Chelsea receive approval for new stadium

Chelsea has received approval from the Hammersmith & Fulham Council for the club to redevelop Stamford Bridge.

The proposed rebuild will increase capacity from 41,663 to 60,000.

The plan was presented in model form at a hearing at Hammersmith Town Hall on Wednesday. After a three-hour meeting attended by Blues chairman Bruce Buck and director Eugene Tenenbaum, permission was granted.

Chelsea’s new stadium is expected to cost £500m and take three years to build.

“We are grateful that planning permission was granted for the redevelopment of our historic home,” Chelsea said in a statement.

“The committee decision does not mean that work can begin on site. This is just the latest step, although a significant one, that we have to take before we can commence work, including obtaining various other permissions”, it added.

Stamford Bridge is the ninth biggest club ground in England behind Manchester United, Arsenal, West Ham, Manchester City, Liverpool, Sunderland, Newcastle United and Aston Villa.

Fernando Llorente wants to join Antonio Conte at Chelsea on one condition

Fernando Llorente is interested in a move to Chelsea (Picture: Getty)

Fernando Llorente reportedly is ready to complete a transfer to Chelsea as long as he is promised one thing by Antonio Conte.
It’s understood the Blues are considering either a permanent or loan move for the 31-year-old Swansea City striker who Conte is an avid admirer of from his time at Juventus.
The Telegraph suggest Llorente is keen on a switch to Chelsea as long as the Italian manager is able to guarantee that he’s only behind Diego Costa in the pecking order at Stamford Bridge.
Such a move is likely to see summer signing Michy Batshuayi go out on loan after the forward’s disappointing start to life with the Premier League giants.
Swansea have expressed an interest in Batshuayi but the 23-year-old would prefer to remain in London and join up with West Ham for the remainder of the campaign.
Ahead of the January transfer window, Conte admitted: ‘It’s important to talk with my club for sure.
‘There are some positions that, if we are able to find a resolution, it’s important to take a good solution. It wont be easy but, for sure, we are talking about this.’

Eden Hazard admits he played like a ‘ghost’ last season as Chelsea failed in Premier League

Eden Hazard has been in fine form this season for Premier League leaders Chelsea (Picture: Getty)

Chelsea forward Eden Hazard wants to cement himself as one of the best players in the world after admitting he played like a ‘ghost’ last season.
Belgian star Hazard enjoyed a stunning season two years ago as he scored 19 goals to fire Chelsea to the Premier League title.

But Hazard suffered a dramatic dip in form last term, only registering four league goals as the Blues could only muster a mid-table finish.
Things have certainly changed this season, however, with Hazard’s return to form coinciding with a superb run of results at Stamford Bridge.
Commenting on Chelsea’s dreadful title defence, Hazard told Fox Sport: ‘I learned a lot.
‘Sometimes you are at the top like we were two years ago and sometimes it is difficult for everyone.
‘For me, I was the best player two years ago, but last season I was like a ghost.
‘I want to be the best again and win titles.’

Chelsea announce £60 million Oscar transfer to Shanghai SIPG

Oscar will complete his move from Chelsea to Shanghai SIPG in January, the Premier League leaders have announced.

The deal will see Oscar, 25, massively increase his £90,000-a-week wages at Stamford Bridge and become the Blues' record sale at £60 million, according to ESPN FC sources, eclipsing the £50m fee received from Paris Saint-Germain for David Luiz in the summer of 2014.

The fee will be the fourth-largest ever paid to a Premier League club. The current world record is the £85m Real Madrid paid to Tottenham Hotspur for Gareth Bale in 2013, exceeding the £80m Manchester United charged the Spanish giants for Cristiano Ronaldo four years earlier. Liverpool sold Luis Suarez to Barcelona in 2014 for £65m.

Chelsea said in a statement on their official website: "We thank Oscar for his wonderful service and wish him the very best of luck for the future."

