Straight Outta Cobham: The Athletic FC's Chelsea show

Chelsea win at home! And keep a clean sheet! For the first time since January! Matt Davies-Adams has The Athletic’s Liam Twomey and Luke Bosher for company for a look back on the 2-0 win over Manchester United on Saturday. After a tumultuous first half where the visitors had Xabi Alonso’s side on the ropes - the second brought far more positive signs. We lavish praise on Acheampong and Lavia, laud Estevao’s first Premier League start of the season (!) - and give Penders his flowers after bouncing back from last weekend’s disappointment. Plus, Chelsea Women kept up their charge to regain their WSL crown with an emphatic 6-0 win over Charlton on Sunday. 00:00 - Intro 02:51 - Chelsea 2-0 Man United 07:22 - Estevao started (!) 12:12 - Acheampong growing in stature 18:23 - Wes Fofana’s rollercoaster game 21:39 - Did Chelsea get off lightly? 23:46 - Romeo Lavia praise 28:14 - Martinez’s generational headloss 30:40 - Palmer’s poor afternoon 31:13 - Mike Penders redemption arc 33:49 - Pedro Neto up top 41:32 - Elsewhere in Chelsea news 🚨 WE'RE NOW ON TIKTOK! www.tiktok.com/@outtacobham 🚨 AND JOIN OUR FPL LEAGUE! https://fantasy.premierleague.com/en/leagues/auto-join/p4nqo2 Get in touch: Email: soc@theathletic.com X/Bluesky: @SOCobhamPod Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Chelsea suffer penalty shootout heartache at the hands of Liverpool yet again… Matt Davies-Adams and The Athletic’s Liam Twomey join forces to look back on the defeat at Anfield in the Carabao Cup on Wednesday evening - and look ahead to the visit of crisis club Manchester United on Saturday. What the heck is going on with Estevao? Has the fan sentiment around Xabi Alonso already started to shift? And just how much pressure is their going into what feels like a must-win against a Man United side in complete and utter disarray? Our old friend Cerys Jones is back - now on the United beat - to tell us how Michael Carrick is still in his post - and what to expect from his side on Saturday lunchtime. 00:00 - Intro 01:43 - Get Shirty 02:47 - Defeat at Anfield 03:27 - Estevao’s exclusion 11:56 - Emegha’s impact off the bench 14:35 - Fofana’s difficult evening 18:57 - Manchester United preview w/ Cerys Jones 20:46 - How is Carrick still in charge? 23:03 - What’s going on with Fernandes? 24:22 - How’s Andrey Santos getting on? 27:44 - Mason Mount’s role 28:52 - How can United hurt Chelsea? 32:04 - Is the optimism draining out of the fanbase? 32:37 - CFCW 2-0 Roma in the UWCL 44:28 - Selection dilemmas / Lacroix’s injury 46:57 - Academy news 🚨 WE'RE NOW ON TIKTOK! www.tiktok.com/@outtacobham 🚨 AND JOIN OUR FPL LEAGUE! https://fantasy.premierleague.com/en/leagues/auto-join/p4nqo2 Get in touch: Email: soc@theathletic.com X/Bluesky: @SOCobhamPod Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

For just the second time in 36 years, Chelsea have been beaten by Tottenham at Stamford Bridge. Matt Davies-Adams, Simon Johnson and Luke Bosher assemble to look back on the horror 2-0 defeat by rivals Spurs on Saturday evening. We dissect the hugely disappointing performance and result - which raises questions about Xabi Alonso’s game management. Why weren’t changes made sooner? Why did Cole Palmer lose his head? And what will Chelsea do if Joao Pedro is out for an extended period of time? Elsewhere, CFCW fought from a goal down to beat Crystal Palace - and go top of the WSL table! 00:00 - Intro 02:15 - Chelsea 0-2 Tottenham review 04:29 - Is the defeat on Alonso? 08:32 - Joao Pedro’s absence 09:05 - Jackson thriving at Villa 17:05 - Poor old Mike Penders 23:02 - Set-piece difficulties continue 24:46 - Palmer’s ill-discipline 32:44 - Is this just what Chelsea are now? 37:04 - Liverpool v Chelsea preview 40:14 - Will Estevao get a start? 44:27 - Predictions? 