After a week of huge ups and downs, Chelsea at least have something to look forward to at the end of the season.
Having suffered a heartbreaking exit against Real Madrid in the Champions League on Wednesday, Sunday's FA Cup semi-final with Crystal Palace had the potential to be a testing assignment. But eventually, Thomas Tuchel would have been pleased with how his team eased to a 2-0 win.
They will face Liverpool in the FA Cup final on May 14, but before that the Blues have some challenging matches to negotiate in the Premier League. Wednesday's clash with Arsenal is followed by games against West Ham United and then Manchester United.
Mirror Sport has all the latest Blues news ahead of Wednesday's London derby and a crucial spell of the season for Chelsea.
Can Romelu Lukaku thrust himself back into contention for the Blues ahead of the cup final? Let us know in the comments section below!
Lukaku 'doesn't want the ball'
Dean Saunders believes Chelsea striker Romelu Lukaku is currently suffering with a crisis of confidence.
The Belgian is currently on the fringes of the Blues starting XI, with Kai Havertz and now Timo Werner seemingly ahead of him in the pecking order to lead the line. Lukaku came off the bench in Sunday's win over Palace and squandered a brilliant chance to add the gloss to the scoreline, but somehow missed from close range. Saunders picked up on a number of worrying traits in the striker's game.
"Even coming off the centre-backs and trying to control a simple ball that comes into your feet – the ball is like a live snake coming at you," he said. "You’re nervous, you tighten up and you mis-control it, then you hear the boos from the crowd. I think he’s putting himself in positions where he doesn’t want the ball to his feet, so that he can’t give it away. It’s a shame really, because he’s a top player."
Read the story in full HERE.
Mount admits laughs at Werner
Mason Mount has conceded that even he and team-mate Jorginho laughed at Werner's erraticism in front of goal.
The German has enjoyed a fine run of form recently, scoring in Chelsea's recenr wins over Southampton and Madrid. However, when chances do arise he remains hit-and-miss with his finishing. Mount did get on the scoresheet on Sunday after a Werner assist and he's paid tribute to the efforts of the forward as of late.
"You can see in the second half, he had a chance I think and he missed, me and Jorgi [Jorginho] were laughing on the bench, and he ran all the way back to the halfway line to win the ball back," he said. "That shows what kind of player he is and what he brings to the team."
Read the story in full HERE.
Real Madrid chase James
Los Blancos are said to be plotting a summer move for Chelsea right-back Reece James in the summer, having scouted the England international frequently throughout the campaign.
The Spanish giants are said to be admirers of James, who has excelled for the Blues this season. Madrid have reportedly watched the Blues academy graduate on nine separate occasions, as they plan to make major changes to their playing staff in the summer.
While Madrid may look on with admiring glances at James, you suspect it would take an astronomical sum for Chelsea to consider selling one of their crown jewels.
Read the story in full HERE.
