Premier League: Conte weighing up January exits for Chelsea duo

Charly Musonda and Kenedy struggled on initial loans this season but Antonio Conte says they could leave Chelsea again this month.

Chelsea boss Antonio Conte says Charly Musonda and Kenedy could be sent out on loan again during the transfer window.

 

FA Cup: The longest third round ever: 66 days, 261 postponements and 15-foot snowdrifts

It took 66 days to complete the third round of the FA Cup in 1962/63. The chaos, hardship and forlorn hopes that afflicted British football in the coldest winter since 1740 are captured in the stamp on the cover of Sheffield United’s third-round tie against Bolton Wanderers, due to take place on January 5 1963, which read: “After many postponements due to unprecedented winter conditions, match finally played 20th February 1963, kick-off 7.15pm (or so we thought until one hour beforehand!) AT LAST! 6th March 1963, kick-off 7.15pm.”

That heartfelt, triumphant 'AT LAST!' was very nearly the final word on the longest round in the cup’s history. The third round suffered 261 postponements (Lincoln City vs Coventry City was called off 15 times) as 15-foot snowdrifts, gale force winds, freezing fog, three months of frost, and temperatures sinking as low as -20.6C, made it nigh-on impossible to play football. A round that started on January 5 – when just three matches were played – finally staggered to a conclusion when Middlesbrough beat Blackburn Rovers 3-1 at Ayresome Park on March 11. 

 

Pep Guardiola: What was all that about?

Pep Guardiola and Mike Dean disagree

You don’t exactly have to be an expert in body language to come to the conclusion that Manchester City coach, Pep Guardiola is not in a particularly good place at the moment. Or is he?

What is most interesting, however, about this recent “ ‘Kevin-esque’ – you’re so unfair” display can be found in its timing and motivation rather than its content.

Tottenham fan view: Spurs under the radar? Not anymore

Sadly for the Argentine coach, he’ll have a hard time underplaying this victory or tempering the joy and, now, expectations of the home support. That’s not a performance that inspires restraint.

Chelsea were the runaway juggernaut, unable to be stopped, hurtling toward inevitable Premier League glory. But, just like Guardiola’s Man City were dislodged from their unshakable groove back in early-October, Pochettino found a method of toppling the giant.

Diego Costa slams Jose Mourinho's popularity at Chelsea

​Diego Costa appears to have taken a swipe at former Chelsea manager Jose Mourinho - hinting that Antonio Conte has gotten the best out of the Blues squad this season because he is so well-liked.