Oscar joined Chelsea from Brazilian club Internacional for £25m in the summer of 2012 and made 203 appearances in all competitions for the Blues, scoring 38 goals and winning the Premier League, Europa League and League Cup during four-and-a-half seasons at Stamford Bridge.

But the Brazil international had not started a Premier League match since September and increasingly became viewed as surplus to requirements following head coach Antonio Conte's successful switch to a 3-4-3 formation.

He told the Chinese club's official website: "I'm very happy to sign for SIPG. This is an important day for me to join my new family in China. Thanks to everybody as SIPG and I cannot wait to meet you at the club and to win new titles."

Last week a source close to Oscar told ESPN FC that the player was weighing up a lucrative offer from Shanghai SIPG, who are coached by former Chelsea manager Andre Villas-Boas and also boast fellow Brazilians Hulk and Elkeson. 

And speaking after Chelsea's 1-0 win over Crystal Palace on Saturday, teammate Willian confirmed to ESPN Brasil that Oscar had said goodbye to the rest of the Blues squad as he prepared to complete the move.

"He's a good friend and a great player," Willian said of Oscar. "I wish him and his family all the best. A footballer's career can be quick, and when an offer like this comes in you have to think of your family. You want to be prepared for when you have to stop playing."

Goodbye Mikel! Coach confirms midfielder's Chelsea exit

John Obi Mikel is almost certain to leave Chelsea after falling down the pecking order.

Former Nigeria coach Samson Siasia has confirmed John Obi Mikel will soon quit Chelsea because he is not part of the plans of manager Antonio Conte.
Siasia was Nigeria coach at the last Olympic Games in Brazil and worked closely with Mikel, who was the captain of the side and both men have had a working relationship of over 10 years, dating back to the U20s in 2005.
Speaking on Mikel’s current at Stamford Bridge, Siasia revealed that the midfielder already told him he has no future at the club under Conte.
“He is ready to quit Chelsea because he said this man (Antonio Conte) does not have anything for him and that was what he told me before he came down to the Olympics,” Siasia revealed.
“That was why they bought (N’Gola) Kante.
“It will be better for him to leave now because he has done very well after 11 years at Chelsea, not even Didier Drogba did not last that long there.
“He already has a British passport and two girls, he has done very well and will now leave.”
Mikel is yet to feature in a competitive game for Chelsea this season, and with his contract up next summer, there have been reports he will leave the club after 11 years, with other reports claiming he could leave as early as next month.
He has already been linked with several top clubs across Europe and beyond.

City, Chelsea fined over Etihad Fracas - the blues punished more

Chelsea and Manchester City have been slammed with heavy fines by the Football Association in England after their players clashed on the field during their Premier League meeting earlier this month.

The Citizens have been directed to cough out £35,000 while Chelsea  on their part have been fined a whooping £100,000, following an incident that was sparked by Sergio Aguero's knee-high challenge on David Luiz in the closing stages of the Blues' 3-1 victory on December 3.

Nigerian youngster, Kelechi Iheanacho was also involved as tensions flared after the horror foul and Fernandinho joined Aguero in being shown a straight-red card for grabbing Cesc Fabregas by the throat and pushing him over the advertising hoardings.

Chelsea feared that they would potentially by hit by a points deduction, with this their fifth charge in the space of 19 months, but that does not appear to be the case with a hefty fine - more than double that of City's -  being the only punishment they have been given.

Antonio Conte labels threat of Chelsea points deduction a 'joke'

Antonio Conte has laughed off suggestions Chelsea could face a points deduction for their conduct in the mass brawl following their 3-1 win at Manchester City.

Diego Costa's fifth goal in six games secured the Blues' ninth consecutive Premier League win on Sunday, a gritty 1-0 victory over West Brom at Stamford Bridge.

It has been reported Chelsea face the prospect of becoming the first side to be docked points over disciplinary issues since Arsenal and Manchester United in 1990, for their conduct at the Etihad Stadium on December 3.