45:03 - Elsewhere in Chelsea news 🚨 WE'RE NOW ON TIKTOK! www.tiktok.com/@outtacobham 🚨 AND JOIN OUR FPL LEAGUE! https://fantasy.premierleague.com/en/leagues/auto-join/p4nqo2 Get in touch: Email: soc@theathletic.com X/Bluesky: @SOCobhamPod Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Chelsea’s favourite opponents come to Stamford Bridge on Saturday evening, as the Blues look to make it SEVEN straight wins against Tottenham in the Premier League. Matt Davies-Adams has got Sam Parkin and Luke Bosher alongside him for a look ahead to the visit of Spurs. How will Chelsea handle being overwhelming favourites coming into the game? Will Mike Penders show he’s ready to be No. 1? And how are Spurs feeling heading into this match after their first win of the season against Coventry on Monday? We speak to The View From The Lane’s Dan Kilpatrick to find out. Plus - Chelsea Women look to continue their excellent form when they head to Crystal Palace in the WSL. 00:00 - Intro 02:09 - Get Shirty 05:00 - Chelsea v Tottenham preview 05:29 - Is Mike Penders ready? 07:31 - Defensive set-up - Palestra’s role 16:12 - Are we getting too carried away? 19:09 - How much can we read into the table? 21:02 - Calm or chaos on Saturday? 23:18 - Pre-match predictions 26:38 - Tottenham perspective with Dan Kilpatrick 35:50 - Crystal Palace v CFCW preview 🚨 WE'RE NOW ON TIKTOK! www.tiktok.com/@outtacobham 🚨 AND JOIN OUR FPL LEAGUE! https://fantasy.premierleague.com/en/leagues/auto-join/p4nqo2 Get in touch: Email: soc@theathletic.com X/Bluesky: @SOCobhamPod Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

A win at Everton! And a clean sheet! What’s going on?! Matt Davies-Adams is joined by The Athletic’s Chelsea experts Liam Twomey and Simon Johnson for a look back on the 2-0 win at the Hill Dickinson. We’ve got a full debrief of the victory - including Neto’s transformation under Xabi Alonso, Caicedo’s seamless return to action and more love for Jordan Henderson. Plus, the latest on the injuries to Emi Martinez and Reece James. Elsewhere - Chelsea Women romped to a 6-2 victory over Tottenham at Stamford Bridge to keep the pressure on Manchester City at the top of the table. 00:00 - Intro 01:59 - Everton 0-2 Chelsea 05:08 - Reece James’ injury 00:00 - Captain Caicedo 10:27 - Jorrel Hato impresses 13:20 - Formational intrigue 18:31 - Neto’s transformation 23:13 - Jordan Henderson appreciation section 27:59 - Martinez’s injury, Penders’ opportunity 36:35 - Elsewhere in Chelsea news 37:19 - CFCW flying 39:10 - Reggie Watson’s star is growing 🚨 WE'RE NOW ON TIKTOK! www.tiktok.com/@outtacobham 🚨 AND JOIN OUR FPL LEAGUE! https://fantasy.premierleague.com/en/leagues/auto-join/p4nqo2 Get in touch: Email: soc@theathletic.com X/Bluesky: @SOCobhamPod Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

After just one win in their last nine matches away at Everton, can Xabi Alonso’s side come away with from the Hill Dickinson with a victory on Saturday? Matt Davies-Adams has got Sam Parkin and Luke Bosher for company to preview the trip to take on the Toffees. Plus, Chelsea Women get back to WSL action when they face Tottenham at Stamford Bridge on Sunday. And - which current outfield player is most likely to have a turn as an emergency keeper? 00:00 - Intro 01:15 - Get Shirty 02:45 - Everton v Chelsea preview 03:55 - Do players think about the curse? 06:15 - Any changes in team selection? 10:45 - Reece James’ injury 13:30 - Colwill’s captaincy credentials 17:45 - Henderson’s role 21:15 - Another fast start? 24:30 - Kiernan-Dewsbury Hall/ Tyrique George revenge game 31:30 - Get Shirty reveal 34:15 - Chelsea v Tottenham in the WSL 🚨 WE'RE NOW ON TIKTOK! www.tiktok.com/@outtacobham 🚨 AND JOIN OUR FPL LEAGUE! https://fantasy.premierleague.com/en/leagues/auto-join/p4nqo2 Get in touch: Email: soc@theathletic.com X/Bluesky: @SOCobhamPod Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Chelsea’s fast starts continue - and this time they manage to hold onto their lead! Matt Davies-Adams has The Athletic’s Chelsea correspondents Simon Johnson and Liam Twomey for company to look back on the 5-1 win over Bournemouth at Stamford Bridge. We talk Caicedo’s return, Henderson rolling back the years, Palmer’s new contract - and Joao Pedro’s Golden Boot credentials. We’ll be back on Thursday for a look ahead to Saturday’s trip to the Hill Dickinson Stadium to face Everton. 00:00 - Intro 02:30 - Chelsea 5-1 Bournemouth 03:15 - Welcome back, Moi! 05:25 - Jordan Henderson rolls back the years 10:35 - Reece James injury worries 12:45 - Chelsea’s fast starts 16:15 - Joao Pedro for Golden Boot? 23:15 - Palmer’s contract extension 29:00 - Estevao sidelined again 35:50 - Elsewhere in Chelsea news 36:45 - Shakhtar at Stamford Bridge 🚨 WE'RE NOW ON TIKTOK! www.tiktok.com/@outtacobham 🚨 AND JOIN OUR FPL LEAGUE! https://fantasy.premierleague.com/en/leagues/auto-join/p4nqo2 Get in touch: Email: soc@theathletic.com X/Bluesky: @SOCobhamPod Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

