Chelsea 3–3 Johor Darul Ta'zim, penalty shootout abandoned
That was not the dress rehearsal anyone wanted. Chelsea shipped three goals to Malaysian side Johor Darul Ta'zim in a friendly on Sunday, and the agreed penalty shootout never happened (2). Liam Delap, Oscar Arribas, and Antonio Cristian scored your goals. Arif Aiman and Bergson found the net for the hosts. Three more conceded, three preseason matches without a clean sheet.
Alonso's two-tier preseason is causing friction
Some Chelsea players have reacted negatively to Xabi Alonso splitting the squad into two groups during preseason (5). Sources claim the approach has not landed well inside the camp. Alonso has already faced criticism after the Juventus defeat and now this draw in Malaysia. The new coach is three games in and still searching for his first win since arriving.
Full squad finally together this week
Alonso gets his hands on the complete squad when training resumes at Cobham, including the new signings (3). That timing matters. The Premier League opener at Fulham is getting close, and Chelsea have yet to look like a coherent unit. Alonso promised supporters they will be ready, that promise is now being tested.
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Arsenal want your forward, £70m–£75m could do it
Arsenal are circling one of Chelsea's attackers, and a deal in the £70m–£75m range would wreck Tottenham's plans in the same market (1). No name is confirmed, but losing a key forward to a direct London rival with the season two weeks out would sting.
Carabao Cup draw on Monday evening
Chelsea are ball number 7 in the second-round draw, set for around 19:20 BST on Monday evening (6). Your first domestic cup opponents under Alonso will be known tonight.
Young admits he was "gutted" about Welbeck to Chelsea
Ashley Young did not hold back. The former United man said he was left "gutted" that his old club did not hijack Danny Welbeck's move to Chelsea this summer (4). A strange one from the outside, but it shows Welbeck's arrival has raised eyebrows beyond Stamford Bridge.
Tomori wanted by Liverpool, Newcastle, and Lampard's Coventry
Former Chelsea defender Fikayo Tomori is attracting Premier League interest. Liverpool and Newcastle are both keen, while Frank Lampard hopes to play a trump card and bring him to Coventry City (7). Tomori left Chelsea for AC Milan and could now return to England.
Fan-reaktioner
Fans are not pressing the panic button yet but the patience is thinning. Alonso's post-match comments, promising the team will be ready for Fulham, are being shared widely, and most supporters seem willing to take him at his word for now. The Enzo Fernandez return to training is a genuine lift, and Morgan Rogers reporting back on Wednesday adds another option. Quietly, the Ishe Samuels-Smith loan to Notts County has been agreed too.
