Maresca leaves Chelsea, Arsenal vanquish Villa + Man United head to Leeds

It’s the first pod of 2026 and Jimbo joins hands with Daniel Storey, Carl Anka and Adrian Clarke because the football doesn’t stop.

Chelsea gonna Chelsea as they part company with manager Enzo Maresca on New Year’s Day. Liam Rosenior looks set to take charge. Can this model of five sporting directors really work? Simon Johnson tells us more.

The Blues make the trip to Manchester City on Saturday. Pep’s side slip 4 points behind Arsenal, who power past title rivals Aston Villa in impressive fashion.

Less impressive was Man United’s draw with Wolves. Will Ruben Amorim ever be under pressure? Maybe on Sunday when they reopen their bitter rivalry with in-form Leeds.

The transfer window is open. Where will Semenyo fit in at City? And why are Spurs letting Johnson go?

Maher Mezahi joins us from Morocco to look ahead to the last 16 of AFCON this weekend.

Plus Garner, boring boring Tottenham and the misery derby.

Produced by Charlie Jones

RUNNING ORDER: 

• PART 1a: Chelsea replacing Maresca with Rosenior? (04.30)

• PART 1b: Sunderland 0-0 Man City (18.30) 

• PART 2a: Arsenal 4-1 Aston Villa (26.00)

• PART 2b: Man United 1-1 Wolves - next up Leeds (33.00)

• PART 3a: Semenyo and Johnson on the move (47.00)

• PART 3b: Brentford 0-0 Spurs (53.00)

• PART 3c: West Ham doing business (55.00)

• PART 3d: Elsewhere in the Premier League (57.00)

• PART 4: AFCON last 16 preview with Maher Mezahi (63.00)

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