Morgan Rogers commits long-term future to Aston Villa with new six-year deal
Aston Villa forward Morgan Rogers has pledged his long-term future to the club by signing a new six-year contract that will keep him at Villa Park until 2031.
Enzo Maresca backs Chelsea teen Estevao for future Ballon d'Or glory
The 18-year-old Brazilian joined Chelsea from Palmeiras this summer for 29 million pounds after breaking Neymar's record for the most goal involvements in Brazil's Serie A before turning 18. Fittingly, his final Palmeiras match came against Chelsea in the Club World Cup - where he scored before Maresca's side went on to win the tournament.
Since his arrival, Estevao has become an instant favourite at Stamford Bridge, catching attention with a late Premier League winner against Liverpool and becoming the Blues' youngest Champions League scorer in a 5–1 victory over Ajax. He's also made an impression for Brazil, scoring on debut against Chile and twice more versus South Korea.
Maresca admits the teenager's adaptation has exceeded expectations.
"He surprised us a lot by how easily he settled," he told ESPN Brasil. "He's very young, but his family supports him and he's had help from Joao Pedro and Andrey Santos. He's happy, he wants to play football - even if he still thinks it's cold here!"
The Italian coach is confident Estevao's potential has no ceiling. "I have no doubt he can fight for the Ballon d'Or or The Best award," Maresca said. "He just needs to focus on improving. If he keeps learning and working, the awards will come by themselves."
Enzo Fernandez and Joao Pedro withdraws against Wolves highlight Chelsea depth worries
Chelsea ended the weekend on a high with a 3-0 victory over Wolves, but the win was overshadowed by fresh injury concerns as Enzo Fernandez and Joao Pedro both requested substitutions late in the game.
Mikel Arteta feels the pain as Arsenal's streak ends in late Sunderland drama
Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta admitted he felt a "pain in my tummy" after his side's 2–2 draw at Sunderland ended their remarkable run of ten straight wins and 881 minutes without conceding a goal.
Eddie Howe accepts blame as Newcastle’s away struggles continue
Eddie Howe marked his fourth anniversary as Newcastle manager with another away defeat, a 3–1 loss to Brentford that stretched their winless Premier League run on the road to nine games.