Blues manager Conte rejected the notion, though, insisting he has been at pains for Chelsea to clean up their act.

"Are you joking? Are you joking?" asked Conte when quizzed on the prospect of Chelsea being docked Premier League points.

City players Sergio Aguero and Fernandinho were sent off in the melee that followed Chelsea's win in the north-west.

Aguero's horror tackle on David Luiz sparked the unrest that could now see Chelsea losing points for the on-pitch scuffles.

Both Manchester City and Chelsea were charged with failing to control their players. And the Blues' fifth such charge in 19 months could see the FA imposing a points deduction.

Chelsea were last fined for failing to control their players following the ill-tempered London derby with Tottenham at the end of last term.

Reports have now indicated the Blues were then issued a warning in writing that any further breaches of discipline could lead to the club losing league points.

Conte, however, has insisted he remains unfazed by such talk, claiming he is in the process of cleaning Chelsea's house on the discipline front.

"For me, if you are involved in a situation and the fault is not your one, you must pay? Why? I don't understand this," Conte added.

"Manchester City and Chelsea, at the end of the game, my players tried to keep their calm. I don't understand this. I repeat, I don't understand this.

"We are trying to improve in all aspects, also in this area. For this reason, I reply: you must be joking. You must be honest and understand which team is at fault.

"We had a bad record in the past, but now we are different. I think that, in every game, you fight a lot during 90 minutes and, when the referee whistles at the end, it's important to finish.

"I don't know what happened in the past. I know what happened in the present. For this reason, I ask if you are joking or not. After the game between City and Chelsea, you could see very clearly that my players tried to keep their calm."

Costa's 12th goal of the campaign handed Chelsea their ninth Premier League win on the spin, the Spain hitman robbing West Brom's Gareth McAuley before blasting past Ben Foster.

Chelsea have a tangible chance to break their record Premier League winning streak of 11 matches, with Sunderland, Crystal Palace, Bournemouth and Stoke all still to come this month.

Arsenal boast the all-time Premier League winning run with 13, but Conte has remained unmoved by the Blues' tilt at rewriting the history books.

"I'm not interested in the record," said Conte, with Chelsea topping the table.

"I'm interested in gaining three points in every game because that means we can stay top of the table, and fight for something important."

Conte believes Costa's apparent new-found ability to negotiate the disciplinary tightrope backs up his assertion that Chelsea are turning over a new leaf.

Costa has not been booked since Chelsea's last league loss, the 3-0 reverse at Arsenal on September 24, leading Conte to cross his fingers the forward can avoid any censure for the rest of the month.

"January is arriving no? It's incredible," said Conte of Costa's run without any bookings. "After the Arsenal defeat Diego had four yellow cards and was on the edge."

Champions League and Europa League draw: This is who English teams could face

The Gunners could face Bayern Munich or Real Madrid despite beating the odds to finish first in their group.

Usually, topping your group is the best way to avoid facing a nightmare draw because you cannot face another group winner in the last 16.

But holders Real and German champions Bayern both finished second, meaning they could play Arsene Wenger’s men.

Arsenal could also be drawn against Europa League winners Sevilla – but a kinder draw would pit them against Porto, Benfica or Bayer Leverkusen.

The one big plus for Arsenal is that as group winners they are seeded and will play the second leg of their tie at home, which is usually an advantage.

Manchester City will avoid the likes of Real, Bayern and Barcelona but could still face tough opposition.

Last year’s runners-up Atletico Madrid and Italian giants Juventus are both potential opponents, along with Napoli, Monaco and Borussia Dortmund.

And it doesn’t get any easier for Leicester either despite them topping their group.

Claudio Ranieri’s men could face Real, Bayern, Sevilla, Paris St-Germain, Benfica or Bayer Leverkusen.
No team can be drawn against an opponent from their own country, or an opponent from the group stage.
All three teams will learn their fate from 11am on Monday when the draw begins in Nyon, Switzerland.
The first legs will take place on February 14/15 and 21/22, with the return legs on March 7/8 and 14/15.

