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Mauricio Pochettino's side came from behind to record a 4-1 win at Turf Moor for their second successive victory on the road

It wasn't a pretty showing from Chelsea against Burnley on Saturday, but a dominant second hal showed what Mauricio Pochettino's squad is capable of. Winger Raheem Sterling stole the show, forcing an own-goal to open the scoring for Chelsea, scoring his own and then delivering a blistering assist late in the match.

Burnley opened the scoring just 15 minutes in through 18-year-old winger Wilson Odobert, and the young Frenchman caused havoc all match, with Marc Cucurella likely to have nightmares about their 1v1 duels. With the opening goal in their hands, it looked as though the match was Burnley's to lose, but Sterling's forced own-goal just before the halftime whistle gave the Blues a lifeline, and sparked the comeback.

Cole Palmer doubled Chelsea's lead from the spot six minutes into the second-half, and Sterling added a third in the 61st minute. The England international, who again missed out on the Three Lions squad for their upcoming matches with Australia and Italy, didn't stop there, though, as the 28-year-old delivered a brilliant assist for Nicolas Jackson with 15 minutes to spare. The result marked three-straight victories for Chelsea, and they might – just might – be back to their winning ways,

GOAL rates Chelsea's players from Turf Moor..

Goalkeeper & Defence

Robert Sanchez (6/10):

Made a few crucial saves, but struggled commanding his box and defense throughout the first-half.

Levi Colwill (6/10):

Playing in a left-back role, Colwill has adapted well but didn't bring much to the attack Saturday.

Thiago Silva (7/10):

A dominant showing centrally, closed of any threat in the air in their box.

Axel Disasi (7/10):

Was a brick wall for the Blues, didn't allow much through.

Marc Cucurella (4/10):

Committed a defensive error for Burnley's opening goal and followed it with a wicked lash out on the leg of Wilson Odobert, earning a yellow card.

AdvertisementMidfield

Moises Caicedo (6/10):

Struggled a bit with his positioning early, but overall adapted well and closed down passing lanes.

Enzo Fernandez (8/10):

A brilliant midfield performance, Fernandez orchestrated the match from the middle of the pitch.

Conor Gallagher (7/10):

Assisted Sterling's goal and helped launch the forward momentum over the final 45 minutes.

Attack

Cole Palmer (7/10):

Scored the penalty to give the Blues the go-ahead goal in the 51st minute, and linked up well over the final 45 minutes.

Armando Broja (5/10):

Struggled to find any footing in the match, removed at half-time.

Raheem Sterling (8/10):

Scored the third goal of the match, caused chaos in the box throughout and forced the own-goal to open the scoring for Chelsea.

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Subs & Manager

Nicolas Jackson (7/10):

Scored the fourth goal of the match, and looked to take advantage of his cameo off the bench after serving a one-match suspension.

Mykhailo Mudryk (N/A):

Subbed on with less than 10 minutes to spare, but quality minutes for the winger who left Wednesday's match early due to injury.

Mauricio Pochettino (7/10):

Frankly, it was an awful first 45 minutes from the Blues boss as they were outclassed in almost every sense. However, whatever he said at the half-time break, it worked as we may have seen the best version of his Chelsea yet.

Watching Lionel Messi in action is not cheap, with one Charlotte fan pointing out that entrance to an Inter Miami game “cost more than Taylor Swift”.

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Argentine legend in MLS action2023 campaign come to a closeSupporters spending big on ticketsWHAT HAPPENED?

Entrance passes for Swift’s ‘Eras Tour’ have become much sought-after commodities for the pop star’s loyal legion of ‘Swifties’ followers. Ticket prices have gone through the roof, with fans desperate to catch a glimpse of their hero on the most prominent of stages.

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The same is true in sporting circles when it comes to the Messi roadshow in MLS. The Argentine icon has been attracting A-list guests to just about every fixture he graces, with there a mad scramble for tickets whenever it is confirmed that he will be taking to the field.

DID YOU KNOW?

That was the case for Inter Miami’s final fixture of the 2023 campaign, which took place in Charlotte on Saturday. The Florida-based outfit missed out on a playoff spot, so supporters will not get a chance to see Messi on American soil again until friendly dates ahead of the 2024 season are confirmed.

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WHAT HAPPENS NEXT?

One fan at the Bank of America Stadium made a point of highlighting how much it had set them back to get a seat for the Messi show, with a ‘This cost me more than Taylor Swift’ banner spotted among the 60,000 in attendance for an intriguing contest that saw the hosts secure a 1-0 win and book their place in the postseason.

The audio of the VAR review of Newcastle's goal in their 1-0 win against Arsenal earlier this month has been released.

