Chelsea finally got their title defence back on track after a nervy 3-2 win away at West Bromwich Albion. The Blues looked to be in complete control at half-time when new signing Pedro scored once and assisted while Cesar Azpilicueta made it 3-1 to Chelsea, but West Brom came back in the second half, aided by a red card to John Terry for fouling Rondon when the striker was through on goal.
Chelsea vs West Brom
West Brom made it 3-2 thanks to James Morrison. but it was not enough as Chelsea just about held out for a win. West Brom should have taken the lead when Nemanja Matic fouled Callum McManaman but the penalty taken by Morrison was saved well by Courtois and it was a case of what could have been for the home team as Chelsea rode some luck and claimed their first three points of the season.
The star of the show was Pedro with his goal and assist and we provide the talking points from the entertaining game between the two.
Pedro is something special
A new team, new players, new country and a new league but that doesn’t faze the Spanish winger, who was in excellent form for the Blues. Pedro scored once and assisted another goal while creating a number of chances for Chelsea. He doesn’t seem to have lost any ability or pace and could be one of the smartest buys from Jose Mourinho.
Pedro
Ivanovic should be given a break
First it was against Swansea, then it was against Manchester City and now against West Brom, Branislav Ivanovic has had a torrid start to the season and many wingers have torn him to shreds. He never had the pace to deal with speedy wingers but his positioning and strength helped him deal with those issues. Unfortunately, it seems that attackers now have his calling card and he needs to be taken out of the firing line for a couple of games.
Pulis’ striker problems
West Brom should have been in the lead when they were awarded a penalty but it was missed by Morrison but he was not their regular taker. Saido Berahino is their designated penalty taker but he was left out of the squad due to some transfer rumours linking him with a move away from the team. Pulis has signed Lambert and Rondon to cover that but surely playing Berahino would have helped the striker and the club out, either way, it seems Berahino is literally out of the team for now.
Chelsea’s defence is a shambles
Another game, another red card, this time it was John Terry who was sent off for bringing down Rondon. To be honest, there wasn’t much he could have done but the communication between Terry and Zouma wasn’t that great. A Jose Mourinho team is known first for their defence, more than anything else, but this team does not look close to a Chelsea team that is being coached by Jose at the moment.
John Terry
Chelsea cannot win the league if they play like this
It is pretty hard to win the Premier League, even harder to retain it. The Blues might have captured Pedro from under Manchester United’s noses but the way they have played this season, it doesn’t seem likely they will be able to retain the title. They need to get stronger defensively and even their attack isn’t as threatening as it was last season. Fortunately for Mourinho, the season is only 3 games old and he has 35 more games where he can work his magic.
Tottenham Women have signed Japan international Maika Hamano on loan from Chelsea until the end of the season, marking their fourth signing of the January transfer window. The 21 year old versatile attacker joins fellow new arrivals Matilda Nildén, Hannah Wijk and Signe Gaupset as Martin Ho strengthens his squad for a top four push.
Hamano joined Chelsea from INAC Kobe Leonessa in 2023 and was a member of Japan’s 2023 World Cup and 2024 Paris Olympics squads. However, she has seen limited minutes at Stamford Bridge this season under Sonia Bompastor, prompting the loan move to secure regular playing time.
Versatile Forward Provides Emergency Cover
The attacker can play anywhere across the forward line, operating on both flanks and centrally. She appears to be emergency cover for Jess Naz, who is out for the rest of the season after suffering an ACL injury in December. The loan is believed to be a dry loan with no purchase option included.
The only downside to Hamano’s arrival is that she will miss a couple of games this spring alongside fellow Japan international Toko Koga for the Asian Cup. Claire Hunt will also be absent during that period for international duty.
Spurs Positioning for Top Four Finish
Tottenham’s aggressive January business signals their ambition to finish in the top four or five this season. Reports suggest they are not finished in the transfer market with Julie Blakstad and Larissa Mühlhaus also mentioned as potential targets.