Who will Manchester United and Tottenham draw in the Europa League?

Manchester United and Spurs will also learn their opponents in the last 32 of the Europa League.
Spurs are seeded having dropped out of the Champions League and will play the first leg on February 16 away. They could face the likes of Borussia Monchengladbach or Villarreal.
United are unseeded and could be drawn against the likes of Ajax, Roma, Schalke or Besiktas. The second legs will be played on February 23, which is just before United’s possible EFL Cup Final date should they beat Hull in the semis.

Chelsea take top spot in Power Rankings, Juventus up to third, City drop out

For the second consecutive week, Chelsea fell behind vs. a top team and fought back for an impressive win.

1. Chelsea (+1)

Will Antonio Conte's side ever lose another game? Of course they will, but for now the Blues are rolling through opponents with ease. Last weekend saw another master class against a top opponent as they fell behind at Man City but rallied for three slick goals to take all three points and cement their position at the top of the Premier League. Rivals, beware.

2. Real Madrid (-1)

Zinedine Zidane's side stumbled a little in the past week but are still well on course for their La Liga and Champions League objectives. A strong showing in Saturday's Clasico saw them grab a dramatic late 1-1 draw thanks to Sergio Ramos' header, while a midweek date with Borussia Dortmund ended with an entertaining 2-2 draw. Los Blancos are far from invincible, but Zidane has restored their sense of belief.

3. Juventus (+2)

Are the Bianconeri finally clicking? It's taken a few weeks for them to figure things out, but Saturday's 3-1 win over Atalanta was as good as Max Allegri's side have looked all season. Mario Mandzukic continued his fine run of form with a goal, and his strike partner Gonzalo Higuain was on the mark in Wednesday's 2-0 win over Dinamo Zagreb in the Champions League. Juve topped their UCL group and are four points clear in Serie A: not bad at all.

4. RB Leipzig (no change)

Can Leipzig continue their Leicester-like run in Germany? All signs point to yes: With no European football to trouble their tight squad, the minnows defeated Schalke 2-1 on Saturday to remain three points ahead of Bayern Munich. Yes, it felt odd to write that. They're the only unbeaten team in the German top flight and boast a goal difference of plus-18, second-best behind the Bavarian giants. What else can you write about this Cinderella story?

5. Barcelona (+3)

Reports of Barca's demise were greatly exaggerated, as it turns out: Luis Enrique's side shrugged off some indifferent league form to grab a deserved 1-1 Clasico draw on Saturday against in-form Real Madrid and followed it up with a decisive 4-0 win over Borussia Monchengladbach to round out their Champions League group stage. Andres Iniesta is back and healthy, while Arda Turan (who scored three vs. Gladbach) showed he can take some of the attacking burden off the fabled "MSN." It bodes well for the Catalan giants heading into the winter.

6. Roma (+4)

Serie A has had several clubs struggling to compete with Juventus, but this season's AS Roma might finally be able to sustain a season-long charge. The Giallorossi fought hard for a 2-0 Rome derby win over Lazio at the weekend to remain second in the league on goal difference ahead of AC Milan. Roma also rounded out their Europa League group stage with a 0-0 draw at Astra Giurgiu, a result that matters little given that they had already guaranteed their place in the round of 32.

7. Bayern Munich (new)

The transition from Pep Guardiola to Carlo Ancelotti hasn't been entirely smooth this season, but the big boys of Germany still have plenty of quality to get them through the rough patches. Robert Lewandowski scored a hat trick in Friday's 3-1 win vs. Mainz, his first goals since Nov. 1, and then scored again in the midweek 1-0 win over Atletico Madrid to wrap up Champions League Group D. Despite some indifferent form, they're right where they need to be.