The Premier League returns and Chelsea look to get their season back on track when winless Bournemouth visit Stamford Bridge on Saturday afternoon. Matt Davies-Adams has got Liam Twomey and Sam Parkin for company - on the day it was announced that co-sporting director Laurence Stewart is set to leave the club. We discuss the significance of that departure - before a closer look at the weekend ahead and some of the key selection and system dilemmas facing Xabi Alonso. 🚨 WE'RE NOW ON YOUTUBE! www.youtube.com/@StraightOuttaCobham 🚨 AND TIKTOK! www.tiktok.com/@outtacobham 🚨 AND JOIN OUR FPL LEAGUE! https://fantasy.premierleague.com/en/leagues/auto-join/p4nqo2 HOST: Matt Davies-Adams WITH: Liam Twomey and Sam Parkin PRODUCER: Lucy Oliva Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Should Chelsea count themselves lucky to not be in Manchester City’s position? Matt Davies-Adams, Sam Parkin and Luke Bosher assemble in a week which has shaken football. We discuss the City scandal , before taking a closer look at the season so far and some of the issues that have plagued Xabi Alonso’s side in the early stages of this campaign. Plus, CFCW get the better of bitter rivals Arsenal - and who’s done what in the international break so far? HOST: Matt Davies-Adams WITH: Luke Bosher and Sam Parkin PRODUCER: Lucy Oliva Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Chelsea were well beaten by Brentford on Saturday as the Blues collapsed to a 3-0 defeat in west London. Matt Davies-Adams is joined by The Athletic’s Simon Johnson and Liam Twomey to look back on a miserable afternoon, including another set-piece goal conceded, Chelsea’s problems defending corners, a poor performance from Morgan Rogers and the growing reliance on Cole Palmer, Pedro Neto and Rogers for goals. We also discuss the absence of Reece James, the surprise midfield pairing of Andrey Santos and Filip Jorgensen, Xabi Alonso’s late substitutions and whether Chelsea’s defensive problems are down to personnel, tactics or both. Plus, we hear your correspondence and round up the latest from Chelsea’s women’s, Under-21s and Under-18s sides. Get in touch: Email: socpodcast@theathletic.com Straight Outta Cobham is The Athletic's dedicated Chelsea show bringing you the very best coverage from behind the scenes at Chelsea. Twice a week, host Matt Davies-Adams is joined by Liam Twomey, Simon Johnson, Luke Bosher and Sam Parkin to bring you expert analysis, news and insights. Subscribe now. #cfc #chelsea #chelseafc #premierleague Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Todd Boehly’s four-year association with the club has come to an end, with Clearlake Capital taking full control of Chelsea FC. So what does the change mean for the club going forward? Matt Davies-Adams is joined by The Athletic’s Liam Twomey and Sam Parkin to discuss the ownership change before turning their attention to Friday night’s trip to Brentford. We look at the likely formation and team news, whether Moises Caicedo will be rested, the latest on Chelsea’s defensive options, Liam’s piece on Malo Gusto and the midfield problem created by injuries. We also have the latest on Chelsea’s Carabao Cup draw, the women’s return to Stamford Bridge and the academy sides. Get in touch: Email: soc@theathletic.com X: @SOCobhamPod Straight Outta Cobham is The Athletic's dedicated Chelsea show bringing you the very best coverage from behind the scenes at Chelsea. Twice a week, host Matt Davies-Adams is joined by Liam Twomey, Simon Johnson, Luke Bosher and Sam Parkin to bring you expert analysis, news and insights. Subscribe now. #chelseafc #cfc #chelsea #football #premierleague Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Chelsea throw away another lead as Hull City fight back to earn a 2-2 draw at Stamford Bridge. Is Xabi