Straight Outta Cobham: The Athletic FC's Chelsea show

You can't stay mad at them for long...Matt Davies-Adams has got The Athletic's Liam Twomey and Luke Bosher with him for a look back on Wednesday night's 4-1 win at Aston Villa - to take Chelsea back to 5th in the Premier League table.Simon Johnson sends us his post-match dispatch from the press box - before we discuss the bold decision to drop Robert Sánchez, the continuation of João Pedro's sensational form - and whether this game was proof that playing the big teams in this difficult upcoming run could actually prove to be in Chelsea's favour. Next up - Wrexham in the FA Cup! The Athletic's Wrexham reporter Richard Sutcliffe drops by to give us the lowdown on Saturday's hosts - who are going for back-to-back-to-back-to-back promotions - and will certainly be up for the cup when they welcome a Premier League side to the Racecourse Ground - aspiring to be in the top flight with them next season. We'll be back on Monday to discuss that fixture AND look ahead to the small matter of PSG in the Champions League round of 16 1st leg on Wednesday night! HOST: Matt Davies-Adams WITH: Luke Bosher, Liam Twomey & Simon Johnson PRODUCER: Lucy Oliva Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

We've seen this movie far too many times now...Matt Davies-Adams has got Luke Bosher and Simon Johnson in tow to look back on the hugely frustrating and in many ways avoidable 2-1 defeat by Arsenal at The Emirates.We begin with a pretty dismayed Liam Twomey and his thoughts from the press box - before reflecting on Robert Sanchez's disastrous afternoon, the unfortunate gulf in class between Arsenal and Chelsea in this current iteration - and the latest red card in a shocking string of inexcusable dismissals which have cost the Blues so dearly.There's no time to sulk though - with a trip to Birmingham and a faltering Aston Villa on Wednesday night. The hosts have only won two of their last seven in the league - and Rosenior's side could close the gap on them to three points if they could come away with a win.Plus, our thoughts on a meeting with Club World Cup friends PSG in the Champions League which is just around the corner...We're back in your ears on Thursday with reaction from the trip to Villa - and a look ahead to the visit to Wrexham in the 5th round of the FA Cup! HOST: Matt Davies-AdamsWITH: Luke Bosher and Simon JohnsonPRODUCER: Lucy Oliva Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Ninth time lucky in the Premier League against Arsenal?!Matt Davies-Adams has got Luke Bosher and Sam Parkin for company as we look ahead to the trip across London to take on the league leaders of Sunday afternoon.We discuss the remaining fixture list which the infamous Opta Supercomputer has deemed the hardest in the league - but could it actually work to their advantage? Plus, who's going to come into the back-line?! And which approach will come out on top in the balance between caution and proactiveness?Then - Simon Johnson pops by to talk us through his interview with Omari Kellyman - who is flourishing on loan at high-flying Cardiff City after a difficult start to his life at Chelsea plagued by injury. We hear from the man himself about the support he received from the likes of Reece James - who's proved that a comeback from serious setbacks is possible.Plus - who takes the ill-discipline crown in our latest Chelsea Top 10's?We'll be back on Monday to reflect on event at The Emirates - and look ahead to the midweek trip to Birmingham to take on top five rivals Aston Villa!Join the Straight Outta Cobham fantasy league HOST: Matt Davies-AdamsWITH: Luke Bosher, Sam Parkin & Simon JohnsonPRODUCER: Lucy Oliva Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

