^ ^ Chelsea branded ‘weak’ after Xabi Alonso hits out at his ‘soft’ players

Chelsea boss Xabi Alonso has work to do on his defence (Picture: Shutterstock)

Chelsea were held to a 2-2 draw by Hull City on Saturday, with manager Xabi Alonso branding his players ‘soft’ and their defence criticised as ‘weak’.

Morgan Rogers gave the Blues an early lead after just seven minutes, but two goals from Mohamed Belloumi put the Tigers into a shock lead by half-time.

Joao Pedro rescued a point for the home team at Stamford Bridge, but Chelsea’s defence remains cause for great concern.

Alonso has taken charge of six games as Blues boss and the only clean sheet has come against Luton Town in the Carabao Cup.

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Chelsea’s four Premier League games so far have seen nine goals conceded, with only Crystal Palace (11) and Ipswich Town (10) having leakier defences.

Alonso labelled his players as ‘soft’ after the draw on Saturday, saying: ‘I hope that one day you say it was a boring game and we won.

‘For sure, it’s some repeated patterns that we are making. It will take time to fix them. When we get the lead, you still need to be competing and not give the chance so easily for them to come back.

Mohamed Belloumi scored both of Hull’s goals at Stamford Bridge (Picture: (Picture: Shutterstock)

‘Especially in the first goal, we can do much better. It was too soft to give them this hope because until then we were controlling, we were creating chances … It was from a long ball, two bounces. The way it happened, you need to be very, very aware, and very ready that the danger can come from any situation.

‘If you are soft or if you are not prepared, you will get punished.’

Former Swansea City and Everton defender Ashley Williams agreed with Alonso’s assessment and feels the manager has a lot of work to do.

‘They’re 20th in the league for shots faced,’ said the Wales international. ‘I think this team is so good going forward, there’s such an emphasis on in possession and what they can do at the top end of the pitch that in their defensive transitions, they’re struggling so much.

Chelsea next go to Brentford on Friday night (Picture: AFP via Getty Images)

‘They just seem so weak at the back and disjointed. They’re so comfortable with the ball but in transition they just seem to be all over the place.

‘If you’re a top team in the Premier League you can’t just not be able to deal with long straight balls and keep missing headers. It’s all so weak and easy and soft.’

Pedro, who scored his third goal in four league games this season, admitted that Chelsea need to improve and do so quickly.

‘We have to adapt quickly, as soon as possible, because we know how the Premier League is,’ said the 24-year-old. ‘If you drop points, in the end it will be difficult to recover. We need to adapt quickly because if you want to compete, you have to improve on that.

‘We knew if they got in front they were going to sit at the back and wait for us to come and play for the counter-attack. It was a tough game.

‘In the end, we could get one point, but like I said, we need to improve and I think we’re going to improve soon.’

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^ ^ The ‘unacceptable’ decision that left Mikel Arteta ‘sad’ despite Arsenal win at Sunderland

Mikel Arteta was fuming with the officials despite his Arsenal team winning (Picture: Shutterstock)

Arsenal may have won at Sunderland on Saturday night but Mikel Arteta was left fuming with a refereeing decision which could have cost his side.

The Gunners kept up their perfect start to the Premier League season with a 2-0 victory thanks to goals from Bruno Guimaraes and Bukayo Saka.

Things could have been very different, though, as Sunderland were given a penalty on 55 minutes with the game still goalless.

The controversial decision was given as Ezri Konsa was adjudged to have hauled down Dan Ballard in the box, a call that was backed up by VAR.

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Enzo Le Fee saw his spot-kick saved by David Raya and two minutes later Guimaraes gave Arsenal the lead.

Despite picking up three points, the penalty call was still bothering Arteta after the match, saying the officiating was ‘unacceptable’ and accusing Ballard of using a judo move on Konsa.

