Sports
EPL: Late Fernandez Strike Gives Chelsea Comeback Win Against West Ham
Enzo Fernandez’s stoppage-time winner capped Chelsea’s thrilling fightback from two goals down to beat West Ham 3-2 in a dramatic London derby on Saturday.
Liam Rosenior’s side trailed to first-half goals from Jarrod Bowen and Crysencio Summerville at Stamford Bridge. But Chelsea ignored the half-time jeers from their angry fans, staging a brilliant revival after the break. Joao Pedro reduced the deficit before Marc Cucurella headed the equaliser.
For the first time in the Premier League era, Chelsea came from two down at half-time to win thanks to their captain as Fernandez netted in stoppage-time. West Ham’s Jean-Clair Todibo was sent off for violent conduct after tempers boiled over in the final seconds.
In what Rosenior had labelled Chelsea’s “biggest match of the season”, the Blues showed their character in memorable fashion. They climbed to fourth in the Premier League as Rosenior became only the fourth English manager to win his first three Premier League games after Bobby Gould, Sam Allardyce and Craig Shakespeare.
Rosenior has overseen six wins from seven games in all competitions since arriving from Strasbourg to replace Enzo Maresca. The highlight of Rosenior’s impressive start had come on Wednesday when the Blues fought back from 2-1 down to beat Napoli 3-2 in Italy, securing a place in the Champions League last 16.
But this was arguably even more eye-catching than that success, given how Rosenior turned the tide after Chelsea’s wretched first half. Rosenior will bid to work another miracle on Tuesday when Chelsea look to overturn a 3-2 deficit in the League Cup semi-final second leg at Premier League leaders Arsenal.
– From boos to bedlam –
He made seven changes after the victory in Naples, with Cole Palmer back in the starting line-up after starring from the bench in midweek. Chelsea looked out of sync following the reshuffle and West Ham took advantage to go ahead in the seventh minute.
Bowen wriggled into space on the edge of the penalty area before curling in a cross that eluded the out-stretched boot of West Ham striker Pablo and caught Chelsea keeper Robert Sanchez flat-footed as it drifted into the far corner. Rosenior suffered another blow when winger Jamie Gittens limped off injured after a challenge with Summerville.
Summerville inflicted more pain on Chelsea in the 36th minute.
In a flowing move from West Ham as Bowen picked out Aaron Wan-Bissaka and his cross was perfectly weighted for Summerville to thump a superb finish past Sanchez from 12 yards. Alejandro Garnacho’s dismal display drew the ire of angry Chelsea fans and the Argentine winger was put out of his misery as Rosenior took him off at half-time.
Rosenior also removed Benoit Badiashile and Jorrel Hato, but Sanchez had to save a fierce blast from Mateus Fernandes after the restart.
Sanchez saved again to repel Bowen’s snap-shot, yet just as Chelsea looked down and out, Rosenior’s changes finally paid dividends. Wesley Fofana’s buccaneering run climaxed with a precise cross towards Joao Pedro, who rose highest to head past Alphonse Areola from close-range.
The Brazilian’s fifth goal in his last five games was followed by Chelsea’s 70th minute leveller. Malo Gusto nodded Enzo Fernandez’s cross to Liam Delap for a chance that bounced down off the bar towards Cucurella, whose diving header beat Areola from close-range.
Chelsea were rampant and Fernandez bagged the winner two minutes into stoppage-time.
Joao Pedro pulled his pass across goal and Fernandez thumped past Areola to celebrate his 150th Chelsea appearance in memorable fashion. Todibo couldn’t handle West Ham’s collapse and he saw red after grabbing Joao Pedro around the throat.
Leicester City have confirmed the loan signing of Joe Aribo from Southampton, DAILY POST reports. The move, according to the Foxes, is subject to league approval.
Aribo endured a difficult first half of the season at Southampton, making just seven league appearances, all as a substitute. The Nigeria international is not expected to return to the Saints, with his contract set to expire this summer.
The 29-year-old made 111 appearances for Southampton across four seasons in the Premier League and Sky Bet Championship.
Aribo will now link up with his new teammates as Leicester prepare for their upcoming Sky Bet Championship fixture away at Birmingham City on Saturday.
Al-Nassr forward, Cristiano Ronaldo, boycotting Saudi Pro League games has led to several transfers being held up.
As it stands, Karim Benzema, N’Golo Kanté and Youssef En-Nesyri cannot join new teams.
The potential move of Benzema to Al-Hilal was set to trigger a domino effect, which would have seen Kanté move to Fenerbahçe and En-Nesyri sign for Al-Ittihad. However, Ronaldo is opposed to it, believing the transfers would harm the balance and fair competition of the league.
His frustration comes from the fact that Prince Al Waleed, the outright to-be owner of Al Hilal in the summer — unlike Al Nassr, which is under PIF governance— can use his own personal funds to finalize transfers.
Michael Carrick has been named Manchester United’s new caretaker manager until the end of the season, with the club set to make an official announcement shortly.
Renowned transfer expert Fabrizio Romano confirmed the development, revealing that an agreement had been in place since yesterday and has now been fully concluded, including arrangements for Carrick’s backroom staff.
“Michael Carrick signs in as new Manchester United caretaker manager until the end of the season. Verbal agreement since yesterday, now sorted in all details + backroom staff also. #MUFC official announcement to follow next,” Romano wrote.
Carrick, a former United midfielder and coach, returns to the dugout at Old Trafford at a crucial moment as the club looks to stabilise its campaign and push for a strong finish to the season.
Security on Edge: US Military Moves Into Nigeria Under Tinubu’s Watch
‘Cooking Gas, Petrol Prices Crash Nationwide’ [DETAILS]
REVEALED: Details Of Alleged Terrorism Financing Charge Against Ex AGF Malami
Former Super Eagles Star Loses Life Savings, Duped By A Pastor of ₦1.2 Billion
These ’90s fashion trends are making a comeback in 2017
I’m A Married Man, I Can Never Get Myself Involved With Such A Thing, Delta Gov Aide Reveals Why He Offered Comfort ₦500,000 Job
-
Politics2 days ago2027: Peter Obi Rejects Vice President Role, Declares Next Political Move
-
Politics2 days agoAPC Break Silence On Shettima’s Appointment As Vice President In 2027
-
Politics15 hours agoBREAKING: Tinubu Reportedly Issues Strong Orders To wike And Fubara
-
Sports2 days agoTransfer: Cristiano Ronaldo blocks moves for Benzema, Kante
-
News2 days agoFCT: Court Bars NLC, TUC, Others From Embarking On Planned Protest
-
Sports2 days agoTransfer: Aribo seals loan move to Leicester City
-
Entertainment2 days agoGrammy 2026: I am disappointed in Chioma – Delta Gov’s aide
-
Entertainment1 day agoGrammys: Kendrick Lamar Surpasses Jay-Z As Most-Awarded Rapper