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Jesse Lingard has been told that he can be a trailblazer for future transfers, with the ex-Manchester United star making an “impact” in South Korea.

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• Ex-England international moved to Asia in 2024
• Already captain at FC Seoul
• Playing with a smile again & inspiring others

• WHAT HAPPENED?

  Having spent just one season with Nottingham Forest after leaving Old Trafford as a free agent in the summer of 2022, Lingard found himself without a club for several months and wondering in which direction his professional career would be heading.

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  He eventually opted to step well outside of his comfort zone when jetting to the Far East in February 2024. Lingard has received ‘rock star’ treatment in Asia, while quickly becoming captain at FC Seoul, and is being backed to pave the way for other household names to tread a similar path from the Premier League and across Europe.

• WHAT GUS POYET SAID

  Ex-Chelsea and Tottenham midfielder Gus Poyet, who is now coach of K League side Jeonbuk Hyundai Motors – speaking in association with – told GOAL when asked about Lingard becoming a trendsetter: “I hope so. One of the things we want to do is to try and make an impact – as a player, he is doing that.

  “Coaching is tough. We want to help South Korean football in any way. There is no better way than expressing yourself and winning – that’s the main point. I think it’s a very interesting league.

  “I just started and I see there is great potential. The typical Korean player is very good technically. Sometimes coming from outside you analyse and try to change other things because you know that quality is there.”

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• DID YOU KNOW?

  Poyet went on to say, with Lingard helping to raise the profile of Korean football: “Depending on the impact, I think other people will come.

  “For me it’s difficult because I’m the only foreign manager. There are 12 teams, 11 Koreans and me. It’s a big responsibility. I like that. I don’t understand football without responsibility and pressure. We will see if we can help them.”

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Celtic manager Brendan Rodgers will surely be delighted with his team’s start to the 2024/25 campaign after they went into the last international break of the year in first place in the Scottish Premiership.

A 2-0 win over Kilmarnock on Sunday ensured that the Hoops are top of the division on goal difference, after Aberdeen’s 4-1 win over Dundee on Saturday had put them in first initially.

Goals from Callum McGregor and Nicolas Kuhn extended the club’s record to ten wins and one draw, which came against the Dons, in 11 league matches this season.

The Scottish giants have also caught the eye with their performances in Europe, beating RB Leipzig and Slovan, and drawing with Atalanta, although they were beaten 7-1 by Borussia Dortmund.

Despite the club’s fantastic start to the season, the recruitment team and Rodgers will constantly be looking at players who could come in to improve the group.

The squad is constantly evolving and there will be players who move on in the January transfer window, or next summer, and that will open the door for fresh recruits to bolster the side.

In fact, Celtic are already reportedly looking at a star who could come in to give the squad and potentially Arne Engels a boost ahead of the second half of the 2024/25 campaign.

Arne Engels' form for Celtic this season

The Belgium international joined for a club-record fee from Bundesliga side Augsburg during the summer transfer window and has had mixed success so far.

He has racked up three goals and six assists in 14 appearances in all competitions for the Scottish giants so far, which is a more than respectable return for a 21-year-old adapting to life in a new country.

His most recent showing against Kilmarnock on Sunday was disappointing, though, as Football FanCast published an article outlining his struggles on the artificial pitch, with one ground duel won and 16 losses of possession without creating any chances.

As you can see in the table above, Engels is unlucky to have not registered a single assist in the Premiership this season, with three ‘big chances’ created.

However, he has struggled to make an impact out of possession, as was the case against Kilmarnock, with less than one tackle and interception combined per match, and that is where this potential new signing could take some of the pressure off him.

Celtic interested in Premier League midfielder

According to CaughtOffside, Celtic are keen on Liverpool’s Wataru Endo and are far from the only team interested in signing the central midfielder.

The report claims that the Hoops are one of a number of sides eyeing up the former Stuttgart dynamo, with AC Milan, Fulham, Wolverhampton Wanderers, and Ipswich Town also said to be lining up a move for the Reds outcast.

It states that all of those clubs, including Celtic, have ‘shown’ an interest in the Japan international and could swoop for him when the January transfer window opens for business.

CaughtOffside adds that Endo is open to completing a move away from Anfield after the turn of the year because of his lack of minutes on the pitch under Arne Slot, with zero starts and five substitute appearances – totalling 25 minutes of action – in the Premier League this season.