19 points dropped... NINETEEN POINTS!Matt Davies-Adams is joined by two of The Athletic's finest - Simon Johnson and Liam Twomey - to look back on the shocker of a 1-1 draw with Burnley at Stamford Bridge on Saturday afternoon.We discuss the overall poor level of performance, the defensive substitutions and the mistakes that this team just don't seem to be learning from week in, week out. Elsewhere, new shirt sponsor alert! We're only seven months into the season - but we've got an IFS.ai update - and why the club aren't in a rush to secure a long-term front of shirt partner... As we've said so often in the past - thank goodness for CFCW! It wasn't pretty - but they booked their place in the quarter-finals of the FA Cup thanks to a 2-1 win over Manchester United AET. Cerys was there and sent her thoughts on what could prove to be a crucial victory to set the tone for the rest of the season.HOST: Matt Davies-AdamsWITH: Simon Johnson and Liam TwomeyPRODUCER: Lucy Oliva Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Coming to a Dubai nightclub near you soon...Matt Davies-Adams has got Liam Twomey and Cerys Jones with him for a closer look at the Premier League clash with (surely?) Championship-bound Burnley at Stamford Bridge.Why is Cole Palmer so good at taking penalties? What makes Andrey Santos such an important cog in Liam Rosenior's system? And how have Chelsea given up the most xG in the Premier League from defensive set-pieces this season!? And how important is this game to cement their position as a top-five side given they've already dropped points against Sunderland and Leeds at home...Plus - can Chelsea Women progress in the FA Cup? They host frequent foes Manchester United in the fifth round of Sunday - we preview that game.And most importantly - which Chelsea player would you most like to go on holiday with? That's the kind of content you come for!We'll be back on Monday to run the rule over Saturday's visit of Burnley - and discuss whether CFCW have booked their place in the quarter-finals of the FA Cup!Join the Straight Outta Cobham FPL League! HOST: Matt Davies-AdamsWITH: Cerys Jones and Liam TwomeyPRODUCER: Lucy Oliva Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Matt Davies-Adams is joined by Simon Johnson and Luke Bosher for a look back on the 4-0 victory at Hull on Friday night to safely book their place in the 5th round of the FA Cup.We discuss why Pedro Neto perhaps doesn't get the plaudits despite his three goals, another peculiar night for Liam Delap - and the Mamadou Sarr revelation as he impresses on his full debut for the club. Then - with an *actual* midweek without football for the first time since the end of December - we wonder what Liam Rosenior will be prioritising on the training pitch now he's got some time with his players for the first time!Plus - CFCW reacted to a difficult week off the pitch in a positive manner - beating Liverpool 2-0 in the WSL to keep their hopes of a top three finish alive.We'll be back on Wednesday to look ahead to Saturday's visit of Burnley to Stamford Bridge - and CFCW's FA Cup 5th round FA Cup tie with Manchester United! HOST: Matt Davies-AdamsWITH: Luke Bosher and Simon JohnsonPRODUCER: Lucy Oliva Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Oh Cole, it was harder to miss...Matt Davies-Adams has Luke Bosher and Liam Twomey for company to look back on Tuesday night's 2-2 draw with Leeds and Stamford Bridge.The scoreline certainly doesn't tell the whole story - with the Blues throwing away a two-goal lead in farcical fashion to be held by Daniel Farke's side - and Cole Palmer missing an open goal! Simon Johnson sends in his thoughts from the press box on a frustrating evening and what feels like an opportunity missed.Attention then turns to the FA Cup and the long trip to face Championship promotion hopefuls Hull City on Friday night. We look ahead to that game as Liam Rosenior makes his return to the side he played for and managed.Elsewhere - there was big breaking news out of Chelsea Women on Monday evening, when it was announced that head of women's football Paul Green is leaving the club after 13 years. You can read the deep-dive on The Athletic - but women's football writer Megan Feringa joins us for the inside scoop on how the news has been received - and what it means for the club going forward.We'll be back on Monday to look back on the visit to Hull - and rejoice in a free midweek without any football to hopefully rest the weary bodies!Read - Chelsea Women in crisis: A critical exit, player confusion and the role of the men’s sporting directorsJoin our SOC fantasy league! League Code: 7lntvqHOST: Matt Davies-AdamsWITH: Luke Bosher, Liam Twomey and Megan FeringaPRODUCER: Lucy Oliva Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

We've missed singing 'Palmer again ole, ole'...Matt Davies-Adams is joined by two of The Athletic's finest - Cerys Jones and Simon Johnson - for a Monday dose of SOC off the back of Chelsea's 3-1 win at Wolves on Saturday.On the agenda: Cole Palmer's very welcome return to form, Rosenior's role adjustments - and why they can never quite put together a full, 90-minute performance...Next, can the Blues avenge their horror show at Elland Road back at the start of December? We look ahead to Tuesday night's visit of Leeds United to the Bridge in the midweek Premier League action.Plus, CFCW got back to winning ways with their 2-0 victory at Tottenham... in front of Madonna! It means the gap to the top of the table is back to nine points after Man City's defeat at Arsenal.There's also a focus on Cobham! With the under 18's hosting Manchester City in the 5th round of the FA Youth Cup on Monday evening and the U21's flying high in PL2.We'll be back on Wednesday with a look back on the visit of Leeds - and a look ahead to the trip to Hull on Friday night to face Liam Rosenior's former side in the fourth round of the FA Cup.Join the Straight Outta Cobham FPL League! HOST: Matt Davies-AdamsWITH: Cerys Jones and Simon JohnsonPRODUCER: Lucy Oliva Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

