Following Chelsea’s 2-0 win over Everton on December 13, 2025, Enzo Maresca unexpectedly described the preceding 48 hours as his “worst” since joining the club, citing a lack of “support” for himself, his players, and staff from “many people” (in general).

He explicitly ruled out the fans and media as targets, stating he “loves the fans” and is “very happy with them.” This unprompted outburst sparked widespread speculation of internal tensions with the board or hierarchy, especially after a four-game winless run. In his follow-up press conference on December 15 (ahead of the Carabao Cup tie vs. Cardiff), Maresca remained cryptic, offering little clarification beyond reaffirming his commitment (“absolutely, yes”) and respect for opinions, while focusing on upcoming games.

Southgate Rumors

Media reports (e.g., Daily Express, Mirror) have listed Southgate—unemployed since leaving England post-Euro 2024—as a contingency option if Maresca departs or is sacked. Other speculated names include Zinedine Zidane, Frank Lampard, Brendan Rodgers, Erik ten Hag, Andoni Iraola, and Liam Rosenior. However, no immediate change is expected; club sources describe Maresca’s comments as an “emotional reaction,” and he retains backing for now.

Fan Reaction

Chelsea supporters on socials and forums have overwhelmingly opposed the Southgate link:

• Many view it as a downgrade, preferring to stick with Maresca despite frustrations.
• Common sentiments: “Southgate at Chelsea? No way!” / “Bancar Maresca even if he plays Palmer in goal to avoid Southgate” / “If Southgate replaces Maresca, I’m done supporting.”
• Fans criticize Southgate’s defensive style and lack of recent club experience (last PL job: Middlesbrough, 2009).
• Trending posts highlight panic over the rumor, with calls to back Maresca or pursue more ambitious targets.

This backlash aligns with broader fan discontent toward ownership decisions, amplifying rejection of a “safe” but uninspiring appointment like Southgate. The story remains fluid, with no confirmed rift or imminent managerial change as of December 15, 2025.

Chelsea returned to winning ways and climbed back into the top four with a comfortable 2-0 victory over a stubborn Everton side, thanks in large part to the long-awaited return of their star man Cole Palmer.

The England international, sidelined for several weeks with a hamstring injury, marked his comeback in style by opening the scoring in the 38th minute. Palmer latched onto a precise through ball from Enzo Fernández, shrugged off a challenge, and coolly slotted past Jordan Pickford with his trademark “Cold Palmer” composure.

The second goal arrived in the 62nd minute when right-back Malo Gusto powered home a header from a Nicolas Jackson cross, sealing the points and sending the home crowd into raptures.

Everton, under David Moyes, defended resolutely but offered little threat going forward, remaining mired in mid-table. For Chelsea, the result provides a timely boost amid a congested fixture list, with Palmer’s ice-cold finish reminding everyone why he’s been sorely missed.

Enzo Maresca’s side now sit fourth, just three points off leaders Arsenal. A statement performance – and a welcome sight seeing Palmer back pulling the strings

Sunderland have defied all pre-season expectations with a remarkable return to the Premier League, sitting 7th in the table with 26 points after 16 games – comfortably 10 points clear of the relegation zone and on course for their best top-flight campaign in decades.

Under Régis Le Bris, the Black Cats have bucked the recent trend of promoted teams struggling, becoming the best-performing newly promoted side since Hull City in 2008/09. Their pragmatic, physical style – built on defensive solidity, set-piece prowess, and high energy – has frustrated bigger sides while capitalizing on transitions.

Key to their success has been summer spending (a record for a promoted club) on experienced players like Granit Xhaka, who has been the heartbeat in midfield, leading in distance covered and providing leadership.

Sunderland’s points tally after early games matched or exceeded iconic promoted runs, such as Wigan Athletic’s in 2005/06 (the last side with a similar haul after 13 games) and even their own strong start in 1999/00.

Unlike the immediate relegations suffered by recent trios (Ipswich, Leicester, Southampton last season; others before), the Black Cats are a throwback to eras when promoted teams thrived – think Nottingham Forest or Blackburn in the 1990s.

The latest highlight: a tense 1-0 Tyne-Wear derby victory over rivals Newcastle at the Stadium of Light, sealed by a late own goal, sparking wild celebrations and underscoring their unbeaten home record.

Despite underlying metrics suggesting regression (low open-play xG), Le Bris’ side continue to overperform, blending youth with savvy signings. With fellow promoted teams Leeds and Burnley also competing strongly, this could mark the end of the “promoted curse.” A European push isn’t out of the question – Sunderland are proving they belong.