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VAR discussion released by PGMOLReveals check of controversial goalNewcastle won 1-0 against ArsenalWHAT HAPPENED?

The Professional Game Match Officials Limited (PGMOL) has released the full conversation that took place to review Anthony Gordon's winning goal in the November 4 match. The strike proved controversial as there was a suspicion that the ball had gone out of play before it was sent into the box, while there were also claims of a foul and an offside.

AdvertisementWATCH THE CLIPWHAT VAR SAID

The released audio reveals the conversation that took place between the referee, VAR and assistant VAR as they reviewed the replay.

VAR Andy Madley said that he could find "no conclusive evidence" that the ball had crossed the line before Joe Willock's cross. He then reviewed the possible foul on Gabriel Magalhaes, saying: "I don’t see a specific foul on Gabriel. I see two hands on his back but I don’t see anything of a push that warrants him flying forward like that."

Regarding the possible offside, AVAR Stuart Burt concluded: "I don’t know where the ball is because the ball is being hidden from Joelinton here. So you don’t know where the ball is. And you’ve got no conclusive evidence of Gordon being ahead of the ball. So with the reverse angle that you’ve got, you have not got any opportunity there of where the ball is. With that in my opinion I think you have to award the goal on the evidence."

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The decision to let the goal stand sparked an angry reaction from Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta in his post-match press conference. He said: "Embarrassing what happened – how this goal stands, in the Premier League – this league we say is the best in the world. I've been 20 years in this country and now I feel ashamed. It's a disgrace and there's too much at stake here."

However, a Premier League panel ruled that the decision to let the goal stand was the correct one.

Lionel Messi’s memorable goal for Inter Miami versus Nashville in the Leagues Cup final is being used to inspire the club’s next generation of talent.

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All-time great has starred in the United StatesDelivered historic trophy triumph to FloridaSetting perfect example to stars of tomorrowGettyWHAT HAPPENED?

The eight-time Ballon d’Or winner lit up the first tournament that he graced after making a stunning move to the United States, with his exploits delivering a historic trophy triumph for David Beckham and Co in Florida. Messi netted 10 goals en route to claiming the 44th title of his remarkable career, with one of those efforts breaking the deadlock with major silverware up for grabs.

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Said effort, which saw the mercurial Argentine suddenly burst into life before hitting the back of the net, now forms part of the lessons being handed out in Inter Miami’s academy system. NEXT Pro coach Federico Higuain has told : “He started moving from midfield and ended up scoring next to the box. So, I asked the guys, particularly those who play the number 10 position, to look at what he did and realize that in that role you can create plays but you can also finish them. The question we asked them was ‘Who scored and where did that play begin for him?’ Well, it started in the middle of the field. A 16-year-old can understand and try that.”

GettyWHAT THEY SAID

Higuain – the brother of former Argentina and Inter Miami star Gonzalo – went on to say of Messi’s impact on American soccer as a whole: “Everything has changed, not only our club but the entire league. For us, it represents what perfection is inside the field and outside of it. He gives those of us who are educators an opportunity to have the best soccer has to offer and also the possibility to use his presence to explain to players what it takes to play professionally.”

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DID YOU KNOW?

Inter Miami’s academy director, Victor Pastora, has echoed those sentiments when saying of how special it is to have a character like Messi around – with the all-time great having brought his latest Golden Ball trophy in to show the youngsters looking to follow in his footsteps: “It was an incredible gesture. A clear reflection of the way he carries himself every day in the club. As extraordinary as he is, the gesture didn't surprise us because he is very accessible. He comes almost every afternoon to watch them in training. It’s just the way he is. As normal as he acts and as nice as he is, it’s still every day for the players and everyone here a big shock that, yeah, he’s there. It was his initiative to come and share with the academy players. He knows he inspires and he knows the effect he has on the kids.”

Chelsea boss Emma Hayes has explained why Lauren James was a surprise omission from her side's narrow FA Cup win over Crystal Palace.

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Chelsea beat Palace 1-0 in FA CupRamirez goal helped stave off upsetWinger James absent from victoryGettyWHAT HAPPENED?

Mayra Ramirez's stunning 81st-minute winner secured the Blues' passage into the quarter-finals of the FA Cup after a 1-0 victory over second-tier Palace at Kingsmeadow on Sunday. However, England star James was a notable absentee from the win, with manager Hayes saying she was sent home due to illness.

AdvertisementGetty ImagesWHAT EMMA HAYES SAID

The Chelsea boss said on James' absence: "She was a little bit sick yesterday (Saturday), her tonsils were up and I decided not to take the risk. I told her to go home. She will be fine… you have to make those decisions knowing you’ve got some big games coming up.”