The outlet claims that Liverpool could accept a fee of up to €18m (£15m) for the former Bundesliga battler, but does not outright state that Slot wants to cash in on the rarely-seen midfielder.

A fee of £15m for a player who turns 32 this season, in February, does not seem like a viable move for Celtic, when you consider that their club-record is the £11m that they paid for Arne Engels this summer.

Transfer Focus

Mega money deals, controversial moves and big-name flops. This is the home of transfer news and opinion across Football FanCast.

However, the Hoops could possibly attempt to convince Liverpool to sanction a loan in the second half of the season, which could bolster Rodgers’ squad and provide Endo with a chance to shine and increase his value and number of suitors with strong performances.

The Japanese midfielder, if he can recapture his best form, could be a signing that would allow Engels to shine even brighter in the middle of the park.

Why Celtic should sign Endo

If the Hoops can secure a loan deal for the second half of the season, the Liverpool midfielder could provide a combative presence in the middle of the park to make up for Engels’ struggles in that department.

The Japanese gem has rarely got on the pitch this term but did play 29 times under Jurgen Klopp in the Premier League last season and averaged 2.4 tackles and interceptions per game, along with 2.9 ground duels won per game.

He also ranked within the top 33% of midfielders in the league for progressive passes per 90 (5.28), which shows that he can cut out opposition attacks and build forward moves for his own team when in possession by progressing the ball forward.

Endo, who was hailed as “exceptional” and a “machine” by Klopp, also showcased his quality out of possession during his time with Stuttgart in the Bundesliga, prior to his move to Liverpool in the summer of 2023.

As you can see in the table above, the 31-year-old star provided quality on the ball, with nine goal contributions, but was also strong at winning the ball back for his side, cutting out opposition attacks with vital interventions.

His 2.9 tackles and interceptions per game are impressive when you consider that no Celtic midfielder has managed more than 2.6 per outing, and Paulo Bernardo (2.6) is the only midfielder with more than 1.7 per match.

Endo has the defensive quality to be a stopper in the middle of the park and that could free up Engles, as well as the likes of Reo Hatate, Bernardo, and Luke McCowan to push on and not exert as much energy defensively.

Therefore, signing the Japanese whiz to compete with the captain for a spot at the base of the midfield could help the club’s record-signing, who has struggled off the ball.

Celtic messed up with Rodgers flop who earned as much as Matt O'Riley

Celtic might have expected more to come from the money they invested in the defender.

By
Dan Emery

Nov 10, 2024

The former Mexico star questioned the exclusion of Ochoa among other criticisms

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• Ochoa, Lozano and Martin among surprising snubs by Aguirre
• Hugo Sanchez questions decisions and criticizes Liga MX
• Mexico face Canada in Nations League

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  WHAT HAPPENED?

  The recent call-ups of the Mexican National Team for the CONCACAF Nations League Final Four have sparked various reactions from both the media and fans as head coach Javier Aguirre surprised many by leaving out key players such as Guillermo Ochoa, Hirving Lozano, and Henry Martín.

  In response to Guillermo Ochoa's exclusion, Mexican football legend Hugo Sanchez stated: "I miss Guillermo Ochoa — he's someone special and a symbol of Mexican football. I would consider him for the World Cup."

  Ochoa, currently playing in Portugal, has appeared in five World Cups and is aiming to break the record for most World Cup appearances with a sixth.

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  Sanchez also called on Mexican football executives to reduce the number of foreign players in Liga MX, citing the decline in the production of national talent. "In the past, there was a lot of national production; now the solution lies in foreign players, and there are no opportunities for young players to showcase themselves."

  Among the new inclusions, Julián Quinones' call-up stands out, as he had not been previously selected by Aguirre. Also notable is the absence of Jesus Orozco from Cruz Azul and the inclusion of three Chivas players: Raúl Rangel, Luis Romo, and Roberto Alvarado.

• DID YOU KNOW?

  Among the selected players, nine are based in Europe, while 13 play in Liga MX. Only Julián Quinones plays in Asia, representing Al Qadisiya in Saudi Arabia.

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• WHAT NEXT FOR MEXICO?

  Mexico will face Canada in the semifinals on March 20, with the potential to meet either the United States or Panama in the final.

