Mikel’s new Jackson message, Maresca’s substitutions & Fofana blow

John Obi Mikel and Chris McHardy pick the bones out of Chelsea’s first match of 2025 as their winless run in the league stretches to four matches after a 1-1 draw at Crystal Palace. ‘Hard work’ is John’s buzzword as Nicolas Jackson’s lean spell continues, plus Enzo Maresca’s apparent aversion to substitutions also comes under the microscope as does an injury that threatens to derail the Blues’ season.

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices