Straight Outta Cobham: The Athletic FC's Chelsea show

We don't want your shorts, Enzo...

Matt Davies-Adams has got Jessy Parker Humphreys and Liam Twomey alongside him run the rule over the *slamming shut* of the transfer window AND the crucial three points against the Hammers.

We begin with events on the field, as Chelsea came from behind to win a Premier League game at Stamford Bridge in which they’ve trailed at half time for the first time since December 2013 (no, seriously!). We reflect on the 2-1 win over West Ham - with the help of Simon at the ground - which certainly wasn't pretty but was mightily important for Enzo Maresca.

Then - we attempt to round up all the deadline day deals, including the loan departures of Disasi, Felix, Chilwell and Chukwuemeka - as well as a host of academy products. What does it all mean?!

With Jessy in tow it would be rude not to check in with the latest news surrounding CFCW - still unbeaten after a scrappy 1-0 win at Aston Villa courtesy of a fortunate late own goal but with Keira Walsh already looking like she could be a key difference maker with the quadruple still on...

We'll be back on Thursday to preview Saturday night's trip to the seaside to take on Brighton in the 4th round of the FA Cup!

HOST: Matt Davies-Adams

WITH: Liam Twomey, Jessy Parker Humphreys and Simon Johnson

PRODUCER: Lucy Oliva

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

We're in for a very busy Monday...

Matt Davies-Adams has got Luke Bosher and Liam Twomey in tow to look ahead to the impending Graham Potter reunion.

But we begin with everyone's favourite transfer window rumour mill chat - including the ongoing interest in Mathys Tel, potential late approaches for a striker, the sorry Ben Chilwell situation, the peculiar case of Deivid Washington AND an audacious deadline day swoop for Keira Walsh!

Then, we turn our attention to matters on the pitch and the visit of West Ham to Stamford Bridge under the lights on Monday night. We try and imagine a life at Stamford Bridge had Graham Potter not been sacked after just 31 games in charge...

We've of course got all your other Blues news covered - and a quiz!

We'll be back on Tuesday to reflect on the West Ham game and tell you how CFCW got on against Aston Villa...

HOST: Matt Davies-Adams

WITH: Luke Bosher and Liam Twomey

PRODUCER: Lucy Oliva

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Therapy's in session, buckle up...

Matt Davies-Adams is joined by The Athletic's Liam Twomey and Simon Johnson to take a look back on the fairly disastrous 3-1 defeat at Manchester City.

There's no hanging about as we dissect the tactical ineptitude, lack of accountability on the pitch and failings from the manager through to the sporting directors...

One thing we can ALWAYS count on though are the mighty CFCW - who took an even firmer grip on the WSL title race thanks to the 1-0 win over Arsenal at a raucous Stamford Bridge. Jessy Parker Humphreys sent us their thoughts after another statement victory for Sonia Bompastor's side.

Plus, Renato Veiga's in Turin, Kepa's not coming back - but are we expecting any last minute transfer business from the Blues?

We'll be back on Thursday to preview the now even more significant Monday night meeting with Graham Potter's West Ham.

HOST: Matt Davies-Adams

WITH: Simon Johnson, Liam Twomey and Jessy Parker Humphreys

PRODUCER: Lucy Oliva

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Be more PSG, Chelsea...

Matt Davies-Adams has got two of The Athletic's finest, Luke Bosher and Simon Johnson alongside him for your second weekly dose of Blues chat.

We begin with a look at the latest transfer news - including the record-breaking arrival of USA defender Naomi Girma. We pushed the emergency voice note klaxon so Jessy Parker Humphreys could tell us all about the 24-year-old and what she'll bring to the club. On the men's side - we console Luke over news that Renato Veiga is set to spend the rest of the campaign and Juventus, and check in on the rumours of Garnacho coming in...

Then, it's all eyes on Manchester City on Saturday evening, with Enzo Marseca's side travelling to face a City side two points behind them in the table and reeling from their 4-2 defeat by PSG in the Champions League. We look ahead to that game and ponder the midfield options and approach to taking on the uncharacteristically poor Citizens.

Plus, can Simon build upon his remarkable performance in last week's quiz and get another big win?

We'll be back on Monday to reflect on the the trip to Manchester City, that huge WSL clash with Arsenal coming to Stamford Bridge - and bring you up to speed with all the other Blues news!

HOST: Matt Davies-Adams

WITH: Luke Bosher, Simon Johnson and Jessy Parker Humphreys

PRODUCER: Lucy Oliva

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Welcome back, Trevoh...

Matt Davies-Adams has got Liam Twomey and Jessy Parker Humphrey's alongside him to look back on the much-needed 3-1 victory over Wolves on Monday night.

We highlight Chalobah's triumphant return to Stamford Bridge, the ongoing concerns around Robert Sanchez which just aren't going away - and worry about the lack of midfield options following the latest potentially long-term injuries to Enzo and Lavia.

There's a closer look at the transfer window, including rumours of an approach for Alejandro Garnacho, the possibility of yet more loan recalls due to the midfield injury woes - and news of another youthful signing.

Plus, Chelsea Women returned to WSL action in emphatic style with a 5-0 victory over West Ham. Next up, the small matter of a London derby with Arsenal - where a win would probably all but seal a sixth straight title...

