match contract.
For Mortos, his Dynamite losing streak continues. He has not won a match since July 2024, when he won a trios match alongside Roderick Strong and Rush. Fortunately, he has found more success on AEW Collision and on Ring of Honor. He even became one-half of the ROH Tag Team Champions alongside Sammy Guevara.
But as seen on social media, the luchador has not been dwelling on his setbacks, as he has celebrated his partner Mercedes Moné’s great success recently. He may have his breakthrough sooner rather than later, as despite losing, he has pushed all his opponents to their limits.
Advertisement
Why did you not like this content?
Advertisement
Was this article helpful?
Thank You for feedback
Get all the hottest wrestling news FIRST by clicking here
With the NFL officially kicking off the 2026 season on Thursday night, the power rankings are out and the consensus heading into Week 1 is that the Minnesota Vikings are the 19th-best team in football.
The Vikings Are Apparently the 19th Best Team in the NFL
Across a selection of notable power rankings released this week, the Vikings average about 19th place. That puts them on the outside of the playoffs in the top end of the bottom half of the league – basically where they finished last season.
Oct 6, 2024; Tottenham, ENG; The Minnesota Vikings cheerleaders line up in the end zone before the national anthems against New York Jets at Tottenham Hotspur Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Shaun Brooks-Imagn Images – Credit: USA TODAY Sports via Reuters Connect
The consensus is this can be a good team if Kyler Murray can find form and stay healthy, but until he proves that the expectation is more of the same. Every write-up about the team is mostly about Murray, and it makes sense. A nine-win team last season amidst disastrous QB play, just some stability and league-average play from Murray should be enough to make Minnesota competitive in 2026. However, an injury puts them right back to Carson Wentz and/or JJ McCarthy.
The Vikings have plenty of weapons in their offense to help Murray become a success in Minnesota. Most notably Justin Jefferson, who still managed a 1000-receiving yards season last season but will hope to get back to his dominant best with the aid of Murray. The supporting cast of Jordan Addison, Jauan Jennings, and TJ Hockenson isn’t too shabby, either. If the offensive line can stay healthy this year, Murray should also have solid protection to work behind.
Advertisement
The Non-QB Factors
Other factors that I have seen alluded to are the Vikings’ rushing attack, which was efficient last season by averaging 4.5 yards per attempt, but as is the way with Kevin O’Connell, often an afterthought in the offensive game plan. The run game was leaned on a bit more during the back end of last season as the Vikings finished with five straight wins. It was out of necessity due to the poor QB play but should have given a lesson on the virtues of a balanced offense.
Nov 30, 2025; Seattle, Washington, USA; Minnesota Vikings running back Jordan Mason (27) runs on the field after the first half against the Seattle Seahawks at Lumen Field. Mandatory Credit: Kevin Ng-Imagn Images
The expectation is that Brian Flores will give the Vikings a good defense, because that’s just what he does. There is some valid concern over the lack of star power and experience in Minnesota’s defensive ranks but that has been somewhat remedied with the late signing of Harrison Smith and Kyle Van Noy. On paper the Vikings defense doesn’t look great, but under the guidance of Flores it has every chance to be just that. It will require some development from players this season.
Overall, I believe around 18th-19th place is a fair ranking for where we stand right now with this Vikings team. If Murray is a roaring success it could see a quick rise up the rankings. Similarly, if he’s not or gets injured the Vikings could quickly sink towards the bottom.
Brazil head coach Carlo Ancelotti has begun reshaping the national team after their disappointing 2026 FIFA World Cup campaign, naming a 26-man squad for the upcoming friendlies against Australia and India.The squad includes some of Brazil’s biggest names, with Real Madrid forward Vinícius Júnior, Barcelona winger Raphinha and Paris Saint-Germain veteran Marquinhos among the players selected by Ancelotti.Brazil will begin their post-World Cup schedule with two meetings against Australia. The first is scheduled for September 25 at Queensland Country Bank Stadium in Townsville, followed by another clash with the hosts on September 29 at Suncorp Stadium in Brisbane.The five-time world champions will then travel to India for a historic fixture against the hosts on October 3. Brazil will face India for the first time in their history, with the match scheduled to begin at 7:30 PM IST at the Salt Lake Stadium in Kolkata.