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Chelsea are on course for a record-breaking season as they are top of the Women's Super League, into the knockout stages of the Champions League, the semi-finals of the League Cup, and now the last eight of the FA Cup. Therefore, giving some key players a rest at the right time could be key going forward.

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WHAT NEXT?

Hayes' formidable Chelsea side take on high-flying Manchester City at home in a top of the table WSL clash on Friday night, before having a two-week break and then travelling to mid-table Leicester City on March 3.

The Premier League has announced a £6.7 billion ($8bn) broadcasting rights deal that will see every game outside of the 3pm blackout broadcast live.

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Premier League announce new broadcasting dealSky Sports and TNT net rightsBBC to retain Match of the DayWHAT HAPPENED?

The Premier League have announced a staggering new deal worth £6.7bn that will completely exclude Amazon from the broadcasting cabal, and has instead awarded games to both Sky and TNT. The deal runs for four seasons from the 2025-26 campaign, and Sky will broadcast at least 215 matches per season, with every game from the final day also on television. All matches outside of the traditional 3pm blackout on Saturday will air live and be available for fans to watch. TNT Sports will show 52 matches.

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While games will air this week on Amazon Prime, the broadcaster has been completely shut out of the rights sale, and has not landed a single game. TNT have exclusive rights to 12:30pm Saturday kick-offs, and also have rights to full coverage of two midweek matchdays.

The BBC will continue to air Match of the Day, as they have received full rights to the highlights package for all 380 matches. Their deal signed with the Premier League lasts for four more years.

WHAT PREMIER LEAGUE CEO RICHARD MASTERS SAID

Masters said: "We are delighted to announce new deals with Sky Sports and TNT Sports that will extend our partnership for a further four years and see more Premier League matches than ever before shown live from 2025/26 onwards.

“As longstanding and valued partners, Sky Sports and TNT Sports are renowned for consistently delivering world-class coverage and programming. We have enjoyed record audiences and attendances in recent seasons, and we know that their continued innovation will drive more people to watch and follow the Premier League. 

“We are also extremely pleased to extend our partnership with BBC Sport, which will continue to bring weekly highlights of all Premier League matches to the widest possible audience in the UK. Match of the Day has been an institution for generations of football fans in this country and remains incredibly popular with fans of all ages.

“The outcome of this process underlines the strength of the Premier League and is testament to our clubs, players and managers who continue to deliver the world’s most competitive football in full stadiums, and to supporters, who create an unrivalled atmosphere every week.”

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GettyWHAT NEXT FOR THE PREMIER LEAGUE?

Despite there being some doubts over the feasibility of another immensely valuable rights package being sold, the Premier League continues to be awash with cash. Expect spending to continue at a meteoric rate, as top-flight clubs forked out an incredible £2.3 billion ($2.9bn) in the summer.

Chelsea are plotting a move for another centre-back, with Bayer Leverkusen star Jonathan Tah the latest to be considered by the Blues.

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Chelsea consider signing a new centre-backLooking at options to replace Thiago SilvaTah on their radar amid Leverkusen stardomWHAT HAPPENED?

The west Londoners are looking for a long-term replacement for Thiago Silva and journalist Christian Falk reports that 27-year-old Tah is the latest to come onto their radar. The Germany international has been linked with several Premier League teams in recent transfer windows, including Manchester United and Newcastle.

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Chelsea have already signed several centre-backs in the last year and a half, with the likes of Axel Disasi, Wesley Fofana and Benoit Badiashile coming in, while Levi Colwill returned from a loan spell at Brighton in the summer. They also already have Thiago Silva, Malang Sarr and Trevoh Chalobah available to coach Mauricio Pochettino. But with 39-year-old Silva's contract set to expire in the summer and Chalobah expected to leave, they are in the market for another option.

DID YOU KNOW?

Tah, who is contracted to Leverkusen until the summer of 2025, has been a first-team star for the club since joining from Hamburg in 2015. He has played over 320 matches for the German side in all competitions and has been vital in helping them go top of the Bundesliga under Xabi Alonso this season.

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GettyWHAT NEXT FOR CHELSEA?

Chelsea will weigh up their options as they consider a move for a new defender over the coming months. However, there is a chance that Brazilian veteran Silva will remain at Stamford Bridge, with the club to make a decision over a possible extension in the near future.

Liverpool attacking duo Mohamed Salah and Darwin Nunez will miss Wednesday's fixture against Luton, days before the Carabao Cup final against Chelsea.