Conor Gallagher fired Atletico Madrid to an immediate lead in the second leg of their Champions League tie against Real Madrid on Wednesday.

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• Gallagher scores in 27 seconds
• Fastest UCL goal by an Englishman
• Atletico take lead vs Real Madrid

• WHAT HAPPENED?

  Just 27 seconds had passed before the midfielder slid in to fire beyond Thibaut Courtois after a pass from Rodrigo De Paul found its way through to him in the penalty area. The goal is the fastest ever scored by an English player in Champions League history, according to .

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  Gallagher's goal brought Atletico level with their city rivals on aggregate. Carlo Ancelotti's team won the first leg 2-1, with Rodrygo and Brahim Diaz cancelling out Julian Alvarez's effort at the Santiago Bernabeu.

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  WHAT NEXT FOR MADRID?

  After the midweek Madrid derby, Atletico will face Barcelona in La Liga this weekend, while the reigning Spanish champions will take on Villarreal.

This weekend is a critical time for Wolverhampton Wanderers. The Old Gold have been in poor form for the majority of this season, and are second bottom of the Premier League after 11 games. Defensively, they have been suspect, and have let in 27 goals thus far; no side has conceded more.

However, there was an upturn in form before the November international break. Wolves beat Southampton 2-0 thanks to a goal and assist from star man Matheus Cunha, to earn their first three points of the season.

It was a win that reduced the pressure off under-pressure manager Gary O’Neil, who will be hoping to have a couple of key players back from injury.

Wolves team news

The Midlands club travel down to West London to face high-flying Fulham on Saturday afternoon. Marco Silva’s side currently sit seventh in the table and are unbeaten in their last three games, which includes victories in their last two.

Several players have struggled with injury of late for the Old Gold. Of those, a few are some way from a return to first-team action, which has been a blow for the relegation-threatened side.

However, O’Neil might be able to count on one of his key defenders ahead of the trip to Craven Cottage this weekend. Santiago Bueno withdrew from international duty with Uruguay last week following an injury.

There was a positive update from the Wolves boss in his pre-match press conference, via journalist Liam Keen. O’Neil explained the defender will travel down to London with the squad. That is good news for the Midlands club given he has played 90 minutes in each of their last four games.

The Old Gold boss was vague with his other updates but did allude to the fact some other key players might return to the first team fold soon, including Hwang Hee-chan. The striker has missed the last nine matches but did train before their clash with Southampton. O’Neil explained that a few players need fitness tests but he is “hopeful” they will be fit.

Chalkboard

Football FanCast's Chalkboard series presents a tactical discussion from around the global game.

O’Neil also discussed another of his players in the press conference, in a position where competition for places is tough. However, he could make a big impact if given the nod against Fulham.

Who could start vs. Fulham

The man in question here is Brazilian midfielder Andre. The Wolves manager praised the Brazil international in his press conference and said he is “working very hard” and still getting used to the Premier League. He also explained “he will be big” as the season goes along.

So far, opportunities have been limited for the summer signing from Fluminense. The £21m midfielder has played just seven times this term, featuring for just 364 minutes in the top flight. He has not started since the 2-1 home defeat to Manchester City and has been an unused substitute for the last two games.

However, Saturday afternoon’s clash at Craven Cottage could be the perfect place for Andre to show his worth. The Old Gold are set to come up against the in-form Emile Smith Rowe, who has been fantastic for the Cottagers since moving from Arsenal in the summer. He has three goals and two assists to his name in 11 top-flight games.

If he was to start, it could be in place of Mario Lemina. The Old Gold skipper has been a first-choice in midfield this season, but has only played 90 minutes in one of the last three games. It remains to be seen if he will keep his place in the starting lineup against Fulham.

It could be the perfect game for Wolves’ number seven, with the chance to put a dent in Smith Rowe’s sparkling form. The Brazilian midfielder has already shown his impressive ball-winning capabilities this term and could put them to good use against Fulham. As per Sofascore, Andre has won three duels and made 3.6 ball recoveries per game this term.

Adapting to the Premier League can be tough for some players. It is a unique league in many ways, not least because of the speed the game is played. Andre, described as “high-quality” by football talent scout Jacek Kulig, seems like he is getting used to it.

However, a start against the Cottagers ahead of Lemina, and a good performance against an in-form attacker could be exactly what he needs. It would help both his confidence on a personal level, and be crucial to his team as they look to pick up another vital win.

