Friday’s briefing: Chelsea seek Maresca replacement and goals in short supply

Enzo Maresca left his position as Chelsea boss on Thursday after weeks of tension behind the scenes at Stamford Bridge.

Strasbourg’s former Hull manager Liam Rosenior has emerged as the early favourite to succeed the Italian.

On the pitch, Manchester City suffered a blow in their pursuit of Premier League leaders Arsenal as they drew 0-0 at Sunderland.

Maresca leaves Chelsea after holding talks over succeeding Pep Guardiola

Enzo Maresca left his post as Chelsea head coach following behind the scenes tension at Stamford Bridge for several weeks.

Maresca’s comments after the 2-0 win over Everton on December 13 – Chelsea’s solitary Premier League win in the month – that “many people” had made it his “worst 48 hours” since his arrival in west London in June 2024 were understood to have been viewed dimly by the club hierarchy.

The Press Association also understands Maresca’s departure came after he told Chelsea he had been in contact on multiple occasions with Manchester City about taking over from Pep Guardiola.

Maresca won the Conference League and the Club World Cup at Chelsea but the Blues felt the Italian showed a lack of respect in speaking to City, who could be looking for a new boss this summer if, as reported, Guardiola chooses to step down.

PA also understands Maresca’s reluctance to heed the advice of medical staff in regards to team selections, potentially risking the fitness of players who were recently returned from injury, also played a significant part in making his situation untenable.

Strasbourg manager Liam Rosenior – whose current employers are owned by investment vehicle BlueCo, the consortium set up to purchase Chelsea in 2022 – is the early favourite to replace Maresca among bookmakers.

Title blow for Man City as Sunderland draw hands league leaders Arsenal new year boost

Manchester City dropped two points in the Premier League title race as Sunderland held them 0-0 at the Stadium of Light.

City’s run of eight successive wins in all competitions came to an end 48 hours after leaders Arsenal had beaten third-placed Aston Villa 4-1.

Arsenal hold a four-point lead over City at the halfway stage of the season.

City midfielder Bernardo Silva told Sky Sports: “Obviously we’re not happy because we wanted better than this, but still (it is) a long season.

“We’re fighting for the title and trying to stay as close as possible to the top. We need to win these kind of games, but unfortunately we didn’t today.”

Spurs fans unhappy with Thomas Frank as Brennan Johnson nears exit door

Thomas Frank appeared to be booed by Tottenham fans at the end of his side’s drab 0-0 draw at Brentford as Brennan Johnson closed in on a move to Crystal Palace.

Frank received a warm reception as he strode out on to the pitch at his old Brentford home before kick-off, but that was as good as it got for the Dane as Spurs did not manage a single effort on target until stoppage time.

“Boring, boring Tottenham”, the visiting fans chanted towards the end of the game, and Frank seemingly then had to endure boos from frustrated supporters when he went over to applaud them at full-time.

“It seems (the fans) are not too satisfied and that’s fair,” said Frank, who was also asked about the impending departure of Wales winger Johnson for a reported £35million fee.

Frank told Sky Sports: “Obviously, there is probably something close, but that is it.”

New year ushered in with goals in short supply

Four games, two goals. A hangover in the Premier League’s party season.

Crystal Palace and Fulham produced the only goals of the day in a 1-1 draw at Selhurst Park, as Sunderland-Manchester City, Liverpool-Leeds and Brentford-Tottenham played out goalless draws.

It was just the second day in Premier League history to have at least four games played but see as few as two goals scored.

The other was April 29, 1998, which also had two goals from four games.

What’s on today?

There is no major action in England or Scotland, but AC Milan will leapfrog neighbours Inter and go top of Serie A if they win at Cagliari.

Cristiano Ronaldo will hope to start 2026 in the same scoring vein as he finished 2025.

The former Manchester United star struck twice in a 3-0 Al-Nassr win on Saturday to take his career tally for club and country to 956 goals, and is back in Saudi Pro League action again at Al Ahli.