Xabi Alonso has taken full responsibility for Chelsea’s narrow 1-0 defeat at Sunderland, choosing to focus on his team's lack of clinical edge rather than the officiating. Despite several contentious VAR decisions at the Stadium of Light, the Blues boss insisted that defensive lapses were the primary reason for their failure to secure a result.
Chelsea's tactical dominance counted for nothing on Wearside as Xabi Alonso's men failed to convert dominant possession into a result. A first-half penalty from Enzo Le Fee proved the difference in a disappointing afternoon for the visitors.
Xabi Alonso has refused to dwell on Cole Palmer's omission from the England squad, insisting his conversations with the 24-year-old are only about Chelsea. The Blues boss also joked about goalkeeper Emiliano Martinez's protective mask and revealed that midfielder Moises Caicedo has "little problems" ahead of Sunday's Premier League trip to Sunderland.
Sunderland have entered the pursuit of Almeria midfielder Stefan Dzodic as Atletico Madrid step up their efforts to sign the highly rated 21-year-old prospect. The Serbian talent is protected by a €40 million (£33m/$45m) release clause in southern Spain and has also attracted interest from several other English clubs.
West Midlands Police have confirmed that a 14-year-old boy has been arrested and bailed following an investigation into a public order offence during Saturday's Premier League fixture between Coventry City and Sunderland. The incident involved the alleged mocking of Bradley Lowery, the young Black Cats supporter who tragically passed away in 2017.
A 14-year-old Coventry City fan has handed himself in to police after using a photograph of the late Bradley Lowery to taunt Sunderland supporters during Saturday's Premier League clash at the Coventry Building Society Arena. Bradley's mother, Gemma Lowery, has called the act heartbreaking but urged people not to direct hate at the boy, who is the same age her son would be now.
Former Republic of Ireland and Wrexham captain James McClean has expressed a desire to step into the boxing ring following his recent departure from hometown club Derry City. The combative 37-year-old winger has set his sights on fighting British television personality Joey Essex under the Misfits crossover promotion banner.
Former Republic of Ireland international James McClean has parted company with hometown club Derry City after both parties agreed to cancel his contract with immediate effect. The 37-year-old wideman leaves Brandywell Stadium just nine months after returning from Wrexham following a protracted dispute that kept him sidelined since July.
Liverpool will host Bournemouth in the Carabao Cup quarter-finals, while holders Manchester City take on League One side Bradford City. Fleetwood Town, who knocked Arsenal out on penalties, will welcome Everton or Newcastle United, and Crystal Palace face Sunderland in an all-Premier League tie, with all four games set for the week commencing December 14.
James Trafford delivered a phenomenal performance to strengthen his case to permanently dislodge Jordan Pickford as England's number one goalkeeper after Leeds United secured a hard-fought 0-0 draw against Sunderland. Despite ferocious winds at the Stadium of Light on Sunday, Trafford produced four vital saves to keep a clean sheet and underline his international credentials.
Bournemouth have finally kickstarted their Premier League campaign after a clinical performance secured a 2-0 win over a struggling Sunderland side. The result marks a major milestone for Marco Rose, who celebrated his first three points in the English top flight since taking the hotseat at the Vitality Stadium.
Switzerland and Sunderland captain Granit Xhaka has confirmed he has been placed on a two-year probation period following his admission regarding the acquisition of a fraudulent Covid-19 vaccination certificate. The veteran midfielder took to social media to address the legal resolution of a case that has recently overshadowed his international career.
Sunderland
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