8. Borussia Dortmund (new)

Another big German club to have laboured a bit this season, Thomas Tuchel's side have found some cohesion this week. A 4-1 win over Borussia Monchengladbach (aided by a Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang brace) gave way to a spirited 2-2 draw at Real Madrid in midweek, a game in which they rallied from 2-0 down after 53 minutes. Flair and a fightback from the black-and-yellows should give fans something to cheer.

9. Nice (new)

As if RB Leipzig's stunning season so far wasn't impressive enough, Nice are pulling something similar in France. They're still top of Ligue 1 and notched their 12th win of the season last weekend vs. Toulouse, with Alassane Plea scoring his ninth league goal in 16 appearances to kick off a 3-0 win. Paris Saint-Germain's struggles are only helping Les Aiglons remain soaring domestically, and the return of Mario Balotelli in the Europa League helped them close a difficult campaign with a 2-1 win vs. FC Krasnodar.

10. AC Milan (new)

We've been watching Milan's many reboots over the past few seasons, but this time around the renaissance looks legit. The Rossoneri won their only game this week, a 2-1 come-from-behind victory vs. Crotone, to remain third in Serie A on goal difference and just four points behind Juventus. It's a far cry from the midtable mediocrity and constant managerial turnover we'd come to expect, and it's driven by unheralded talent like ex-Liverpool midfielder Suso. Gianluca Lapadula, who scored once and earned a penalty kick in Sunday's win, might also be one of the stories of the season.

Dropping out: Manchester City, Liverpool, Benfica, Paris Saint-Germain

Man United can still reach top four but 'long distance' from title - Guardiola

Pep Guardiola's Manchester City side beat Mourinho's United 2-1 at Old Trafford back in September.

Manchester City manager Pep Guardiola believes local rivals Manchester United can still challenge for a Champions League qualification spot this season but added that Jose Mourinho's side are a "long distance" off the title pace.

United are currently nine points off fourth-placed City in the Premier League table following Sunday's 1-1 draw at Everton, which maintained the club's worst ever start to a Premier League campaign.

Mourinho's side are 13 points behind leaders Chelsea, who won 3-1 at City on Saturday to avoid being overtaken at the top by their hosts.

Guardiola said that, while he thought resurrecting their title hopes would be difficult, United could still challenge for a return to the Champions League next year after missing out on this season's competition.

"I saw the games against Stoke and Burnley, and other ones at Old Trafford," Guardiola told his prematch news conference ahead of Tuesday's Champions League match at Celtic.

"They deserved by far to win the games but football is like this. United have the quality, the history, the manager and the players to be there.

"Of course, 13 points is a long distance, especially when one team is winning games with the quality of Chelsea. So it is not easy. But to be in the first four? Of course."

City have already ensured their progress into the round of 16 in Europe, qualifying as runners-up in their group behind Barcelona.

I’m ready to quit Chelsea – Mikel Obi

Nigeria captain Mikel Obi says he is ready to quit Premier League giants Chelsea in January in search of first-team football.

The 29-year-old, who guided the Super Eagles to a 3-1 victory over Algeria’s Desert Foxes in their Russia 2018 World Cup qualifier in Uyo on Saturday, admits he is no longer happy at Stamford Bridge.

And Mikel says he is not happy that Chelsea’s Italian manager Antonio Conte has overlooked him, despite working hard in training.

It has been suggested Conte decided to freeze the South Africa 2013 Africa Cup of Nations winner out of first-team contention because he opted to represent Nigeria at the Rio 2016 Olympic Games, where the Under-23 team won bronze (Nigeria’s only medal in the competition).

But the Blues’ second longest-serving player behind captain John Terry says he has no regrets over his decision, saying he is ready to leave the team in January.

“Yes, maybe people will say the new manager was upset I left and went to the Olympics, that I didn’t have a pre-season with the team,” The Sun quoted the player, who scored Nigeria’s second goal against Algeria in Uyo, as saying.