That elusive goal...Matt Davies-Adams has got The Athletic's Luke Bosher and Liam Twomey with him after the Blues were knocked out of the League Cup by Arsenal.Beaten 4-2 on aggregate, 1-0 on the night by a last-gasp Kai Havertz (of course) goal - we take a closer look at yet another tactical set-up, the glaring absence of Reece James - and what the team needs to do to get the best out of Liam Delap. It's back to Premier League matters on Saturday - with bottom of the table Wolves the assignment. We've got eyes on that game as the Blues look to consolidate their place in the hunt for a top five finish.Plus - a whistlestop round up of the sparse deadline day dealings - and can Chelsea Women bounce back from the hammering at Man City when they travel to Tottenham? Oh - and can you name the 10 most expensive signings of all-time!? We'll be back on Monday to run the rule over the trip to Molineux - and look ahead to the midweek visit of Leeds to Stamford Bridge!HOST: Matt Davies-AdamsWITH: Luke Bosher and Liam TwomeyPRODUCER: Lucy Oliva Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

At the 57th time of asking...Matt Davies-Adams and Sam Parkin team up to look back on the dramatic 3-2 victory over West Ham at Stamford Bridge on Saturday evening.We've got a special double-header voice note from the press box on the final whistle as Cerys and Liam try and sum up the chaos that played out in front of them in the dictionary definition of a game of two halves.Can the Blues bottle up that second 45 minutes and take it into Tuesday night's League Cup semi-final second leg at The Emirates?! We preview the trip to Arsenal - before Simon Johnson gives his deadline day verdict on what we can expect business wise from the Blues as the January transfer window closes. Plus - it was another afternoon to forget for Chelsea Women after their 5-1 demolition by league leaders Manchester City on Sunday. The Athletic reports that Sonia Bompastor's job is safe - despite her saying she'd be ‘happy’ to leave Chelsea ‘if people think I’m not the right person’.We'll be back slightly earlier on Wednesday this week to bring you our reaction to the Arsenal game - and look ahead to the visit to Molineux!HOST: Matt Davies-AdamsWITH: Sam Parkin PRODUCER: Lucy Oliva Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Come on, it was never in doubt (!)Matt Davies-Adams, Liam Twomey and Sam Parkin assemble to revel in the glory of Wednesday night's triumphant 3-2, comeback victory over Napoli to seal safe passage straight through the Champions League last 16.We of course begin in Naples - and the thoughts of Simon Johnson following the topsy turvy evening which saw Liam Rosenior's tinkering eventually pay off! There's unexpected tactical approaches, Pedro's sensational strikes and sticking the boot in to Romelu Lukaku... Out of the Champions League haze, attentions turns to Saturday evening and the visit of relegation-threatened West Ham to Stamford Bridge.Plus - what next for Raheem Sterling after his Chelsea contract was terminated on Wednesday? And can Chelsea Women close the alarmingly wide gap at the top of the WSL table when they head to leaders Manchester City on Wednesday afternoon?We'll be back on Monday with a look back on all the weekend's action - and a look ahead to the crunch semi-final second leg meeting with Arsenal at The Emirates on Tuesday night. HOST: Matt Davies-AdamsWITH: Sam Parkin and Liam TwomeyPRODUCER: Lucy Oliva Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

To Naples we go...Matt Davies-Adams is joined by The Athletic's Luke Bosher and Simon Johnson to run the rule over Sunday's 3-1 win over Crystal Palace at Selhurst Park.There's love for the sensational Steve-o, a word on João Pedro's recent revival, vintage VAR fodder and the obligatory Caicedo yellow.Then - attention turns to the UCL, and Wednesday night's race for a top eight place as Liam Rosenior's side face Antonio Conte's Napoli. Can Chelsea get the win - and the goal difference boost - to book their place in the next round of the Champions League?!Elsewhere, not such good news for Chelsea Women - comfortably beaten 2-0 by Arsenal at Stamford Bridge on Saturday to leave the Blues nine points behind leaders Manchester City. Cerys sends her report from the press box! Plus - the latest on the (perhaps unexpected) return of Aarón Anselmino and why the wait for a shirt sponsor will go on... We'll be back on Thursday to look back on the crucial Champions League showdown out in Naples - and look ahead to the visit of relegation-threatened West Ham in the Premier League on Saturday evening.We’re asking you to fill out a quick survey about you and your podcast habits by going to theathletic.com/survey26. Three lucky entries will win $/£100 worth of Amazon vouchers too. So whether you’re a long-time listener or a new one, we want your feedback.Join the Straight Outta Cobham FPL League! HOST: Matt Davies-AdamsWITH: Luke Bosher and Simon JohnsonPRODUCER: Lucy Oliva Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

