Aperçu Serbie U21

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.

Chelsea head coach Xabi Alonso has challenged his squad to earn their place back among Europe’s elite following a promising start to his debut season at Stamford Bridge. While the Spaniard has utilised a lighter schedule to implement his tactical ideas, he admits he is desperate to swap quiet training weeks for the chaos of continental competition.

Brentford have ruled out sanctioning a mid-season departure for record signing El Hadji Malick Diouf following fresh transfer links to Premier League rivals Chelsea and Liverpool. Having only recruited the 21-year-old Senegal international from West Ham United for up to £40 million in late August, Gtech Community Stadium chiefs consider him untouchable this winter.

Thomas Tuchel has stood firm on his decision to omit Cole Palmer from his latest England squad, admitting he did not even feel the need to contact the Chelsea playmaker before the announcement. Despite Palmer returning to fitness and form at Stamford Bridge, the German coach cited a lack of consistent availability as the primary reason for the high-profile snub.