Ancelotti begins Brazil overhaul
Ancelotti has made it clear that Brazil’s next cycle will involve a significant reshaping of the squad, and his first selection since the World Cup reflects that approach.The Italian coach has included several young players, with a number of them also eligible to represent Brazil at the 2028 Los Angeles Olympics. Ancelotti hopes the emerging group can eventually form the core of his side for the 2030 World Cup.The coach had indicated in an interview with The Associated Press in July, shortly after Brazil’s World Cup exit, that he intended to look towards younger players as part of the team’s rebuilding process.“Coach Carlo Ancelotti called up a total of 26 players on Wednesday (9) for Brazil’s first matches after the World Cup. Ten of them play in Brazilian football. He released the list at the headquarters of the Brazilian Football Confederation, in Rio, from where he then gave a press conference,” the CBF said in a statement.The selection contains only a few of the players Ancelotti took to the World Cup three months ago, with the coach opting to introduce several fresh faces alongside established stars.
Brazil looking to move on from World Cup disappointment
Brazil’s World Cup campaign ended in the round of 16 after they suffered defeat to Norway in their pre-quarters clash.The result extended Brazil’s wait for a sixth World Cup title. Their last triumph came in 2002, meaning the five-time champions have now gone without the trophy since their success in Japan and South Korea.Ancelotti’s first assignment after that disappointment will therefore be to begin rebuilding a squad capable of challenging at the next World Cup.The upcoming Australia fixtures will provide his first opportunity to assess the new-look group before Brazil’s historic meeting with India in Kolkata.
Advertisement
Brazil squad for Australia, India friendlies
Goalkeepers: Hugo Souza (Corinthians), Pedro Morisco (Coritiba), Otavio (Cruzeiro)Defenders: Arthur Dias (Athletico-PR), Douglas Santos (Zenit), Gabriel Magalhaes (Arsenal), Jair (Nottingham Forest), Marquinhos (PSG), Matheuzinho (Corinthians), Mauro Junior (PSV Eindhoven), Vitor Reis (Manchester City), Wesley (Rome)Midfielders: Andrey Santos (Manchester United), Breno Bidon (Corinthians), Bruno Guimarães (Arsenal), Danilo Santos (Botafogo), Douglas Luiz (Juventus), Gabriel Bontempo (Santos)Forwards: Endrick (Real Madrid), Stephen (Chelsea), John Peter (Chelsea), Pedro (Flamengo), Raphinha (Barcelona), Rayan (Bournemouth), Samuel Lino (Flamengo), Vinícius Júnior (Real Madrid)
Dallas Wings fans were left concerned after Paige Bueckers‘ teammate suffered an injury. Alanna Smith, who represented Australia at the 2026 FIBA Women’s World Cup, withdrew from the tournament due to a lower-leg injury.
On Wednesday, Basketball Australia shared details of Smith’s injury on X, formerly Twitter.
“Alanna Smith will be unavailable for the remainder of the FIBA Women’s World Cup to prioritise rehabilitation of a lower leg injury,” the caption read.
“The injury occurred late in the second quarter against Puerto Rico after a defensive contest. Smith was subbed immediately as a precaution and did not return. A period of rest and testing has been provided since, but ultimately a decision to withdraw Smith is necessary.”
Advertisement
Wings fans swarmed the comments section to express their concerns.
“And we’re cooked,” one fan said.
“Big loss. Recover well. Move forward and upwards,” another fan said.
“The last month of this poor thing😭 what a trot it’s been between face, knee, leg, and now calf (?),” another fan commented.
Here are more reactions:
“Lan really can’t catch a break, J***s,” one fan commented.
“I feel so bad for her. I feel like this year she has just had so many random injuries,” another fan commented.
“She literally gets hurt every game she plays. I feel so bad for her,” another fan said.
Alanna Smith’s absence could derail the Dallas Wings’ playoff plans
The Dallas Wings could be in trouble if Alanna Smith doesn’t heal in time to play for them in the playoffs. They have already lost Azzi Fudd, the No.1 pick in the 2026 draft, to a right ankle injury earlier this season. She averaged 13.1 points, 1.7 rebounds and 1.8 assists per game on 45.6% shooting.
Dallas made the playoffs as the eighth team in the standings. They entered the World Cup break hoping that their players would return healthy. While Bueckers is doing great with Team USA, Smith’s calf issues have raised concerns.
Advertisement
The 2025 Co-Defensive Player of the Year is an integral part of Dallas’ frontcourt. She was one of the most important signings for the Wings in this offseason because she can guard multiple positions, protect the rim and stretch the floor.
Jessica Shepard and Aziaha James have also been troubled with injuries. So, losing a highly versatile forward like Smith could be a big blow to the Wings in the playoffs. As of now, there is no return timetable for the Co-Defensive Player of the Year. She averaged 6.0 points, 3.9 rebounds, 1.0 assists and 0.5 blocks per game before heading into the World Cup.