“He (Conte) probably thinks I don’t care about the team, things like that.

“But I don’t want to use those excuses. I have to keep training hard and make sure I change the manager’s mind. If not, then we’ll see what happens in January.”

Mikel added, “But, no, I would never swap my Olympic medal for a place back in the Chelsea team.

“One thing you have to do in life as a man is that when you make a decision, or a sacrifice, you have to deal with it.

“You have to stand by your decision. You have to live with it.

“I have not one single regret in going to the Olympics. And I will not trade my medal for anything.”

Meanwhile, Mikel has denied Conte decided to leave him out of his team because he went to the Olympics against his wish.

He said Nigeria coach Gernot Rohr was misquoted as saying he was being punished at Chelsea because he travelled to Rio.

“I’d like to clarify that the recent media claims I’ve been punished by Chelsea for participating at the Rio 2016 Olympics are completely inaccurate,”he said.

Hard work paying off for Chelsea, says Antonio Conte

Antonio Conte has hailed Chelsea's work ethic after they recorded a fourth straight clean sheet in their 2-0 victory at Southampton.

Goals from Eden Hazard and Diego Costa ensured Chelsea left St Mary's with all three points on Super Sunday.

Chelsea are yet to concede since switching to three centre-backs, having been dispatched 3-0 by Arsenal the last time they lined-up in a 4-4-2 formation.

Conte's side now sit in fourth place in the Premier League - just one point behind leaders Manchester City, who are ahead of Liverpool and Arsenal on goal difference.

"I'm very happy because I saw great commitment and work-rate during the game from all the players, with and without the ball," Conte told Sky Sports "This is the right way to play, because when we work together against a very strong team, I think that I as the coach must be very happy after this performance."

"It's fantastic that for a fourth game we did not concede a goal, and also we scored two goals and created many chances. We are working very hard."

Following Chelsea's 4-0 win over Manchester United last week, Conte refused to admit his side were title contenders, and the Italian remained equally coy after their latest win.

"I have the same opinion," Conte added. "Now it's early to answer and speak about title contenders, I repeat that we must work very hard to continue because this is the right way, but we can and must improve.

"After the first part of the season I can tell more about this run."

"We played against United and scored early as well, but when you play away it's different because the home support push the team, but our supporters were saying great things.

"They were fantastic from the first minute until the end. I want to say thank you to our support, from me and my players, because we won this game together - the players on the pitch, and the supporters as well."

Chelsea not concerned with Premier League title - Conte

Antonio Conte insists that Chelsea are not looking at the Premier League table after an impressive 2-0 win over Southampton lifted the Blues back to within a point of leaders Manchester City.

Goals in each half from Eden Hazard and Diego Costa were enough to end the Saints' nine-match unbeaten run at St Mary's and secure Chelsea a fourth consecutive Premier League victory, while Thibaut Courtois has now not conceded a goal in 410 minutes of action since Conte switched to a 3-4-3 system.

The nature of the result and manner of the performance reinforced the belief among many observers that Chelsea are once again serious contenders for the Premier League title. However Conte says no one at Stamford Bridge is looking as far ahead as May.

"At this moment, it's not important for us to look at the table," Conte said. "We are in a good position, but it's not important. It's more important to work very hard and trust the work will improve us. Sometimes you can win a game but you don't see it happening in the right way.

"Now, game by game, I'm seeing a lot of possibilities. I have confidence because we can improve. We can improve a lot. The only way that we must know now is to continue to work. Not look at the table.

"If you ask me a prediction or an expectation of our championship, now it's very difficult to talk about this. It's important to pass many games, particularly in the first part of this season, and then you can see if you can stay up there in the title race.

"When you start the second part, our ideas will be more clear. We are working a lot. I'm seeing a lot of positive things in the team. We are not looking at the table, just continuing to work."

onte insists he will not begin to evaluate his team's title chances until he has negotiated the busy Christmas schedule, but the Italian was still keen to praise the latest in a series of convincing Chelsea performances.