We'll be back on Thursday to preview the trip to the Etihad to take on a Manchester City side who unfortunately seemed to have remembered how to play football again...

HOST: Matt Davies-Adams

WITH: Liam Twomey and Jessy Parker Humphreys

PRODUCER: Lucy Oliva

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

We've missed you, Reece (and Trevoh...)...

The Athletic's Chelsea writers Liam Twomey and Simon Johnson are alongside Matt Davies-Adams to look back on the 2-2 draw with Bournemouth. We lament yet another second half collapse, weigh up the positives and negatives of Nicholas Jackson - and revisit the accusations of tactical naivety levelled at Enzo Maresca.

So, a response is needed on Monday night against a Wolves side who sit inside the relegation zone but have form when it comes to picking up three points and springing a surprise at Stamford Bridge..

We also touch base with the latest January transfer window activity - including the recall of Trevoh Chalobah from Crystal Palace and the rumoured departures of Christopher Nkunku and Axel Disasi - and the news that the club have been found PSR compliant.

Plus - have we seen the greatest performance in the history of the quiz?

We'll be back on Tuesday to reflect on the visit of Wolverhampton Wanderers and find out how Chelsea Women get on back in WSL action against West Ham on Sunday afternoon.

HOST: Matt Davies-Adams

WITH: Liam Twomey and Simon Johnson

PRODUCER: Lucy Oliva

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Say it ain't so, Renato...

Matt Davies-Adams has got The Athletic's Chelsea experts Liam Twomey and Simon Johnson alongside him to analyse the 5-0 victory over Morecambe in the FA Cup to set up a trip to Brighton in the fourth round. We talk missed opportunities for Nkunku, Tosin's goals and leadership - and the surprising news that a certain muse of Luke's could be on his way out the door...

Then, a far more serious challenge presents itself - with high-flying Bournemouth visiting Stamford Bridge on Tuesday night in the Premier League. Just how important is it for the Blues to bag all three points if they're to maintain their hopes of a top four finish?

Elsewhere, Chelsea Women returned to action after the winter break with a comfortable 4-0 win over Charlton in the fourth round of the FA Cup. Jessy Parker Humphrey's sends in their full-time thoughts after the final whistle at Kingsmeadow!

We'll be back on Thursday to run the rule over the meeting with the Cherries - and preview Monday night's visit of Wolves.

HOST: Matt Davies-Adams

WITH: Simon Johnson, Liam Twomey & Jessy Parker Humphreys

PRODUCER: Lucy Oliva

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

No 'cupsets' welcome round here...

The Athletic's Simon Johnson and Luke Bosher are alongside Matt Davies-Adams to preview Saturday's FA Cup third round tie with lowly League Two outfit Morecambe at Stamford Bridge.

We look ahead to that game, ponder team selection and the wider importance of the competition to the club.

As transfer rumours continue to swirl we take a look at some of latest news to come out - including a potential approach for Manchester United's Kobbie Mainoo, interest in Cobham graduate Marc Guehi - and a Bundesliga move for Carney Chukwuemeka?

Plus, can our quizzers regain some dignity after last week's underwhelming start to 2025?!

We'll be back on Monday to look back on the FA Cup and look ahead to Tuesday's visit of Bournemouth in the Premier League.

HOST: Matt Davies-Adams

WITH: Luke Bosher and Simon Johnson

PRODUCER: Lucy Oliva

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

The winless run extends to four games...

Matt Davies-Adams has got Liam Twomey and Luke Bosher alongside him to run the rule over Saturday's 1-1 draw with Crystal Palace at Selhurst Park.

Our Eagles expert Dom Fifield is back to give his take on the game - before we take a closer look at the Blues' profligacy in front of goal, concerns over squad depth and the leggy midfield problem.

Then, with the January transfer window very much open we ponder some of the potential movers and shakers. What does the future hold for the likes of Ben Chilwell and Carney Chukwuemeka? Will the club be tempted to sign a striker? Are any loan moves on the cards?

We'll be back on Thursday to preview the visit of League Two strugglers Morecambe in the third round of the FA Cup!

HOST: Matt Davies-Adams

WITH: Luke Bosher, Liam Twomey and Dom Fifield

PRODUCER: Lucy Oliva

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

A not so Merry Christmas after all...

Matt Davies-Adams is back for the first time in 2025 and joined by The Athletic's Chelsea experts Liam Twomey and Simon Johnson to look back on the damaging back-to-back festive defeats at the hands of Fulham and Ipswich.

We've got reports from the final whistle at both, before we reflect on the disappointment and question where this leaves their hopes of a top four finish, weaknesses within the squad and the pressure it puts on Enzo Maresca to find solutions.

Then, our old friend Dom Fifield stops by to help us look ahead to Saturday's trip to a resurgent Crystal Palace.

We'll be back on Monday to reflect on the visit to Selhurst and bring you up to speed with anything else that's happened in the wonderful world of Chelsea.

HOST: Matt Davies-Adams

WITH: Simon Johnson, Liam Twomey and Dom Fifield

PRODUCER: Lucy Oliva

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.