Raphinha continued his superb goalscoring form with a brace as Barcelona demolished Feyenoord 5-1 to begin their Champions League campaign in perfect fashion on Wednesday. Karim Adeyemi curled home brilliantly from long range in between Raphinha’s strikes and Lamine Yamal bent in a free-kick as Hansi Flick’s team made light work of their Dutch visitors. After Sem Steijn pulled one back, Barca substitute Gabriel Jesus netted a fifth, the forward’s first goal since joining from Arsenal this summer.
The Catalan giants, who last won the competition in 2015, have triumphed in all five of their matches across all competitions this season — and scored five goals in four of them.
Brazilian winger Raphinha has been playing up front after Barca sold Robert Lewandowski and Ferran Torres, and has rapidly taken to his new position, plundering eight goals in five games.
Advertisement
Flick made five changes to the team that thrashed Valencia on Sunday in La Liga, although he maintained star attackers Yamal and Raphinha, as well as new arrival Rodri in his line-up.
After days of baking weather in Barcelona, a storm broke ahead of the game, lashing rain down on the Camp Nou pitch and sending supporters scurrying for shelter.
By the time it stopped pouring early in the first half, Barcelona were already ahead.
Raphinha, retaining his role as the team’s central striker, netted the opener after three minutes.
Advertisement
The Brazilian was razor sharp to break into the box and cut inside, sending two defenders sliding the wrong way on the slick turf, before slotting home.
Adeyemi, in for Anthony Gordon, doubled Barcelona’s lead with a superb strike from outside the area, bent beyond Feyenoord goalkeeper Tjark Ernst.
Anis Hadj Moussa threatened for Feyenoord at the other end but Joan Garcia pushed out his shot at the near post.
Barca kept generating openings and defender Joao Cancelo came close to adding a third when he skinned Givairo Read and crashed a shot against the outside of the post.
Advertisement
Raphinha netted again before the hour mark for Barca’s third, running on to Pedri’s perfect through-ball and slotting home.
The Dutch side thought they had pulled one back straight away when Nacho Ferri slotted home but it was disallowed after a VAR review for offside in the build-up.
Barca substitute Fermin Lopez had an effort tipped wide before Yamal bagged the fourth, direct from a free-kick which crept through the wall.
Feyenoord sent on Shaqueel van Persie, the 19-year-old son of former Dutch international Robin van Persie, to try and salvage some pride.
Advertisement
Steijn eventually pulled one back for the visitors when he escaped Jules Kounde and Goncalo Borges picked him out with a dangerous low cross to the back post.
It was the only blot on Barca’s copy book on an otherwise strong start to their league phase, rounded off by Jesus’s glancing header from Yamal’s cross for the fifth.
(This story has not been edited by NDTV staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.)
Featured Video Of The Day
CWG 2026 Weightlifting Gold Medallist, Mirabai Chanu Get Hero’s Welcome in Delhi
Sep 5, 2026; Paris, FRANCE; Salahdine Parnasse (blue gloves) reacts after defeating Dan Hooker (not pictured) during UFC Fight Night at Accor Arena. Mandatory Credit: Per Haljestam-Imagn Images
Salahdine Parnasse announced himself in spectacular fashion, while Axel Sola scored a massive knockout of his own. Losene Keita bounced back with a statement win, Daniil Donchenko continued his unbeaten UFC run and Michael Page picked up another victory.
So, where do they go from here? Here are five fights to make after UFC Paris.
1. Salahdine Parnasse vs. Max Holloway
There really isn’t another option at the top.
Parnasse’s UFC debut could hardly have gone better. The former KSW two-division champion stopped Dan Hooker in the first round with a liver kick and follow-up punches, extending his winning streak to six straight — all by stoppage.
Advertisement
And Parnasse already has a name in mind: Max Holloway.
The former UFC featherweight champion and current No. 4 lightweight is exactly the type of opponent Parnasse needs next. Holloway is still one of the biggest names in the division, while Parnasse gets the opportunity to prove that his incredible run outside the UFC translates against an established elite contender.
Parnasse came to the UFC looking for the best fighters in the world.
Give him one.
Advertisement
2. Axel Sola vs. Joaquim Silva
Sola just delivered one of the best performances of his UFC career.
The French lightweight knocked out fellow countryman Farès Ziam with a left hook just 1:40 into the opening round, improving to 3-1 inside the Octagon and earning a $100,000 Performance of the Night bonus.
Now it’s time to see what he can do against a veteran.
Joaquim Silva is a perfect next step. The 37-year-old Brazilian has been in the UFC since 2016 and most recently picked up a split-decision win over Claudio Puelles.
Advertisement
Sola is starting to look like a legitimate lightweight prospect. Silva would give him experience, durability and a dangerous submission game without immediately throwing him into the rankings.
If Sola wins, it’s time to start talking about him as a ranked fighter.