‘Look, the first question that we have to discuss is, and this is not acceptable at this level, because it was a beautiful game of football, with two teams, with an atmosphere in this stadium, it was unbelievable,’ said Arteta.

Dan Ballard went down while holding Ezri Konsa (Picture: Shutterstock)

‘With Sunderland they are so well organised, they are so good in so many phases, they have great players, they create a lot of issues. We have to cope with all of that, because it was a lot in a really difficult week, after Chelsea and Napoli.

‘And on top of that, we have to go through what we’ve done today, that in my opinion is not acceptable. And I watched it 20 times, and I cannot find a way to understand how we even think to give a penalty in that situation, or the way the VAR has to intervene. So I don’t know what to think, really.

‘But I’m sad that we have to discuss in such a beautiful game something at this level that has the gravity of that, because that changes the course of the season, and it can cost you the championship. And at this level, with all the work that we put in, this cannot happen.’

David Raya was Arsenal’s hero from the penalty (Picture: Getty Images)

Explaining his take on the incident, he said: ‘It’s a judo roll. You don’t think it’s a judo roll and it brings the players on the floor. How can this be a penalty? I don’t know.

‘I cannot find an explanation, honestly. That’s why I’m going to try to find an explanation now.’

Former Swansea City and Everton defender Ashley Williams was in agreement with Arteta, baffled by how the referee and VAR came to their decision.

Ashley Williams and Thomas Frank both believe Sunderland should not have been awarded a penalty against Arsenal ❌ pic.twitter.com/ldtmlFOZ4k

— BBC Sport (@BBCSport) September 12, 2026

‘I think he’s got it completely wrong,’ Williams said on Match of the Day of referee John Brooks.

‘Ezri Konsa’s left shoulder is pulled down by Dan Ballard, means he spins round and he obviously lands on top of Dan Ballard.

‘Mikel Arteta’s right, it’s almost a perfect hip toss, like in judo. He’s got hold of him, he can’t do anything about it, he has to roll over.

‘It’s very clever by Dan Ballard but in no way is it a penalty. If anything it has to be a foul the other way.’

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^ ^ Enzo Maresca says Man Utd do one thing more than any other Premier League team

Enzo Maresca expects direct play from a ‘dangerous’ Manchester United (Picture: Shutterstock)

Manchester City manager Enzo Maresca expects to see a very direct approach from Manchester United in the derby on Sunday, saying Michael Carrick’s side go long more than any other in the Premier League.

Maresca takes his team to Old Trafford and is looking to keep up his 100 per cent record in the Premier League since taking charge at City, having won his first three top flight games.

It has not been such a good start to the season for the Red Devils, having lost at Hull City on the opening day of the campaign and dropping points at Everton in a 2-2 draw last time out.

Maresca is not underestimating United, though, seeing them as ‘very dangerous’ with a style of play that is more direct than any other side in the division.

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‘They are the team in the Premier League at the moment who plays the most balls in behind,’ said the Manchester City boss.

‘It’s quite clear that they’re very dangerous and they don’t need many passes. They are quite direct when they recover the ball.’

Maresca had praise for the job Carrick has done, since stepping in as interim manager midway through last season and then earning the role on a permanent basis.

Michael Carrick has big choices to make in his team selection (Picture: Shutterstock)

‘I think he’s doing a fantastic job since last season,’ said the Italian. ‘He took over in a complicated situation, finished very well.

‘This season more or less starts in the same way so he’s doing a very good job.’

Maresca may be expecting to face plenty of balls over the top of his defence, but it is not clear who his City side will be taking on in United’s front line.

Carrick has Matheus Cunha, Bryan Mbeumo, Marcus Rashford and Benjamin Sesko to choose from and has been talking up the different threats they all bring.

Benjamin Sesko scored in the Champions League win over Sabah on Thursday (Picture: Getty Images)

‘It’s obvious they have different strengths,’ he said. ‘I think there’s principles of what we’re trying to achieve as a team and the way we’re trying to play it would hopefully doesn’t change too much with personnel, but it definitely gives us different options, if that makes sense.

