6 h. ago Delap is Chelsea’s shiny new toy but uncut gem Jackson offers rare point of difference | Jonathan Liew

While battle lines are drawn between the two strikers with very different journeys to the top, there is a way both can thrive“They are quite similar,” Enzo Maresca said last week of Liam Delap and Nicolas Jackson, but of course nobody wanted to take any notice of that bit. Already battle lines are being drawn, positions entrenched. Delap or Jackson. Jackson or Delap. One must survive. One must go reluctantly on loan to Serie A. Those are just the rules.On these terms alone, it’s been a very good week for Delap. Against Flamengo in the Club World Cup on Friday, he was preferred up front, and played with bristling, controlled aggression for more than an hour before making way for Jackson. He then watched as his replacement lost possession with his first touch, went studs‑up with his second, was sent off and scapegoated for Chelsea’s 3-1 defeat, and later issued a grovelling apology on social media for his actions. Continue reading...

Politics

17 h. ago Liam Delap reveals Cole Palmer role in choosing Chelsea over Man Utd

Chelsea snapped up Liam Delap for £30m despite interest from Manchester United and the former Manchester City striker has revealed that a chat with Blues star Cole Palmer helped him make his decision

Politics

19 h. ago Liam Delap: New Chelsea striker hints 'old school' play style could be his edge over Nicolas Jackson

Jackson handed Delap an early advantage in their battle for striker supremacy when he was sent off against Flamengo

Events

20 h. ago Chelsea: Enzo Maresca faces Club World Cup selection dilemma as six stars face suspension

The Blues progression to the knockout stage is not yet confirmed ahead of a final group stage tie

Politics

23 h. ago Liam Delap reveals Cole Palmer conversation ahead of Chelsea move

Former Man City had the choice of multiple clubs for his next destination

Politics

26 h. ago Liam Delap explains why he sealed Chelsea transfer after Manchester United snub

Liam Delap swapped Ipswich Town for Chelsea after holding talks with Man United about a move to Old Trafford.

Sport

47 h. ago Nicolas Jackson's 'transfer price set' as ruthless Chelsea make call after 'stupid' actions

Nicolas Jackson's availability status at Chelsea appears to have changed following Liam Delap's arrival and his latest red card picked up at the FIFA Club World Cup, and the Blues have a fee in mind

Sport

3 d. ago Chelsea striker Nicolas Jackson issues lengthy public apology: 'I let you down'

Nicolas Jackson's position at Chelsea is under threat from Liam Delap, and his response to losing his place to the £30m new boy on his birthday was a shocker

Events

4 d. ago Football transfer rumours: Liverpool move for Guéhi? Rashford to Newcastle?

Today’s rumours are working in the gardenMarcus Rashford’s future is very much in the category of “up in the air”. The chances of him ever playing for Manchester United look slim-to-none as he will not be given a boarding pass for the club’s US tour, while a dream move to Barcelona is going up in smoke. A few Serie A clubs have had a sniff but his wages might be a stumbling block. What he really needs is a Champions League club with plenty of cash. Step in Newcastle. The Magpies are back in the bigger time next season, will be eager to make a statement signing or two, and Rashford fits the bill. Liam Delap chose Chelsea over Newcastle and Eddie Howe likes to have the best English talent at his disposal, so Rashford would be an ideal candidate as an extra attacking option.It takes a brave man to move from Liverpool to Everton (and vice versa). Nick Barmby, Abel Xavier and Gary Ablett did the Merseyside double in their time and the next potential candidate is Ben Doak. The Scottish te...

Sport

4 d. ago Arsenal duo to battle new Chelsea star for PFA Young Player of the Year award as shortlist revealed

Three of Chelsea’s domestic Treble winners are in the running for women’s Young Player of the Year

Sport

5 d. ago Arsenal icon worried about Mikel Arteta's decision after £30million transfer deal

Arsenal hero Theo Walcott has admitted to being "worried" by Chelsea's move to sign Ipswich striker Liam Delap, who he has also tipped to be England's next great No. 9

Economics

6 d. ago I knew I was different to other children growing up and began self harming at eight years old. Then a rare diagnosis explained everything

John Junior, a mental health campaigner from Manchester, said they felt misunderstood and 'different' throughout their childhood, and they began to self-harm around the age of eight.

Society

6 d. ago Has a striker scored more goals for their country than in club football? | The Knowledge

Plus: goal-difference chasms between league-table neighbours, a rare Welsh feat in defeat, and more• Mail us with your questions and answers“During the Liechtenstein v Scotland game there was a reference to Billy Gilmour scoring more goals for Scotland (2) than his various clubs (0). But has a recognised striker ever finished their career with more goals for their country than their clubs?” asks Stuart McLagan.The structure of women’s football in North America, particularly before the NWSL was founded in 2012, makes it the likeliest source of an answer to this question. There was no league at all in the US between 2003 and 2009, and to this day players sometimes appear more for their country than their club in a calendar year. Continue reading...

Sport

7 d. ago Chelsea: Why Cole Palmer is one of the biggest winners from Liam Delap signing

Link-up play between Palmer and Delap against LAFC was encouraging for Blues

Politics

7 d. ago Chelsea: Mikel John Obi makes Liam Delap prediction after fans are denied dream Victor Osimhen signing

Former Blues midfielder has commented again on the striker situation after Liam Delap’s arrival

Sport

7 d. ago Chelsea: Enzo Maresca reacts to Liam Delap debut as Nicolas Jackson striker battle begins

Blues boss encouraged by new £30million signing’s instant impact as familiarity with system pays off already

Events

7 d. ago Liam Delap sends Nicolas Jackson message over Chelsea striker battle after debut impact

New £30million signing ready for the fight ahead as both forwards impress with an assist apiece in opening Club World Cup win over LAFC

Events

7 d. ago Chelsea boosted by striker battle as Liam Delap lays down Nicolas Jackson challenge

Both Blues forwards impress in opening Club World Cup win over LAFC, with Enzo Maresca set for welcome headache

Events

7 d. ago Liam Delap makes Chelsea claim on night to forget for FIFA's Club World Cup

Chelsea beat LAFC in their Club World Cup opener - but it was a bad night for FIFA as nearly 50,000 seats were left empty as fans stayed away at the Mercedes Benz Stadium

Politics

7 d. ago Delap impact helps Chelsea see off LAFC at Club World Cup but fans stay away

Group D: Chelsea 2-0 LAFC (Neto 34, Fernández 79)Attendance of 22,137 for game at 75,000-capacity venueThe good news for the marketing gurus at Fifa is that the 22,137 fans who turned up to watch Chelsea cruise past Los Angeles FC in their Club World Cup opener at least witnessed the surge of excitement provided by Liam Delap coming off the bench to spark an otherwise forgettable contest into life on his debut.In reality this will not go down as one of the great sporting occasions. The Mercedes-Benz Stadium can hold crowds of 75,000 but staging this match at 3pm on a Monday afternoon was probably not the wisest scheduling move. Continue reading...

Sport