Wolves can axe O'Neil for "ambitious" boss who was unbeaten in his last job

It would be an ambitious appointment from Wolves

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By
Joe Nuttall

Nov 20, 2024

West Ham United have approached a club over signing their £12 million striker, who was interestingly offered to them during David Moyes’ time as manager.

West Ham in market for new striker amid Niclas Fullkrug uncertainty

Hammers boss Julen Lopetegui has been forced to cope without his summer signing since late August, after the 31-year-old picked up a nightmare achilles tendon injury on international duty with Germany.

Lopetegui handed Fullkrug boost as West Ham insider shares fresh update

The German’s niggling achilles tendon injury has been a real talking point at West Ham this season.

By
Emilio Galantini

Nov 28, 2024

Since Fullkrug was sidelined, West Ham have been getting £17,000 worth of compensation for each day he’s absent, with Lopetegui forced to rely on aging striker duo Michail Antonio and Danny Ings for the vast majority of this campaign so far.

There are reports that West Ham could cut their losses on Fullkrug in January, but a lot could depend on how the ex-Dortmund star performs upon returning, not to mention whether the east Londoners can find a good buyer for him.

“I hope he is in the last part of his recovery,” said Lopetegui on Fullkrug’s fitness, in his press conference on Thursday afternoon.

“Let’s see if he’ll be ready in the next two or three matches. I don’t know exactly but he feels better. Now he has to prove his fitness because he’s not easy being out for three months. We’re going to help him. I don’t want to give a timeframe, but he’s closer.”

After scoring 16 goals in all competitions last season, West Ham were hoping that Fullkrug would finally end their long wait for a prolific new option, but this hasn’t been the case so far.

There are even suggestions that West Ham could dip into the January market for a new striker, with the likes of Brighton’s Evan Ferguson linked this week as the Seagulls green-light a potential loan for the Irishman.

West Ham make contact with Napoli over signing Giovanni Simeone

According to Football Transfers, Napoli forward Giovanni Simeone is a target for the Hammers this winter as well.

It is believed West Ham have made contact with Napoli over signing Simeone, who was interestingly offered to Moyes during the Scotsman’s time in charge.

The Times reported in 2022 that Simeone, who was at Cagliari back then, was floated towards the Irons. Club insider ExWHUemployee backed this report, further claiming that the Argentine was offered to West Ham “many times” previously as well.

He is clearly a player who West Ham know pretty well, but it is more unclear whether the “underrated” attacker is the answer to their goalscoring problems.

The 29-year-old’s best goalscoring season came during the 2021/2022 season, when he bagged 17 goals in 35 Serie A appearances for Hellas Verona, but he’s since found himself on the bench at Napoli and making the overwhelming majority of his appearances as a substitute.

He signed for the Italian league leaders for around £12 million from Verona, including the original loan fee, so it’s likely his transfer would be affordable at the very least.

AC Milan do not count on Emerson Royal anymore and will look to sell him this summer to buy Kyle Walker for a discounted price from Manchester City.

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• Milan keen on signing Walker permanently from City
• Want a discount on the agreed fee
• Rossoneri planning to sell out-of-favour Emerson Royal

• WHAT HAPPENED?

  According to a report from (h/t Football Italia), AC Milan want to permanently sign the on-loan Kyle Walker at the end of the current season and will seek for a discount from Manchester City, while also putting Emerson Royal up for sale just one year after signing him from Tottenham Hotspur.

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  The report further states that Emerson is no longer a part of the plans at Milan, with Walker having risen above him in the pecking order to become the first-choice right-back. The Rossoneri brought in Walker on loan from City in January with an option to make the move permanent for €5 million. However, Milan now want a small discount on the agreed fee.

  Walker, for his part, would be more than happy to extend his stay in the black and red of AC Milan beyond this summer. The England international is well aware of the fact that he does not have a future at Manchester City.

• DID YOU KNOW?

  On the other hand, veteran right-back Alessandro Florenzi is also keen to fight for his place at the club and his desire is to extend his contract, which expires on June 30. The ex-Roma man would agree to a big pay cut in order to continue at Milan.

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  WHAT NEXT FOR KYLE WALKER?

  Walker was called up by new England manager Thomas Tuchel ahead of the ongoing international break and will be expected to feature against Albania (March 21) and Latvia (March 24) in the 2026 World Cup qualifiers.