In the race for eighth place...Matt Davies-Adams has got The Athletic's Liam Twomey and Cerys Jones alongside him for a recap of the extremely dull but extremely necessary 1-0 victory over Pafos on MD7 of the UCL.We discuss the slog against the Cypriot champions, Liam Delap's ineffectiveness against the low block - and whether we're being too harsh on the team given a win's a win AND they are into the top eight as it stands.Then, SOC OG Dom Fifield enters the chat for a look ahead to Sunday's trip to current crisis club Crystal Palace in the Premier League.Elsewhere, CFCW booked themselves into yet another cup final - beating Manchester City 1-0 to set up a League Cup final meeting with Manchester United in March. Can they keep the momentum going into Saturday's tie with Arsenal in the WSL?!We'll be back on Monday to look back on the trip to Selhurst Park and look ahead to the huge Champions League clash out in Naples as the Blues face old boss Antonio Conte looking to seal a top eight finish.We’re asking you to fill out a quick survey about you and your podcast habits by going to theathletic.com/survey26. Three lucky entries will win $/£100 worth of Amazon vouchers too. So whether you’re a long-time listener or a new one, we want your feedback.Join the Straight Outta Cobham FPL League! HOST: Matt Davies-AdamsWITH: Cerys Jones, Liam Twomey & Dom FifieldPRODUCER: Lucy Oliva Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Not quite sure how that happened but...Matt Davies-Adams has got Sam Parkin and Simon Johnson for company to pass judgement on the beating of the Bees and a look ahead to Pafos.We begin by touching upon the protests which gathered outside the ground before the game, before turning our attention to the events on the pitch - which saw the Blues somehow come away with a 2-0 win over Brentford.Then - it's the David Luiz derby!! Only he might be injured... but hopefully not! It's surely a must win for Chelsea if they're to secure a spot in the top eight and guarantee automatic passage through to the knockout round.Plus - why are the club interested in signing yet another young centre-back, this time in the form of Rennes 20-year-old Jeremy Jacquet.We'll be back on Thursday to reflect on Wednesday night's encounter with Pafos AND to preview the visit to current Premier League crisis club Crystal Palace.Join the Straight Outta Cobham FPL League! Take part in our audience survey for a chance to win an $/£100 Amazon voucher!HOST: Matt Davies-AdamsWITH: Simon Johnson and Sam ParkinPRODUCER: Lucy Oliva Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

It's been real, Facundo...Matt Davies-Adams is joined by Luke Bosher and Liam Twomey with eyes on Stamford Bridge on Wednesday night and the 3-2 defeat by Arsenal in the League Cup semi-final first leg. Simon Johnson sends his thoughts on the final whistle on a chaotic evening of Carabao football. We discuss the defensive and goalkeeping shortcomings exposed once again, how Rosenior wants this side to play - and the positives considering how depleted the squad was due to injury and illness. Attention then turns to the visit of Brentford on Saturday afternoon - a Brentford who sit fifth in the Premier League table and could move five point clear of the Blues if they were to come away with a win.We'll be back on Monday to bring you reaction to the Bees match - and look ahead to the midweek Champions League action with Pafos in town!Join the Straight Outta Cobham FPL League! HOST: Matt Davies-AdamsWITH: Luke Bosher and Liam TwomeyPRODUCER: Lucy Oliva Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