Alonso’s side becoming too reliant on outscoring opponents, and how big a problem is the defence? Matt Davies-Adams is joined by The Athletic’s Simon Johnson and Sam Parkin to look back on a frustrating afternoon for Chelsea, including more questions over Malo Gusto, Morgan Rogers’ brilliant start, and the decision-making from Xabi Alonso. We also discuss whether Penders should get a chance in goal, Chavarria’s case for a start, the latest from the Chelsea ownership group, and how the women’s and academy sides got on at the weekend. Get in touch: Email: soc@theathletic.com X: @SOCobhamPod Straight Outta Cobham is The Athletic's dedicated Chelsea show bringing you the very best coverage from behind the scenes at Chelsea. Twice a week, host Matt Davies-Adams is joined by Liam Twomey, Simon Johnson, Luke Bosher and Sam Parkin to bring you expert analysis, news and insights. Subscribe now. #chelseafc #cfc #chelsea #football #premierleague Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Chelsea 6 - 3 Leeds United. Did you think that was going to be the final score when Brendan Aaronsen put Leeds 2-0 up just after the restart? Chelsea did end up thrilling in Leeds comeback, but are they too reliant on Xabi Alonso’s A team? Matt Davies-Adams has got The Athletic’s Sam Parkin and Simon Johnson for company to look back an incredibly entertaining night in the Carabao Cup - and look ahead to Hull City on the weekend! Get in touch: Email: soc@theathletic.com X: @SOCobhamPod Straight Outta Cobham is The Athletic's dedicated Chelsea show bringing you the very best coverage from behind the scenes at Chelsea. Twice a week, host Matt Davies-Adams is joined by Liam Twomey, Simon Johnson, Luke Bosher and Sam Parkin to bring you expert analysis, news and insights. Subscribe now. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

It’s another defeat for Chelsea at the Emirates, but did Xabi Alonso’s side show they’re closer to Arsenal’s level than they have been in quite a while? Matt Davies-Adams has got The Athletic’s Liam Twomey and Luke Bosher for company to look back on the 2-1 defeat by the reigning Premier League champions - and look ahead to the visit of Leeds in the third round of the League Cup on Wednesday evening. Plus, Chelsea Women got their WSL off to a frustrating start, held to a 1-1 draw by Aston Villa. And - can you name a player who’s donned the shirt of Chelsea, Leeds - and Everton? HOST: Matt Davies-Adams WITH: Luke Bosher and Liam Twomey PRODUCER: Lucy Oliva Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

There was late deadline day drama as Enzo Fernandez’s move to Manchester City was finally confirmed - but the arrival of Lamine Camara collapsed in spectacular fashion at the last moment. Matt Davies-Adams is joined by Sam Parkin and Liam Twomey for a look back on the closing of the transfer window - and a look ahead to Sunday’s first huge test of the season as Chelsea make the trip across London to face champions Arsenal. Plus, Mudryk trying not to be Spursy, a fresh start for Rob Sanchez in Como - and the start of the WSL season! HOST: Matt Davies-Adams WITH: Liam Twomey and Sam Parkin PRODUCER: Lucy Oliva Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Chelsea made it back-to-back wins to start the Premier League season in front of a raucous Stamford Bridge - courtesy of a chaotic 4-3 victory over Brighton. Matt Davies-Adams has Simon Johnson and Sam Parkin for company to look back on the incredibly entertaining win for Xabi Alonso’s side - which showed off the Blues’ attacking prowess, but reiterated the need for more solidity at the back. We’ve got a full breakdown on Sunday’s game, plus the latest on the futures of Enzo Fernandez and Robert Sanchez with the transfer window closing in less than 36 hours. *An apology for the shoddy quality of audio since we have made the swap over to YouTube - this is hopefully sounding a lot better for you! 🚨 WE'RE NOW ON YOUTUBE! www.youtube.com/@StraightOuttaCobham Watch every show via our YouTube channel. Plus, plenty of other content/ trivia/ quizzes/ ways for you to have your say. 