The club has moved swiftly to address squad weaknesses after struggling in the first half of the campaign. Hamano’s versatility gives Ho tactical flexibility as Spurs look to climb the WSL table when they return from the winter break on January 10.
Chelsea
(Photos) Chelsea Star Sam Kerr Marries USWNT’s Kristie Mewis in Australian Wedding of the Year as Matildas Captain Carries Son Jagger Down Aisle
Sam Kerr married longtime partner Kristie Mewis in a stunning New Year’s Eve ceremony at Dionysus Villa in Perth’s Swan Valley. The Chelsea striker and former USWNT midfielder, who welcomed son Jagger earlier in 2025, exchanged vows in front of 120 guests at the luxurious Venetian inspired estate in what Australian media dubbed “Australian sport’s wedding of the year.”
Kerr dazzled in a classic black tuxedo with a white buttonhole rose while Mewis wore a white sparkling gown featuring a corset and long veil. In a touching moment, Kerr carried their seven month old son down the aisle with Mewis later revealing on her podcast that she would “sob when that happens.”
Matildas Stars Among Superstar Guests
The guestlist included several of Kerr’s Matildas teammates including Steph Catley, Mackenzie Arnold and Alanna Kennedy, who all wore black outfits in line with the dress code. Arsenal stars Caitlin Foord and Katie McCabe also attended alongside former United States teammate Stephanie McCaffrey.
The couple got engaged in late 2023 after meeting in 2019 and officially announcing their relationship in 2021. They celebrated into the early hours of 2026 before flying back to London with baby Jagger after a brief stay at the Crown Towers hotel.
A full honeymoon is on hold due to Kerr’s upcoming fixture for Chelsea against West Ham on January 11th.
Wedding Caps Remarkable Recovery
The ceremony caps a remarkable two years for Kerr following her ACL injury sustained in January 2024 that kept her out for 20 months. Her recovery was extended due to an undiscovered issue with the surgical graft that caused persistent pain and dark days during rehabilitation.
She made her return in September 2025, scoring her 100th Chelsea goal minutes after coming off the bench against Aston Villa.
Also read: Sjoeke Nüsken Open to Chelsea Exit as Bayern Munich Circle, Expresses Her Preference
Arsenal Dragon
Top Women’s Football Free Agents in 2026 as Lucy Bronze, Bunny Shaw and Georgia Stanway Among Stars With Expiring Contracts
A large number of high profile players in women’s football will become free agents this summer with reigning WSL champions Chelsea facing the potential departure of eight first team stars. Lucy Bronze, Hannah Hampton, Millie Bright, Aggie Beever Jones, Sam Kerr, Catarina Macario, Guro Reiten and Rebecca Spencer are all out of contract or require options to be exercised.
All Chelsea players are available to sign pre contracts with clubs outside the WSL from this month. Macario is the player most likely to leave amid interest from NWSL side Bay FC, with the United States international having found game time limited under Sonia Bompastor this season.
Arsenal Face Major Contract Decisions
Arsenal also have several top players requiring action including Emily Fox, Katie McCabe, Kim Little, Stina Blackstenius and Beth Mead. Mead could be on the move after being linked with London City Lionesses last summer, though the Gunners will be desperate to retain the Euro 2025 winner.
Manchester City face losing WSL leading goalscorer Bunny Shaw on a free transfer this summer. Leila Ouahabi and Laura Coombs are also both out of contract at the Joie Stadium. Manchester United will be keen to exercise the option on Ella Toone’s deal after the midfielder was awarded an MBE in the New Year Honours List.
European Stars Available
England midfielder Georgia Stanway is attracting interest from clubs including Arsenal with her Bayern Munich contract expiring. Barcelona face uncertainty over several stars including Alexia Putellas, Mapi Leon, Salma Paralluelo and Caroline Graham Hansen.
Caroline Weir is on an expiring contract at Real Madrid while former England number one Mary Earps could leave Paris Saint Germain. Trinity Rodman’s Washington Spirit contract expires with WSL champions Chelsea among clubs interested in the United States forward.
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