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Reds concerned about attacking pairBoth miss Luton clash as Carabao Cup final precautionNine others already ruled out by KloppWHAT HAPPENED?

The Reds are gearing up for a tough week with games against Luton in the Premier League and the cup decider against Chelsea on Sunday. However, reports that both will be absent from Wednesday's Premier League clash at home to Luton, leaving Jurgen Klopp with an incredible 11 first-team absentees.

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Salah came back from a hamstring injury to score in the 4-1 win against Brentford on Saturday – his first Liverpool appearance since January 1. However, the Egypt international is dealing with muscle fatigue. Nunez, who was taken off at half-time as a precaution, is also suffering from a muscle issue. It is believed that both have been ruled out of the Luton clash so as not to be risked ahead of Sunday's Carabao Cup showdown.

WHAT KLOPP SAID

Reds manager Jurgen Klopp told reporters on Tuesday: "There is no game where you can say, ‘Let’s have a look at how the others play at the weekend and if we lose it might be alright’. We cannot see it like that, for us it is game by game who is available and then use them in the best possible way. There is no other chance. If he [Nunez] was fully fit there is no reason to keep him out and no chance for us. That is it. How we said, we go day by day."

And Klopp explained Salah and Nunez's absence for the Luton game ahead of the clash at Anfield, telling : "They couldn’t have played tonight. From here we will see who will be back for Sunday but that is not important at the moment.”

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DID YOU KNOW?

Liverpool are already without nine other first-team players for the upcoming final. Diogo Jota will be out for "months" with his latest injury, while Curtis Jones faces a long period on the sidelines with an ankle problem. Goalkeeper Alisson Becker, Trent Alexander-Arnold and Dominik Szoboszlai are also out. They join longer-term absentees Thiago Alcantara, Stefan Bajcetic, Ben Doak and Joel Matip.

Pep Guardiola has revealed why Kevin De Bruyne did not feature in Manchester City's win over Brentford.

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De Bruyne was unused substitute against BrentfordGuardiola reveals why De Bruyne was restedMan City one point behind Liverpool nowWHAT HAPPENED?

The star midfielder was an unused substitute in Manchester City's narrow 1-0 win over Brentford on Tuesday in the Premier League – with Erling Haaland's 71st-minute strike proving to be the difference between the two sides. After the match, Guardiola explained that De Bruyne had a niggle in his hamstring and was rested in the midweek clash as a precautionary measure.

AdvertisementWHAT PEP GUARDIOLA SAID

Speaking at his post-match press conference, the Cityzens boss said: "He has niggles in his hamstring area and I didn't want to take any risk with him. He's OK, he's OK, it was more about prevention. He said he didn't feel comfortable and the doctors said not to take a risk."

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The 32-year-old missed the first half of the season after suffering a hamstring injury during City's Premier League opener against Burnley in August. He returned to action in the new year in an FA Cup third-round clash against Huddersfield. Since coming back from his injury, the Belgian has provided four assists in the five Premier League games he has played.

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Getty WHAT NEXT FOR MANCHESTER CITY?

With the win over The Bees, the reigning champions reduced the gap to current league leaders Liverpool to just a single a point. City will next face Bournemouth on Saturday, and a win will take them back to the summit with Liverpool set to be busy on Carabao Cup final duty.

Twila Kilgore has warned the United States women's national team that there are "no easy games anymore" after its shock Gold Cup loss to Mexico.

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USWNT suffered shock loss to Mexico on MondayCoach Kilgore confident U.S. can bounce backBut says result shows there are no 'easy games' nowWHAT HAPPENED?

The USWNT was disappointing in Monday's 2-0 defeat, its first on home soil against a CONCACAF opponent since 2000 and only its second ever to Mexico. USWNT interim coach Kilgore is confident her team can respond but she also sent a warning about what this result means about women's soccer as a whole.

AdvertisementWHAT KILGORE SAID

Speaking after the game, Kilgore said: "I think it just shows how far the game is coming and there are no easy games anymore. And if we don’t take care of business and we don’t execute, this is to be expected. We’ll step up and take ownership in that and I think anytime you have a group that is willing to take ownership in things like this, it’s a good thing for the future of the tournament. Everything’s still on the table and we’ll be motivated, that’s for sure."

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The USWNT had already secured its place in the Gold Cup quarter-finals before this loss but it now qualifies from Group A in second place, behind Mexico, and is therefore likely to receive a trickier opponent in the first knockout round.

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DID YOU KNOW?

The last time Mexico beat the USWNT was way back in 2010, in a 2-1 result in CONCACAF Women's World Cup qualifying. That victory came on home soil in Cancun and meant the U.S. had to face a play-off to reach the World Cup in 2011.