A big win to kick-off the Rosenior reign...Matt Davies-Adams has got Sam Parkin and Simon Johnson alongside him to look back on the 5-1 win at Charlton in the FA Cup on Saturday night. Then it's onto a wholly different challenge - with Arsenal making the short trip to Stamford Bridge in the Carabao Cup Semi-Final First Leg on Wednesday evening. Is the pressure off for the Blues? And what kind of reception will we see from the home fans towards the new head coach? Plus, the WSL returned this weekend and CFCW got back underway in style with a 5-0 thrashing of West Ham at Kingsmeadow! But it's still all to do in the league with Man City staying six point clear at the top of the table. We'll be back on Thursday to run the rule over the first leg clash with Arsenal - and look ahead to the visit of Brentford in the Premier League on Saturday.HOST: Matt Davies-AdamsWITH: Simon Johnson and Sam ParkinPRODUCER: Lucy Oliva Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Back in October 2025, Liam Rosenior sat down with The Athletic FC Podcast's Ayo Akinwolere and Carl Anka - with RC Strasbourg flying high in Ligue 1.Now Chelsea manager - Rosenior gives an insight into his management style, working in a multi-club ownership model and the importance of representation, diversity and role models.Plus - his approach to coaching and how he gets a big dressing room to come together...Matt Davies-Adams and the gang will be back on Monday to review Rosenior's first game in charge of the Blues against Charlton in the FA Cup - and to look ahead to Arsenal in the League Cup!Host: Ayo AkinwolereCo-Host: Carl AnkaWith: Liam RoseniorExecutive Producer: Adey MoorheadProducer: Jay Beale Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

We are SO back, baby... not a red card in sight...Matt Davies-Adams has got The Athletic's Chelsea experts Cerys Jones and Liam Twomey (!) alongside him for our second show of the week... a second show we'll be bringing you every week going forward!It's a shame we're not with you in happier circumstances - as we have to look back on the 2-1 defeat by Fulham at Craven Cottage on Wednesday night. We discuss the ongoing ill-discipline problems which are plighting this side, Cole Palmer's worrying lack of form - and take the positives from Liam Delap getting his first Premier League goal for the club.Plus, we react to Liam Rosenior's first interview as Chelsea boss and discuss some of the key challenges he faces ahead of his first game in charge on Saturday.Speaking of, we've got another quick look ahead to the trip to The Valley to take on Championship strugglers Charlton - and we preview the return of the WSL with CFCW hosting relegation-threatened West Ham on Sunday.We'll be back on Monday with a look back on visit to Charlton and a look ahead to the League Cup Semi-Final First Leg vs Arsenal on Wednesday night.Thank you for your support and emails, messages, five-star ratings which have allowed us to bring you two shows a week! We wouldn't have done it without you.Join the Straight Outta Cobham FPL League! What is Pubalgia? Read Sarah Shephard's piece HOST: Matt Davies-AdamsWITH: Cerys Jones & Liam TwomeyPRODUCER: Lucy Oliva Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Not bad for your first senior game in charge...Matt Davies-Adams has Cerys Jones and Sam Parkin along for the ride as we look back on the hugely creditable 1-1 draw at Manchester City on Sunday evening. Simon's on hand with his reflections on the final whistle from inside the Etihad - as we praise Calum McFarlane's tactical tweaks, the spirit showed by the team to come back into the game - and what it's like for a player in such a bizarre week at the club. We discuss next steps - with Liam Rosenior reportedly in London to finalise details to become the new head coach. Will he be involved in the preparations ahead of Fulham on Wednesday night? We preview that game *and* Saturday's trip to Charlton in the 3rd round of the FA Cup! We'll be back on Monday to reflect on the matches against Fulham and Charlton - plus a look ahead to the visit of Arsenal in the League Cup semi-final first leg! Join the Straight Outta Cobham FPL League! HOST: Matt Davies-Adams WITH: Cerys Jones & Sam Parkin PRODUCER: Lucy Oliva Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Happy New Year...Matt Davies-Adams, Simon Johnson and Luke Bosher assemble for an emergency pod following the news that dropped at lunchtime on Thursday 1st January 2026 - that Chelsea Football Club and Enzo Maresca have parted company.We take a deep dive into the reasons behind the decision and its timing, the mounting questions which will now only grow for the club's hierarchy and their policies - and why it looks like Liam Rosenior will be the man to take over the helm at Stamford Bridge...Back on Monday with our regularly-scheduled podcast looking back on the trip to Manchester City, plus all the latest news and developments off the field. HOST: Matt Davies-AdamsWITH: Luke Bosher and Simon JohnsonPRODUCER: Lucy Oliva Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.