Straight Outta Cobham: The Athletic FC's Chelsea show

Palmerless and toothless in Arsenal defeat - while CFCW lift the League Cup

·42 min·4 clips

Chelsea's 0.35 xG at Arsenal was their lowest ever under Maresca—how did their attack collapse so completely?

The episode opens with hosts Matt Davies-Adams and Simon Johnson discussing Chelsea's 1-0 loss at Arsenal, where Chelsea registered their lowest xG (0.35) under manager Enzo Maresca. Simon Johnson notes the team looked 'beaten before the game started' and highlights a mentality issue in big away games. Liam Twomey joins to analyze Maresca's team selection, including Robert Sanchez in goal and a defensive lineup with three left-footers. The panel critiques Chelsea's lack of attacking threat, with only eight shots in the match and no touches in Arsenal's box in the first 30 minutes. Listener feedback describes Chelsea as 'the most boring team to watch' and questions Maresca's approach. Simon Johnson details Chelsea's poor record against top sides, with just one win in 26 games against Liverpool, Arsenal, Manchester City, and Manchester United since 2022. Liam Twomey discusses Maresca's tactical strengths in pre-game planning but weaknesses in in-game adjustments, citing examples where Chelsea failed to react to opposition changes. The conversation turns to players like Christopher Nkunku and Jadon Sancho, who struggled against Arsenal, with speculation they may not be at Chelsea next season. Listener perspectives offer some positivity, noting Chelsea are fourth in the league, but concerns remain about the club's direction under ownership. The episode shifts to Chelsea Women's 2-1 League Cup final win over Manchester City, breaking a curse of three straight final losses. Goals from Mayra Ramirez and a Yui Hasegawa own goal secured the trophy on a poor pitch at Pride Park. The panel praises Millie Bright's leadership and the team's winning culture, contrasting it with the men's struggles. Updates include Amari Kellyman's hamstring injury for the U21s and upcoming podcast specials on Chelsea's 120th anniversary.

As heard by us

Chelsea's split weekend frames a pointed big-game debate as the women's side finally ends its League Cup wait.

Chelsea's weekend splits neatly in two, with the men's defeat at Arsenal leaving Champions League hopes under pressure and the women's side ending its League Cup wait with a first trophy of the season.

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Why you'd press play

You get Chelsea's Arsenal comedown and the women's first trophy of the season in one sharply split-screen listen.

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