Sports
The rock behind Chelsea’s entertainers: Midfield duo key for Blues
There is a strong argument that Chelsea find it easier to cope without the creativity of Cole Palmer than without Caicedo’s ability in possession and his knack for breaking up play in midfield.
In his 150th appearance for the club, Caicedo lasted 72 minutes.
His withdrawal for Romeo Lavia was planned, but the Ecuador international still made a significant impact.
Alonso deployed him in a deep role, dropping into the middle of the back three when Chelsea were in possession and allowing young defender Josh Acheampong to push forward.
He misplaced just two passes and recorded the highest pass-completion rate of any Chelsea starter. He also made and won more tackles than any other Chelsea player on Saturday afternoon.
With Caicedo in the side, Chelsea have won 48.1% of their Premier League matches. Without him, that figure drops to 25%.
Alonso said: “You always want to have Moises on the pitch. With him, we have a better midfield area and when you are better in the middle, you have a more complete team.
“I think that is something to build around. With the players that we have up front, they are solid in defence as well. So, I’m happy that Moises is feeling better because he’s going to be a key player for us. We knew that.”
The alternative options in Chelsea’s midfield include captain Reece James, who is able to play in defence, along with substitutes Romeo Lavia and Valentin Barco, who did not make the matchday squad.
It is most likely James who will be attempting to re-take his place from Henderson when back, but the diagnosis on his knee issues remains uncertain.
Chelsea remain a work in progress and conceded again through poor set-piece defending for Evanilson’s goal.
However, if Henderson and Caicedo can help eliminate the defensive lapses, Chelsea can begin to look up the table, with Pedro, Rogers and Palmer already helping to make them the Premier League’s top scorers.
Alonso said: “I think that they help each other well and they give presence, they give stability.
“You know that they are going to be the ones that are going to be helping the rest, not just for their qualities because they understand the game. They can play in shorter spaces but as well defensively they give good balance.”
Former England striker Alan Shearer told BBC Sport: “Caicedo makes a difference. There’s no doubt about it. He gives Chelsea a bit more solidity and stops the ball getting into the back four.
“He and Henderson have worked really well, the opening goal being a good example. He definitely makes them more solid, I’ve been really impressed.”
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Sports
Ulster 26-26 Munster: Ulster fight back to earn thrilling URC draw in Belfast
Ulster: McIlroy; Baloucoune, Benson, McCloskey, Stockdale; Murphy, Doak; O’Sullivan, Stewart (capt), Knox, Donnell, Snyman, Izuchukwu, Timoney, Augustus.
Replacements: Walker, O’Toole, McAllister, McNabney, McCann, Devine, Flannery, Mullins.
Yellow cards:
Munster: O’Connor; McCarthy, Nankivell, Kelly, O’Brien; Hanrahan, Casey; Loughman, Van der Merwe, Brookes; O’Connell, Beirne (capt); O’Donoghue, Kendellen, Coombes.
Replacements: Clein, Wycherley, Aungier, Foy, Gleeson, O’Donovan, O’Shea, Hodnett.
Referee: Craig Evans (WRU)
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Sports
‘Reminds me of Muller’ – Naderi proving worth in Rangers revival
Naderi now has three goals in his past two league games, having scored the winner in Rangers’ 1-0 league win away to Celtic before the break.
That alone elevated his status among an initially sceptical support who had watched the 23-year-old struggle to make an impact after singing from German third-tier side Hansa Rostock in February.
Just one league goal – and two in a League Cup trouncing of Queen’s Park – followed last season, with observers unconvinced he had the attributes to be a starting striker at the club.
Such assessments seem to have dissipated as he has surged to the fore in the absence of injured team-mates Lawrence Shankland and Youssef Chermiti.
Six goals and three assists, often key interventions, have elevated his status as he adds end product to his physical prowess.
A crucial assist in the late win over St Mirren when Bojan Miovski scored a vital winner was notable.
Naderi has netted winners against Motherwell and Celtic and his two goals against Kilmarnock proved decisive.
His manager agrees Naderi, who made his Czech Republic debut last week, has stepped up to the plate for Rangers at a good time.
“Yes, and fair play to him,” McInnes said. “He’s always such an honest boy, he’s willing to put defenders under pressure.
“I’ve always felt as a striker that if the ball goes in the box, he’ll score his goals. He’s not the type of striker that creates a lot for himself, so he needs that service.
“If we put the ball in the box, as we did in the first half, then he looks a threat.
“He’s had such a good few weeks. Everybody’s so pleased for him. We need someone who would regularly be the goalscorer here at the club.”
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Sports
10-man Spurs grab a draw but who got 1/10 – Ratings for Man Utd v Spurs
Senne Lammens: Made a major early error that could have had disastrous consequences but the Belgian recovered to make the save from Dominic Solanke. Mis-control shortly afterwards showed more signs of nerves and pass straight out of play summed up United’s first half hour. Might have done better for equaliser. 5
Leny Yoro (off 59, Dalot): Given a start after making France debut and excellent tackle to deny Jan Paul van Hecke a clear sight at goal. Decent effort. 7
Harry Maguire: Usual solid presence at the heart of the home defence but no chance to threaten at the other end and fact he did try a shot from 30 yards suggested lack . 7
Lisandro Martinez: Partnership with Maguire a plus point for Man Utd but was totally outmuscled by Solanke for Spurs’ equaliser. 6
Luke Shaw: One of the home side’s more consistent performers and got forward to force a corner early in the second period and made a vital intervention at the other end. Lucky to avoid red card for his reactionary shove on Rodrigo Bentancur? 6
Kobbie Mainoo: Caught in possession on too many occasions, even if the passes he was receiving inside his own half were ill-advised. Tried to get on the ball in deep lying midfield role. Excellent block to deny Savio. 7
Youri Tielemans (off 59, Baleba): Lucky to get away with being robbed by Savio deep in the United half due to debatable free-kick but calm in heading the ball back to Lammens to relieve pressure on home goal. 6
Amad Diallo (off 59, Zirkzee): Took a long time to get into the game on his first appearance of the season but eventually had home side’s first shot. 6
Bruno Fernandes: Shadow of the player who deservedly won all the player of the year awards last season. Didn’t shoot when had the chance suggests confidence levels have dipped. 5
Matheus Cunha: Reaction to negativity from the stands shows he cares but, like many, yet to reach last term’s levels. Provided the pass for Mbuemo’s goal. 6
Bryan Mbeumo: Didn’t have enough support to be effective in the lead striking role but led one counter and turned smartly to score United’s goal. 8.
Subs:
Diogo Dalot (on 59, Yoro): Nearly set up Bruno Fernandes with cross from the right. 5
Carlos Baleba (on 59, Tielemans): Introduction injected life into home fans and made plenty of tackles. 5
Joshua Zirkzee (on 59, Amad): Quickly into action to force a corner and let Tottenham know he was there. 6
Ayden Heaven (on 90, Shaw). 5
Marcus Rashford (on 90, Cunha). 5
Subs not used: Karl Darlow, Mason Mount, Andrey Santos, Shea Lacey.
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