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Moises Caicedo Lone Goal Helps Chelsea Defeat Stubborn Pafos On Liam Rosenior UCL debut

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Moises Caicedo Lone Goal Helps Chelsea Defeat Stubborn Pafos On Liam Rosenior UCL debut—-Moises Caicedo’s late goal gave Chelsea a vital 1-0 win against Cypriot minnows Pafos on Wednesday as the Blues moved closer to automatic qualification for the Champions League last 16.

Chelsea’s fourth victory from seven Champions League group stage matches lifted them into eighth place.

Chelsea’s Dutch defender #21 Jorrel Hato focuses on the ball whilst under pressure from Pafos FC’s Brazilian midfielder #11 Jaja during the UEFA Champions League league-phase football match between Chelsea and Pafos at Stamford Bridge in London on January 21, 2026. (Photo by Glyn KIRK / AFP)

A win at Napoli in their final group game on January 28 would likely be enough to send Chelsea through to the last 16, depending on other results.

The Blues would face the unwanted stress of a play-off round if they finish outside the top eight.

Rosenior has won three times and lost once in his first four games since arriving from Strasbourg to replace Enzo Maresca, who left Stamford Bridge after mounting tensions with the club’s hierarchy.

It was far from plain sailing for Rosenior as Chelsea struggled to find a way past inspired Pafos keeper Jay Gorter before Caicedo made the breakthrough.

Chelsea’s Ecuadorian midfielder #25 Moises Caicedo celebrates scoring the team’s first goal during the UEFA Champions League league-phase football match between Chelsea and Pafos at Stamford Bridge in London on January 21, 2026. (Photo by Glyn KIRK / AFP)

Optimistic Chelsea fans have noted their two Champions League triumphs in 2012 and 2021 came after they changed manager in mid-season.

But there is a long way to go before Rosenior can hope to emulate those iconic victories masterminded by Roberto Di Matteo and Thomas Tuchel.

Chelsea have been steady rather than eye-catching so far under Rosenior, with far sterner tests lying in wait in the surprise choice to replace Maresca.

Wake-up call

Rosenior made six changes from the 2-0 win over Brentford on Saturday, with injured England forward Cole Palmer absent due to a slight strain.

Brazilian veteran David Luiz, a 2012 Champions League winner with Chelsea, was on the bench for Pafos, who were far from overawed in their first ever match against English opposition.

Chelsea laboured for long periods and even when Enzo Fernandez had the ball in the net in the 18th minute, the midfielder’s close-range header was disallowed for a push.

Chelsea’s Ecuadorian midfielder #25 Moises Caicedo (R) celebrates scoring the team’s first goal during the UEFA Champions League league-phase football match between Chelsea and Pafos at Stamford Bridge in London on January 21, 2026. (Photo by Glyn KIRK / AFP)

Chelsea nearly gifted Pafos a shock opener when a wayward back-pass to Filip Jorgensen was almost intercepted by Anderson Silva, but the Blues keeper chested the ball away from danger.

Rosenior’s men had lost their momentum and Pafos went close when Jaja’s shot from just inside the area took a wicked deflection off Reece James and hit the post with Jorgensen rooted to the spot.

That near-miss served as a wake-up call and Caicedo’s blast was pushed away by Gorter before Benoit Badiashile glanced a header narrowly wide moments later.

Caicedo’s long-range drive forced another good stop from Gorter, who also repelled Jorrel Hato’s fierce strike just before half-time.

Frustration was mounting among Chelsea supporters and Rosenior made a double change at the break, sending on Robert Sanchez for Jorgensen and Estevao Willian for James.

Estevao nearly made an instant impact with a stinging volley that Gorter saved at full stretch.

Gorter was enjoying the game of his life and he denied Pedro Neto and Caicedo with two more fine saves.

To Rosenior’s immense relief, Chelsea finally found a way past Gorter in the 78th minute.

Pafos couldn’t clear a corner and Caicedo arrived to flick his header into the far corner from close range.

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BREAKING: Crystal Palace Sack Pierre Sage After Just 16 Matches in Charge

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BREAKING: Crystal Palace Sack Pierre Sage After Just 16 Matches in Charge—-The Eagles dismiss the Frenchman after winning only two of their opening 10 Premier League matches, leaving the club bottom of the table following four consecutive league defeats.

Crystal Palace have officially sacked manager Pierre Sage following a disappointing start to the 2026/27 campaign, bringing his short spell at Selhurst Park to an end after just 16 matches.

The club confirmed the Frenchman’s departure on Thursday, November 12, less than five months after appointing him as Oliver Glasner’s successor in June.

Sage’s dismissal follows a disappointing run of results that has left Palace bottom of the Premier League table, with only seven points from their opening 10 matches.

