Chelsea WITHOUT Lukaku and Werner, Paulo Fonseca ‘advanced Newcastle talks’, Everton in for Alexis Sanchez

HAT’S OFF

Mason Mount admitted to putting himself under heavy pressure to get back to scoring goals – but returned to the scoresheet with a hat-trick.

Before Norwich’s visit to Stamford Bridge, Mount had not scored since May, in Chelsea’s Champions League semi-final win against Real Madrid.

And ahead of the match, the England international said it was ‘about time’ he put one into the back of the net.

But after then going on to get THREE, Mount told BT Sport: “Before the game I put pressure on myself to get on the scoresheet, then three came around in the same game.

“It’s obviously a massive moment for me. I’ll remember this one for a long time.

“I was always getting in positions to score, but I just wasn’t putting it in the back of the net.”

PEEEEEEP!

The 3pm kick offs are underway!

And there’s already been a goal!

Everton are leading Watford after just TWO minutes thanks to a Tom Davies goal.

FORWARDS

Callum Hudson-Odoi – 9
He was very lively and did the hard work with his directness to help setup Mount’s first goal and then followed that up with a beautiful run and finish of his own to put Chelsea 2-0 up.

Chelsea’s star man all game with his direct play and making things happen for them in the final third. Man of the Match.

Mason Mount – 9
Took his first half goal excellently with a nicely drilled shot, then he setup Reece James for his goal with a perfectly weighted pass. He was really up for this game and really energetic and playing full of confidence. 

Kai Havertz – 6
He was certainly the quieter and least effective of the front three but he also had some good moments and held the ball up well when he was asked to. Would have liked to have seen more effect from him today.

FULL-BACKS

Reece James – 8
Scored Chelsea’s third goal with a lovely little dink over the keeper, and his overall play was excellent throughout the game.

Links up really well with Mason Mount, obviously!

Ben Chilwell – 8
He is thriving on this inverted wing back role he is playing and often looks like he is playing more in the ten role.

He looked to be struggling a bit with a niggle at the start of the game but soon sorted that out and contributed well and finished his goal superbly. 

MIDFIELDERS

Jorginho – 8
Lovely assist for Mount’s goal in the first half and his overall play was energetic and influential. He helps dictate Chelsea’s play and control their press as they hunted in packs to get the ball back.

Mateo Kovacic – 9
Inch perfect pass from him to setup Hudson-Odoi’s first half goal and his passing range going forward was excellent today, something he has really improved on this season. Great contributions for Chelsea on the ball and dribbling out of danger.

CHELSEA PLAYER RATINGS

Here’s how SunSport rate the Chelsea players from the 7-0 thrashing against Norwich.

Edouard Mendy – 8
He was largely just a bystander for Chelsea as they breezed past Norwich City, but all he did need to do he did well and was also very vocal from the back again and his block with his leg to stop a Norwich goal was superb.

Trevoh Chalobah – 8
He has settled into this Chelsea team so well like he has been a mainstay in there for the last three seasons. He was calm, contributing in attack and midfield when stepping out, and good defensively.

Thiago Silva – 8
He is the one that always instils calmness throughout the whole team. So good on the ball and making the right pass out of the back, helping to setup many Chelsea attacks and good moves.

Antonio Rudiger – 8
The crowd kept calling for him to shoot from distance and he did have a couple of half decent efforts. So energetic and direct when on the ball in an offensive position and he was solid at the back as well.

SATURDAY SCORES

So the first Premier League contest is complete, if you can call it a contest.

And here’s what is still to come in the top flight this afternoon:

• Chelsea 7-0 Norwich (FT)
• Crystal Palace vs Newcastle (3pm)
• Everton vs Watford (3pm)
• Leeds vs Wolves (3pm)
• Southampton vs Burnley (3pm)
• Brighton vs Manchester City (5.30pm)

BRILLIANT BLUES

This is the 18th time Chelsea have scored six or more goals in a Premier League match.

The Blues have achieved the feat more often than any other side in the competition’s history.

And based on today’s performance they look like doing it again in the not too distant future.

Thomas Tuchel’s side cruised to a 7-0 win, without first choice strikers Romelu Lukaku and Timo Werner.

PEEEEEEP!

FULL TIME AT THE BRIDGE!

CHELSEA 7-0 NORWICH!

GOAL!

Seventh heaven for Chelsea!

Mason Mount has sealed a hat-trick in stoppage time!

The 22-year-old hadn’t scored since May before today, but he’s more than made up for that this afternoon.

Thomas Tuchel’s side have been irresistible today.

GOAL!

This time Mason Mount scores!

It’s six of the best for the Blues!

Mount goes for power, blasting the spot kick straight down the middle.

Krul gets a leg to it, but can only divert the ball into the back of the net.

PENALTY MISSED!

Tim Krul has saved a Mason Mount penalty!

But it’s going to have to be re-taken!

Krul was off his line!

Mount will have another chance from twelve yards…

BETTER CALL PAUL

Arsenal are reportedly interested in a move for Genk striker Paul Onuachu.

According to Mundo Deportive, Mikel Arteta’s side are one of a host of clubs in the race to sign the giants 6ft 7in striker.

The 27-year-old has scored 11 goals in 16 games so far this season for Genk, after netting 35 times in the last campaign.