‘We still want to play a certain way, try certain things, but there’s a different threat to Ben, to Matheus, to Bryan, to Marcus, you know, to whoever’s up there.

‘So it’s a little bit on the opposition and just the balance of our team as well, and certain things we want to, we want to attack, certain spaces or whatever that may be. Sometimes it’s in possession, sometimes it’s without the ball, and certain things we’ve got to defend certain areas. So it’s quite a bit that goes into it.’

It remains to be seen who will be playing at left-back for United as well, with Luke Shaw an injury doubt for the Manchester derby.

Patrick Dorgu played on the left of defence against Sabah in the Champions League on Thursday and could be drafted in again if Shaw has not recovered.

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^ ^ Rúben Dias - The Football Interview

In this week’s edition of The Football Interview, Kelly Somers speaks to Manchester City defender Rúben Dias. They discuss the transition into life under Enzo Maresca, after a decade of success with Pep Guardiola at the helm. They also get into how things have changed with Bernardo Silva and John Stones leaving over the summer. He reflects on the impact on his parents early on in his success to becoming one of the greatest central defenders in the world.

Timecodes: 0’20 - What’s it like under Enzo Maresca? 1’25 - The changes in key players and his excitement for the future 4’05 - the best moment under Pep Guardiola 6’10 - Influence of his parents early on & Benfica academy 9’57 - Is he a deep thinker? 10’50 - How he enjoys his own time 11’45 - What can he achieve into his thirties?

^ ^ Sunderland vs Arsenal: Predicted lineup today and confirmed team news

White went off injured against Napoli (Picture: Shutterstock Editorial)

Arsenal have no fresh injury concerns as they head to Sunderland in tonight’s Premier League action.

The Gunners have won their opening three games of the new season – conceding just once – and got their Champions League campaign up and running with a win over Napoli on Wednesday.

Ben White has been ever-present in the starting XI this season but came off late on in Naples, appearing to be in some discomfort.

The former Brighton defender is ‘fine’ according to his manager however and is expected to take his place in the side at the Stadium of Light tonight.

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Ezri Konsa has impressed at the heart of defence alongside Gabriel Magalhaes, drafted in against Chelsea and Napoli after an injury for Cristhian Mosquera.

The Spain international had started the season at centre-half in place of the injured William Saliba but an injury suffered in the win over Aston Villa opened up space for Konsa to come in.

Arteta confirmed on Friday that Mosquera is ‘progressing well’ and could be in contention to make the squad today.

Timber has been impressing in training (Picture: Getty)

Timber meanwhile is continuing to step his recovery from a groin problem that has prevented him from starting a game since March.

Arteta hailed his efforts in training this week but it remains to be seen when the Dutchman will be considered for selection.

Saliba remains a long-term absentee as he recovers from his back problem.

Arsenal XI to face Napoli – Metro prediction

Arteta was able to rotate his side midweek in the Champions League with Viktor Gyokeres, Eberechi Eze, Mikel Merino and Piero Hincapie coming in.

Bruno Guimaraes came off the bench after his recent issue with Arsenal fans eager to see him start alongside Declan Rice in the heart of midfield.

Myles Lewis-Skelly hasn’t put a foot wrong in that role however and will be hopeful of keeping his spot.

Sunderland vs Arsenal TV channel, live stream and kick-off time

The Premier League match takes place this afternoon (Saturday 12 September) with kick-off scheduled for 8pm.

You can watch the match live on TNT Sports 1 with streaming also available through the HBO Max app.

You can also follow all the action with Metro’s LIVE matchday blog.

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^ ^ Chelsea vs Hull: Predicted lineup today and confirmed team news

Caicedo is still to start a game this season (Picture: Ashley Western/Shutterstock)

Chelsea will be without Moises Caicedo when they take on Hull City at Stamford Bridge this afternoon.