3. Losene Keita vs. Lerone Murphy
Mar 21, 2026; London,UNITED KINGDOM; Lerone Murphy (blue gloves) reacts during the fight against Movsar Evloev (red gloves) during UFC Fight Night at O2 Arena. Mandatory Credit: Peter van den Berg-Imagn Images
Keita already asked for this one.
After knocking out Muhammad Naimov in just 2:54, the former Oktagon double champion called out Lerone Murphy during his post-fight interview.
Advertisement
It’s a matchup the UFC should seriously consider.
Keita bounced back from a split-decision loss in his UFC debut with one of the most impressive performances of the night. Murphy, meanwhile, has established himself as one of the featherweight division’s top contenders.
This would be a great test for Keita.
He’s already shown he can bring the violence. Now he needs an opponent who can tell us just how good he really is.
Advertisement
Murphy fits the bill.
4. Daniil Donchenko vs. Neil Magny
Donchenko doesn’t need another prospect fight.
The Ukrainian welterweight dominated Punahele Soriano over three rounds, winning by unanimous decision and improving to 16-2 overall. More importantly, he’s now riding an eight-fight winning streak.
It’s time to give him a veteran.
Advertisement
Neil Magny makes sense.
Magny has spent years serving as one of the UFC’s most reliable tests at welterweight. He’s the type of opponent who can expose holes in an up-and-comer’s game without completely derailing his momentum.
Donchenko is ready for a bigger challenge.
Magny is the perfect measuring stick.
Advertisement
5. Michael “Venom” Page vs. Stephen Thompson*
Mar 21, 2026; London,UNITED KINGDOM; Michael Page (red gloves) reacts after the fight against Sam Patterson (blue gloves) during UFC Fight Night at O2 Arena. Mandatory Credit: Peter van den Berg-Imagn Images
Two of the most unorthodox strikers in MMA going head-to-head just makes sense.
Page closed out his UFC contract with a decision win over Nursulton Ruziboev at UFC Paris, giving him another victory and keeping his momentum going. But his UFC future is now uncertain.
If Page returns to the UFC, Stephen “Wonderboy” Thompson is the fight.
Both men have built their careers around distance, timing, movement and striking from unconventional angles. It would be a matchup where the threat of what each fighter can do might be just as interesting as the action itself.
But there is an asterisk.
Advertisement
*If Page does not re-sign with the UFC, give us Michael Page vs. Uriah Hall in Karate Combat.
Hall is already competing in Karate Combat, making that a natural alternative outside the Octagon. Page and Hall are two of the most recognizable flashy strikers in MMA, and putting them in a combat-sports setting built around striking could be exactly what both men need.
UFC or Karate Combat, MVP needs another striker.
The Bottom Line
UFC Paris may have been headlined by Parnasse’s arrival, but the event created several new storylines for the UFC to play with.
Advertisement
Parnasse looks like a future contender. Sola is becoming a legitimate lightweight prospect. Keita has already picked his next target, and Donchenko continues to quietly rack up wins.
Then there’s MVP, whose UFC future could determine whether our fifth fight happens inside the Octagon or somewhere completely different.
For the Premier League’s biggest clubs, this competition is usually an opportunity to blood youngsters and give fringe players valuable minutes.
However, only 35-year-old Danny Welbeck, who scored twice, emerged from the starters with a compelling case for more regular involvement.
Even Valentin Barco, despite scoring Chelsea‘s fifth goal, was partly at fault for Leeds‘ second and was among several players who repeatedly surrendered possession during a difficult first half.
Young attackers Estevao Willian and Jamie Gittens suffered the disappointment of being substituted at half-time, while £40m signing Geovany Quenda, who joined from Sporting, did not add to his solitary substitute appearance for the club as he watched from the bench.
Advertisement
Midfielder Reggie Watson, making his debut at the age of 16, was also withdrawn at the break after being booked.
Alonso later said he would not take a “cynical” view as some on the outside might about the difference in level between his proven stars and Chelsea‘s back-up options.
He added: “I know that probably I have to take the right decisions for them to show their best level, so it’s something that I will analyse and learn from today.”
Nevertheless, reaching the fourth round is important for Chelsea.
Advertisement
It is not only about preserving their hopes of silverware in a season without European football, but Chelsea are also a club that need as many competitive fixtures as possible.
They have a 27-man squad, supported by a strong academy pipeline, and these matches are vital for keeping a large group of players engaged throughout the campaign.
There is an irony, then, that Palmer, Rogers and Chelsea‘s other established stars may have secured future opportunities for the very fringe players whose performances had put the club’s EFL Cup campaign at risk.
You must be logged in to post a comment Login