In an official statement, Crystal Palace thanked Sage and his coaching staff for their efforts during their time at the club and wished them well for the future.

Three members of his backroom team, Jamal Alioui, Damien Della Santa and Sandy Guichard, have also left the club.

Poor Premier League Form Costs Sage His Job

Sage managed just two victories and one draw from his first 10 Premier League matches, with seven defeats leaving Palace in serious trouble.

His final match in charge was Sunday’s 3-1 home defeat against Liverpool at Selhurst Park, which extended the Eagles’ losing streak in the league to four matches.

Palace have also conceded 24 goals in their opening 10 league fixtures, giving them the worst defensive record in the division.

The disappointing run followed an earlier 5-0 defeat against Brighton, which intensified pressure on the Frenchman and raised questions about his ability to turn the club’s fortunes around.

Thomas Frank Emerges as Leading Replacement Candidate

Following Sage’s dismissal, former Tottenham Hotspur and Brentford manager Thomas Frank has emerged as the leading candidate to take over at Selhurst Park.

The Danish tactician was considered by Crystal Palace during their managerial search in the summer before the club eventually appointed Sage.

Frank remains without a club after being dismissed by Tottenham in February and could now be considered for another Premier League opportunity.

Former Everton manager Sean Dyche and Vítor Pereira have also been mentioned among the possible alternatives.

However, Crystal Palace have yet to officially announce Sage’s successor, stating that an update on the appointment process will be provided in due course.

A Disappointing End to Sage’s Premier League Adventure

Sage arrived at Crystal Palace with an impressive reputation after his successful spell at French club Lens, where he helped the team achieve significant domestic success.

His appointment was expected to provide continuity following Glasner’s departure, but the results have failed to meet expectations.

The Frenchman now leaves Selhurst Park after only 16 matches, with Palace facing the challenge of finding a replacement capable of lifting the club away from the bottom of the Premier League table.

The Eagles are scheduled to return to league action against Coventry City on November 21, giving the club an opportunity to make a managerial appointment during the international break.

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BREAKING: Manchester United Sack Michael Carrick After Just 10 Premier League Matches

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BREAKING: Manchester United Sack Michael Carrick After Just 10 Premier League Matches—The Red Devils part ways with their head coach following a disastrous start to the 2026/27 campaign that has left the club in the Premier League relegation zone.

Manchester United have officially relieved Michael Carrick of his duties as first-team head coach following a disappointing start to the 2026/27 Premier League season.

The decision, announced on Thursday, November 12, comes after United managed just one victory in their opening 10 league matches, leaving the Old Trafford side 18th in the standings with eight points.

Carrick’s dismissal follows a disappointing run of results that has placed the club in serious danger of slipping further into the relegation battle.

According to reports, the club’s hierarchy concluded that a managerial change was necessary after reviewing the team’s performances and results.

Poor Results Cost Carrick His Job

Manchester United’s difficult campaign has been characterised by inconsistent performances, defensive problems and an inability to secure victories.

The team’s disappointing run included a 2-0 defeat against Chelsea and a 3-0 home loss to Bournemouth, before a dramatic 4-4 draw against Aston Villa in Carrick’s final match.

Despite recovering from two goals down to claim a point against Villa, the result was insufficient to convince the club’s decision-makers to retain the former midfielder.

United have recorded just three victories in 15 matches across all competitions under Carrick this season, with only one coming in the Premier League.

From Champions League Qualification to Relegation Trouble

Carrick’s departure represents a dramatic turnaround from his successful initial spell at Old Trafford.

Appointed in January 2026 following Ruben Amorim’s dismissal, the former Manchester United midfielder made an immediate impact, guiding the club to a third-place Premier League finish and Champions League qualification.

His impressive results earned him a permanent contract in May, running until 2028.

However, the momentum from last season failed to carry into the new campaign, with United struggling to reproduce the performances that had initially secured Carrick’s position.

Mauricio Pochettino Linked With Manchester United Job

Following Carrick’s dismissal, former Tottenham Hotspur, Chelsea and Paris Saint-Germain manager Mauricio Pochettino has emerged as the leading candidate to take over at Old Trafford.

Reports from Sky Sports indicate that Manchester United have reached an agreement with the current United States national team coach, although arrangements surrounding his departure from the national team remain to be completed.

The club has stated that it intends to appoint a permanent successor as quickly as possible.

Another Managerial Change at Old Trafford

Carrick becomes the latest manager to depart Manchester United since Sir Alex Ferguson’s retirement in 2013.

His dismissal once again raises questions about the club’s managerial stability and its continued struggle to establish a consistent direction.

For Carrick, the departure marks a disappointing end to a tenure that began with considerable promise but ultimately unravelled after a disastrous start to the new season.

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