Former director, Keith Edelman, has warned the Gunners of potential problems that they could face over Emirates expansion to an 80,000-seater stadium.

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• Arsenal working on Emirates renovation
• Currently has a capacity of just over 60,000
• Edelman questions the rationale behind expansion

• WHAT HAPPENED?

  The idea of a stadium renovation has surfaced following discussions with an architect, as the club looks to accommodate growing demand from supporters. Having overseen the development and relocation from Highbury to the Emirates in 2006, Edelman remains familiar with the structural and logistical aspects of the stadium. While acknowledging that the Emirates has aged exceptionally well, he expressed doubts about the viability of increasing capacity by an additional 20,000 seats.

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  WHAT KEITH EDELMAN SAID

  In an interview with , Edelman stated, “When I go there, I look around and it has stood up terribly well over time. There are some things that are ageing and need to be replaced, but the fabric of the building is still amazing. It looks like it could have been built two years ago, not 20. I know everyone wants to go bigger, but when I go to Wembley, I don't enjoy the experience. You're too far away from the pitch.”

  Beyond the potential impact on the matchday atmosphere, Edelman pointed out the physical constraints that would make expansion difficult. The Emirates is located in a densely packed area of North London, and the surrounding infrastructure could complicate any redevelopment plans.

  He explained, “It's a pretty tight site because it's got the Northern Triangle building at the top, which is where the two railway lines meet, and it's got the North East line on the left side, you're looking northwards, and the Dragon Park side, the other side.

  “If they manage to get another 20,000 people in the site, they are going to have to do some piece of infrastructure that makes that happen, which I can't think of at present, not because I'm not clever enough, but I'm sure there'll be some clever architect who'll work out some plan to get it to where it could work. But it's quite difficult to think about how you do it. At the time we were struggling to get our stadium built, and that was a big leap, and we're talking 20 years ago, so 20 years is a pretty good time."

• THE BIGGER PICTURE

  Another factor Edelman highlighted is the uncertainty of long-term demand. While Arsenal have experienced sell-out crowds and increased ticket demand in recent years, he questioned whether this trend would continue indefinitely.

  "If you go back 20, 30 years, there were lots of times when football stadiums weren't sold out," he said.

  “We may be in a boom period where we're going to see attendance is very high for the 20 years, and Arsenal could fit 80,000 in. I don't know. But there's an economic ratio of price per seat and numbers of people. Because if you can't fill your stadium, then you can't premium price, and you make much more money out of premium price than you do out of adding another 5,000 seats.”

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  WHAT NEXT FOR ARSENAL?

  While Arsenal fans may be eager to see their club increase stadium capacity, Edelman’s warning highlights the complexity of the situation. The club must weigh infrastructure limitations, fan experience, long-term demand, and financial viability before committing to any large-scale expansion. For now, Arsenal continue to explore their options, but as Edelman suggests, turning the Emirates into an 80,000-seater stadium is far from a straightforward process.

West Ham United officials are ready to open preliminary talks with the agents of a manager, as the Hammers edge towards replacing Julen Lopetegui in the dugout.

Lopetegui "fighting to save job" as West Ham hold internal crisis talks

Reliable journalist David Ornstein of The Athletic backed multiple reports in the press that West Ham held internal talks over Lopetegui’s future on Wednesday, with pressure intensely growing on the Spaniard.

Steidten holds talks with new manager and wants Lopetegui out of West Ham

The German is personally in favour of a change.

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By
Emilio Galantini

Dec 4, 2024

It has been a woeful start to the Premier League campaign for West Ham, who have won just four times in 14 league games, despite spending north of £120 million on new additions in the summer transfer window.

The Irons have also been thumped 5-2 by Arsenal and 3-1 by Leicester City in the space of five days, piling pressure on Lopetegui who is now “fighting to save his job”, according to Ornstein.

West Ham, led by technical director Tim Steidten, are now assessing alternative candidates for the managerial position – should they indeed decide to hand Lopetegui his P45 amid calls for his removal.

Steidten has held talks with Edin Terzic, according to GiveMeSport, and is personally in favour of sacking West Ham’s current manager after their lacklustre start to the 2024/2025 campaign.