He is said to be available for just £17million, with Tottenham and West Ham two other clubs showing an interest in a move for the forward.

RED CARD!

Oh dear Norwich fans, it’s gone from bad to worse.

Ben Gibson has been SENT OFF for a reckless sliding tackle on Reece James.

The centre-back was already on a booking, why did he go lunging in like that?

What a poor decision.

The Canaries are down by five goals, and have to play the final 25 minutes with ten men.

GOAL!

ANOTHER one for Chelsea!

Max Aarons has diverted a Callum Hudson-Odoi cross into his own net.

That is so unlucky!

Thomas Tuchel’s side have now hit the Canaries for FIVE!

It’s the first time Chelsea have scored five goals at home in the Premier League since 2019.

GOAL!

And Dean Ashton might be even more embarrassed now!

Ben Chilwell has scored AGAIN, meaning Chelsea now lead hapless Norwich 4-0.

And there’s still half an hour left to play.

That’s four goals in his last four Premier League goals for Chilwell.

‘EMBARRASSED’

Former Norwich striker Dean Ashton is far from pleased from Norwich’s first half performance at Stamford Bridge.

The Canaries conceded three goals in the opening 45 minutes against the Blues, and barely laid a glove on Thomas Tuchel’s side.

And speaking on talkSPORT, Ashton said: “As a former Norwich player I’m embarrassed to watch that and the Norwich fans have every right to be embarrassed too.”

NICE TUCH

Thomas Tuchel admits he is loving the calmer life managing Chelsea’s players rather than the superstars at Paris Saint-Germain.

The Chelsea boss says it is much easier working with Romelu Lukaku than Neymar and Kylian Mbappe.

Tuchel told La Gazzetta dello Sport: “It’s easier to coach Lukaku than Neymar or Mbappe.”

The Chelsea boss has admitted managing PSG’s array of big names and their entourage was a challenge.

Tuchel said: “They are two completely different clubs with regards to style and organisation.

“At PSG, I felt I was the Minister for Sport. I had to also manage family members and friends of the stars.

“At Chelsea, I work much more calmly.”

GOAL!

There’s been another goal at Stamford Bridge.

And there’s no prizes for guessing which team have scored it.

Reece James has put Chelsea 3-0 up with a glorious lobbed finish five minutes before the break.

This one is done and dusted.

BROTHERLY BACKING

Trevoh Chalobah revealed Antonio Rudiger took him under his wing after breaking through at Chelsea.

Both Trevoh and Rudiger were eligible to play for Sierra Leone – Chalobah was born in the African country while Rudiger’s mother is from there.

And that helped them form a special bond as Chalobah came through the ranks at Chelsea, even while out on loan.

The 22-year-old told talkSPORT: “I remember when he first came and my brother was here. My brother told him to look after me.

“He is obviously from the same country as well and he always used to give me advice, even when I was out on loan.

“He told me to always work hard and said, ‘I know you are good enough, you will get your chance.

“He always believed in me and gave me that confidence when I doubted myself, so I say thanks to him as he has been a massive part of it too.”

GOAL!

Chelsea double their lead!

Callum Hudson-Odoi has slotted Chelsea two goals ahead at Stamford Bridge.

The game is not even 20 minutes old yet…

GOAL!

Mason Mount has already stepped up in the absence of Romelu Lukaku and Timo Werner.

The 22-year-old has fired Chelsea ahead against Norwich at Stamford Bridge with a 20-yard stunner.

It’s his first goal since May!

And taken just eight minutes for the Blues to take the lead against the hapless Canaries.

It could be a long afternoon for Daniel Farke’s side…

CONT ME IN

Premier League-winning manager Antonio Conte IS interested in managing Manchester United, but wants to be backed enough to finally win the Champions League, reports say.

The Italian is being linked with taking over from under pressure boss Ole Gunnar Solskjaer.

Journalist Duncan Castles told the Transfer Window podcast: “I think there are two obvious candidates in terms of coaches who have achieved at the top level of the game, who are out of work and would be available to Manchester United without compensation fees.

“One is Zinedine Zidane and one is Antonio Conte. Conte’s position, I’m told, is that he is interested in the Manchester United job but not without restrictions.

“Antonio Conte, when he chooses his next club, wants a club where he can win the Champions League.

“He wants to demonstrate, he’s wanted to do it for a long time, that he is one of the very best coaches in world football.

“To do that he knows he has to win the Champions League, so Manchester United are interesting because of the squad they’ve got, because of their status and because of the resource that is behind them.”

PEEEEEEEP!

Kick off at Stamford Bridge!

Saturday’s Premier League action is underway!

The Blues are trying to extend their lead at the top of the Premier League as they host bottom side Norwich.

MOUR FURY

Jose Mourinho reportedly mocked Bodo/Glimt to his Roma players after they were humiliated 6-1 by the Norwegian side.

Mourinho fielded a weakened side for the Europa Conference League clash, but the result still sent shockwaves through Europe.

It was the heaviest defeat of Mourinho’s career in management.

And when his side got back into the dressing room the Portuguese manager mocked his players, telling them they were not good enough to play in Norway.

According to Corriere Dello Sport, the Roma boss said: “Among you there are people who would not even play here in Norway, or even in Serie B.”