"I saw a lot of positive things," Conte added. "Above all because we played against a strong team in a good moment of form. To come here and win wasn't easy.

"I'm pleased with the commitment, the work rate, to see my players worked very hard during the game with and without the ball. I think this is the right way, to reach great satisfaction in this championship. But we know that the road is long.

"Today Diego Costa and Hazard scored again. We created many chances to score more goals. Also, for four games, we have kept clean sheets. That's fantastic because it means the confidence is increasing. The players, I think, deserve this because I see them every day, the way they are working.

"It's important to arrive this type of result and performance because, in this way, they can trust more in the work."

West Ham v Chelsea: Arrests after London Stadium crowd disorder

Crowd trouble marred West Ham's EFL Cup fourth-round home win over Chelsea, with police making seven arrests.

Plastic bottles, seats and coins were thrown during the Hammers' 2-1 victory at London Stadium as hundreds of supporters clashed and riot police entered the concourse.

It is the latest outbreak of disorder at West Ham's new ground this season.

West Ham boss Slaven Bilic called the behaviour "unacceptable", adding: "We are totally against it as a club."

The club says it will ban any fans involved for life.

Security was boosted for the London derby and an alcohol ban imposed as part of a "robust policing plan" following crowd trouble at the stadium this season.

Until Wednesday's match, the Metropolitan Police have not deployed officers inside the stadium because the radio system emergency services use to communicate will not be operational until 2017.

This season, the Hammers' first at the former Olympic Stadium following their move from Upton Park, 23 fans have been banned from the ground.

Four people were arrested following disorder at the Premier League match against Middlesbrough on 1 October, while there were clashes in the stands during the defeat by Watford in September.

The Metropolitan Police, who made seven arrests for alleged public order offences, described Wednesday's incidents as "unacceptable" and said 30 people were prevented from attending the match.

It said part of its investigation will include "a leaflet handed out before the match containing homophobic contents".

Images on social media before the game appeared to show a song sheet being distributed with homophobic lyrics aimed at Chelsea defender John Terry and striker Diego Costa.

Bilic added: "For those kind of things to happen, especially in England, is unacceptable."

Chelsea manager Antonio Conte said: "I don't really like to see these situations."

One fan at the game told BBC Radio 5 live it "was an absolute nightmare", adding: "If they don't close that stadium someone will get killed there."

West Ham said in a statement they "unreservedly condemn" fans' behaviour and will work to identify those supporters involved, while Chelsea said they were "extremely disappointed to see disturbances".

Police commander BJ Harrington said: "There were a minority of people who attended the match that were clearly intent on being involved in confrontation and violence.

"Despite extensive work with both clubs and a large and robust policing operation, there were unacceptable incidents inside and outside the stadium, before, during and after the game."

West Ham dump Chelsea out of EFL Cup, Southampton edge Sunderland, Manchester United see off Manchester City

West Ham United's return to form continued as they beat Chelsea 2-1 in the fourth round of the EFL Cup.

The Hammers took the lead after just 11 minutes as Cheikhou Kouyate headed home from the edge of the box after a centre from Mark Noble.

And the second came three minutes after the interval as Edimilson Fernandes picked the ball up 20 yards out and arrowed a fine effort into the corner past Asmir Begovic.

Chelsea, who rested many of their top names, made changes in a bid to get back into the game but the Hammers prevailed despite Gary Cahill's consolation in the final moments.

Southampton will also be in the hat for the quarterfinals, with the draw made later on Wednesday, after winning 1-0 at home to Sunderland.

Sofiane Boufal scored the only goal of the game in the 66th minute, when he produced an outstanding shot from the edge of the box and found the top corner of the net.

In the the final game of the night sees Juan Mata scored the only goal as Manchester United  see off Manchester City 1-0.