Meanwhile, it is also believed that ex-Juventus boss Massimiliano Allegri is contending for the West Ham job, while former FC Porto boss Conceicao is keen on replacing Lopetegui after leaving the Primeira Liga giants earlier this year.

There are a few high-profile options if David Sullivan and co decide to make the decision and sack Lopetegui, but there is another candidate who is now reportedly entering pole position for the West Ham hot seat.

West Ham ready to open talks with Graham Potter to replace Julen Lopetegui

Indeed, that man is former Chelsea and Brighton head coach Graham Potter.

The Englishman, who also sensationally guided Swedish minnows Ostersunds FK to the Europa League after successive promotions from the fourth tier, has been without a job since his sacking by Chelsea.

The 49-year-old is now entering the mix to succeed Lopetegui, as Football Insider share that West Ham are ready to open preliminary talks with Potter, who is said to be emerging as the lead contender.

Potter is apparently “ahead of Conceicao” in the race, with West Ham now prepared to advance their interest in the tactician in their pursuit of a new boss.

Reliable journalist Simon Phillips has shared BlueCo’s transfer “priority”, which they could fulfill as early as January, with Chelsea looking at signing a £75 million England international for Enzo Maresca.

Chelsea seal 4-3 comeback at Tottenham but Maresca plays down title talk

The west Londoners are looking more and more imperious as the weeks go by, with their 4-3 comeback at Tottenham bringing them to five straight wins in all competitions as Chelsea also maintain their unbeaten record since October.

Real Madrid now want to sign £130k-p/w Chelsea star instead of Reece James

He would likely be Chelsea’s record sale if he left.

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By
Ben Browning

Dec 9, 2024

Two slips from Marc Cucurella, who promptly threw away his boots, handed Spurs a two-goal lead early in the first half – with Dominic Solanke and Dejan Kulusevski both pouncing on the Spaniard’s costly errors.

However, Ange Postecoglou’s joy was short-lived, as summer signing Jadon Sancho grabbed one back just minutes later to remind the home side that this wasn’t going to be an easy afternoon by any stretch of the imagination.

Following the second-half restart, with Chelsea dominating play, they were rewarded for their efforts when Cole Palmer levelled the scores through a spot-kick just past the hour mark.

At 2-2, it didn’t take long for them to complete their comeback, with Enzo Fernandez’s striking a sweet half-volley beyond the outreached Fraser Forster – sparking jubilant celebrations in the Chelsea away end.

Palmer was then handed another penalty to all but seal an impressive three points for Chelsea – which he took in extremely confident fashion – dinking a cheeky panenka beyond Forster who stepped the wrong way.

Son Heung-min’s 96th minute strike was too little, too late for Spurs, with Chelsea sealing a 4-3 victory on enemy turf and bringing them to within four points of Premier League frontrunners Liverpool.

Maresca has been continuously asked about the club’s prospects of a potential title win this season, but the Italian has refuted all suggestions they could challenge, and did so once again after their win at the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium.

“After the game, my message to the players is to be focused in the day‑by‑day, our sessions, the next game on Thursday and then Sunday,” said Maresca after Chelsea’s 4-3 win at Tottenham.

“The main focus has to be to enjoy the day off and when we come back train well, go for the game. The fans can dream because from the outside it is quite clear and inside the reality is we are not ready. The important thing is we improve day by day.”

Transfer "priority" shared as Chelsea look at signing Everton star Jarrad Branthwaite

Their near-perfect form, especially in the attacking third, prompts debate over how Chelsea can strengthen their squad without upsetting the applecart.

Phillips, writing via his Substack, says signing a centre-back is one of their “priority” transfer missions, and it could potentially be the “main priority”, despite Chelsea’s widely reported interest in a new striker.

It is believed BlueCo may even seriously consider one for as early as January, with uncertainty surrounding the likes of Axel Disasi and Benoit Badiashile, who Chelsea would’ve apparently sold in the summer.

Of the targets on their radar, England international and Everton defender Jarrad Branthwaite is shortlisted as a viable option.

The Toffees centre-back commands a price tag of around £75 million, so he’ll be no easy signing to pull off, but Phillips writes that Chelsea are looking at signing Branthwaite in their pursuit of a new central defender.

The towering 6-foot-4 22-year-old has played around seven Premier League games this season, missing out on some minutes, but did start 35 league games last term as a real mainstay under Sean Dyche.