Mason Mount is proving he deserves his place in Chelsea’s starting lineup.

Mason Mount once again had an outstanding performance in a Chelsea shirt last night. Mount was instrumental in the Blues dominating performance against Atletico Madrid. Chelsea won by a goal to nil in the first leg of the Champions League round of 16 knockout tie played in Romania. In the Atletico Madrid box, Mason Mount’s high press led to Hermoso’s attempted clearance falling kindly for Giroud. The Frenchman scored a wonder goal, which was his sixth in the 2020/21 Champions League season.

Olivier Giroud bicycle kick goal against Atletico Madrid. (Image: Getty Images)
Olivier Giroud’s bicycle kick goal against Atletico Madrid. (Image: Getty Images)

Mason Mount is starting to prove his critics wrong.

During Frank Lampard’s reign as Chelsea manager, he came under heavy criticism over what some fans and pundits saw as playing favorites. They claimed that Frank Lampard was not selecting the matchday lineups based on players’ form. Much of this criticism involved Mason Mount, one of the first names on the Chelsea team sheet. Mount played almost every game, even as player rotation due to the congested fixtures became the new norm following the COVID-19 pandemic. Indeed, he made 53 appearances in all competitions under Lampard last season. His critics felt that his return of eight goals and six assists did not justify playing that many games. His run of games continued into this season, making a total of 27 outings. Fitting that one of Lampard’s last actions in charge of the Blues was to name him captain in their 3-1 victory over Luton Town in the FA Cup fourth-round tie.

Mason Mount with former Chelsea manager Frank Lampard.
Mason Mount with former Chelsea manager Frank Lampard.

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New manager, same story.

With Thomas Tuchel taking over as Chelsea manager following Frank Lampard’s sacking, many saw this as the end of Mount’s run of games. And they may have thought they were right when Tuchel named the Cobham graduate on the bench for his first game in charge against Wolves. However, he has featured frequently under the German coach since then. Tuchel had some high praises for him.

I cannot tell you where the limit is, and I don’t want to put a limit on his development. It is obvious he has a lot of potential, he is a great footballer and super nice guy, eager to learn, hungry to win, open-minded, and for that, I think that for him, he can perform for any manager.

Thomas Tuchel
Mason Mount with current Chelsea manager Thomas Tuchel
Mason Mount with current Chelsea manager Thomas Tuchel

Talks at an advanced stage for Willian to move to Arsenal

Talks at an advanced stage for Willian to move to Arsenal

Willian is on the verge of moving to Arsenal after failing to agree with Chelsea bosses on his contract extension.

According to reports, the negotiations between Arsenal and the Brazilian have reached at an advanced level to have him join the Gunners.

Arsenal are ready to offer the Brazilian a three-year-deal that he expected to get at Chelsea. According to France Football report, Willian will, however, considers switching between the two London clubs if he gets another year extension in Arsenal’s offer.

Losing Willian will be a tough decision for Chelsea since they have always wanted to keep him. Frank Lampard recently admitted to this.

“I know the situation from the club’s end. But it is his decision and I have not got that answer so I actually do not know what that decision is,” he said.

“It is his choice and I respect his choice. He has been a great servant for Chelsea if he decides to move on. And if he does decide to move on then Chelsea moves on as well and we have to look forward ourselves.”

The 31-year-old has also attracted interest Barcelona but Arsenal seems to be in the pole position to sign him.

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