The Ecuador international is still to start a game for the Blues this season due to an injury picked up in the days before the opening game against Fulham.

Caicedo made the bench against Brighton and was called upon in the second-half against his former club.

Just 14 minutes later however he was forced off having aggravated the injury, missing last weekend’s showdown with Arsenal as a result.

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Xabi Alonso confirmed on Friday the midfielder will not be in the squad today with Brentford next weekend a possible return date.

The Blues head coach is short another option in midfield with Jordan Henderson still working his way back after the wrist injury he suffered with England at the World Cup.

Summer signing Marco Palestra is also unavailable.

Chelsea XI to face Hull – Metro prediction

Romeo Lavia has started the season impressively but Caicedo’s absence has left him without a regular partner in midfield. Reece James is likely to continue in that midfield role, starting in the middle of the park against Arsenal last time out.

Levi Colwill was an unused substitute at the Emirates, returning to the team for the Carabao Cup thriller against Leeds United midweek.

The centre-half went off after 76 minutes, heading straight down the tunnel but Alonso allayed fears over any fresh injury issues for the 23-year-old.

Chelsea vs Hull TV channel, live stream and kick-off time

The Premier League match takes place this afternoon (Saturday 12 September) with kick-off scheduled for 3pm.

Given that kick-off slot, the match will not be broadcast live in the UK.

But you can follow all the action with Metro’s LIVE matchday blog.

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^ ^ Man Utd dealt blow as details of Lewis Hall’s Newcastle contract are revealed

Lewis Hall’s new contract will keep him at Newcastle until 2031 (Photo: Newcastle United)

Manchester United’s chances of signing Lewis Hall have taken a huge blow as details of his Newcastle United contract extension have been revealed.

It is no secret that Michael Carrick wanted to sign a new left-back during the summer transfer window, with Hall emerging as his top target.

The 22-year-old has developed into one of the Premier League’s best full-backs since leaving Chelsea for St. James’ Park three years ago.

His efforts have helped Newcastle win the Carabao Cup and qualify for the Champions League, though he was surprisingly left out of the England squad for the 2026 World Cup.

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The Magpies repeatedly told the Red Devils that Hall was not for sale at any price this summer, but it was reported that the defender was very much open to moving to Old Trafford.

That no longer appears to be the case however, as Newcastle announced on Friday that Hall has signed a new five-year contract with the club.

Moreover, as reported by The Athletic, there is no set release clause in the new deal, strengthening the Magpies’ position and making it more difficult for Man Utd to sign the player in the future.

Hall has two assists in the opening five games of the season (Photo: Getty)

It was reported that the Red Devils were still very interesting in making a move for Hall next summer, but he will now surely command a premium price tag.

Carrick has just one senior natural left-back at his disposal for this season in the shape of Luke Shaw, but Patrick Dorgu did play there in the Champions League win over Sabah on Thursday, and was named Player of the Match.

Man Utd face rivals Manchester City on Sunday in the Premier League, while Newcastle travel to Leeds United on Monday night.

Man Utd will find it even tougher to sign Hall now (Photo: Getty)

‘I’m absolutely delighted,’ Hall, who has played every minute of the campaign so far, said upon signing his contract extension.

‘It’s a really proud moment. It’s an absolute pleasure to play for this club and to represent the supporters. I know how much it means to them.

‘The fanbase and the support we get here, whether it’s at St. James’ Park or away, it’s the best in the league in my opinion. To be able to bring joy to their faces, it’s a big thing for me.

‘I obviously have a family connection with the club, which is incredibly important to us all. One of the main reasons I play is to make my family proud, and I know how much it means to them to watch me playing for Newcastle United.

‘It’s a really good place to be. It’s really pleasing with how we’ve started the season, especially with the new Gaffer and coaching staff coming in, and I think we can go on to achieve really big things.’

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