🚨 AND TIKTOK! www.tiktok.com/@outtacobham 🚨 AND JOIN OUR FPL LEAGUE! https://fantasy.premierleague.com/en/leagues/auto-join/p4nqo2 Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Chelsea progressed to the third round of the League Cup courtesy of a 2-0 win over Luton Town. Next up, old friends Brighton in the Premier League! Matt Davies-Adams has got Sam Parkin and Luke Bosher for company following the big news that the Blues have agreed a £7.5m deal to sign Emiliano Martinez from Aston Villa. So, is Martinez the player to turn Chelsea into serious contenders? How positive are the early signs under Xabi Alonso? And with the Enzo Fernandez saga seemingly coming to a head following his absence from the squad on Thursday night - do the club have enough midfield cover to cope without him?! 🚨 WE'RE NOW ON YOUTUBE! www.youtube.com/@StraightOuttaCobham Watch every show via our YouTube channel. Plus, plenty of other content/ trivia/ quizzes/ ways for you to have your say. 🚨 AND TIKTOK! www.tiktok.com/@outtacobham 🚨 AND JOIN OUR FPL LEAGUE! https://fantasy.premierleague.com/en/leagues/auto-join/p4nqo2 HOST: Matt Davies-Adams WITH: Luke Bosher and Sam Parkin PRODUCER: Lucy Oliva Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Chelsea kicked off their Premier League campaign in style (mostly thanks to a 3-2 victory over Fulham, with Cole Palmer back to his dazzling best but alarm bells ringing again after Robert Sanchez’s errors in goal. Matt Davies-Adams is joined by The Athletic’s Simon Johnson and Liam Twomey for all the fallout from Craven Cottage - plus a look ahead to Thursday’s visit of Luton Town in the second round of the League Cup. Plus - memories of Chelsea’s last cup meeting with the Hatters, the potential transfers of Liam Delap and Mykhailo Mudryk - and another shirt with a connection hanging on the back of Matt’s door… *An apology for the shoddy quality of audio since we have made the swap over to YouTube - this is hopefully sounding a lot better for you! 🚨 WE'RE NOW ON YOUTUBE! www.youtube.com/@StraightOuttaCobham Watch every show via our YouTube channel. Plus, plenty of other content/ trivia/ quizzes/ ways for you to have your say. 🚨 AND TIKTOK! www.tiktok.com/@outtacobham 🚨 AND JOIN OUR FPL LEAGUE! https://fantasy.premierleague.com/en/leagues/auto-join/p4nqo2 HOST: Matt Davies-Adams WITH: Simon Johnson & Liam Twomey PRODUCER: Lucy Oliva Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Do Chelsea head into the 2026-27 Premier League season as serious contenders for titles again? Matt Davies-Adams has got The Athletic's Liam Twomey and Luke Bosher alongside him for a look ahead to Monday's trip to Fulham as Xabi Alonso's reign in charge officially begins. Plus - a closer look at the players the Blues are still hoping to shift in the closing stages of the transfer window, some broader predictions about the season as a whole - and big news off the pitch with Todd Boehly and Mark Walter in talks to sell their shares in the club to Clearlake Capital. HOST: Matt Davies-Adams WITH: Luke Bosher and Liam Twomey PRODUCER: Lucy Oliva Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

The new Premier League season begins in a week - and there's a sense of belief back at Stamford Bridge after Chelsea's 3-1 win over Real Sociedad in their final pre-season game. Matt Davies-Adams is joined by The Athletic's Simon Johnson and Luke Bosher for a look back on Xabi Alonso's victorious first game in front of the home fans in SW6. How well equipped are the Blues heading into Monday's game with Fulham? Did Morgan Rogers live up to the hype? How did the new-look defence perform? What next for Enzo Fernandez? And how genuine is the interest in Arsenal's Myles Lewis-Skelly?! We'll be back on Thursday for our official build-up to the short trip to Craven Cottage as the season begins under the lights on Monday evening. 🚨 WE'RE NOW ON YOUTUBE! www.youtube.com/@StraightOuttaCobham Watch every show via our YouTube channel. Plus, plenty of other content/ trivia/ quizzes/ ways for you to have your say. 🚨 AND TIKTOK! www.tiktok.com/@outtacobham 🚨 AND JOIN OUR FPL LEAGUE! https://fantasy.premierleague.com/en/leagues/auto-join/p4nqo2 HOST: Matt Davies-Adams WITH: Luke Bosher and Simon Johnson PRODUCER: Lucy Oliva Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.