There was a rare moment before kick-off as Chelsea hosted Newcastle in the Premier League on Saturday night. Coach Liam Rosenier’s team will adopt a new pregame ritual of gathering the team huddle and delivering a final message of encouragement in the center circle before kickoff. Players crowd around the ball, even if the opponent is in control of the game.
They faced Eddie Howe’s Newcastle at Stamford Bridge, continuing the trend of new team talk. But this time, referee Paul Tierney defended the ball and refused to move as Chelsea players crowded around him. As a result, a hilarious image was leaked of Chelsea players talking to each other while Tierney stood in the middle of them, blocking the view of several players.
At one point, as the huddle formed, Cole Palmer playfully hugged the referee from behind, and Enzo Fernandez smiled and laughed. But the Chelsea talisman was also photographed looking hilariously embarrassed as he frowned at Tierney as match officials refused to move him out of the way. Palmer gave officials a confused look as the camera panned around the venue, and the footage drew laughs from the commentary box.
Sky Sports’ chief commentator Rob Hawthorn said with a laugh: “Paul Tierney is caught up in this new pre-match ritual of Chelsea circling and huddled around the ball in the center spot. They’ve been doing it for a few weeks now. Recently people have noticed that Paul Tierney has been caught in the middle, which is highly unusual.”
Former Chelsea striker and co-commentator Chris Sutton added: “What’s going on? I’ve never seen referees involved!”
Chelsea manager Rosenior recently denied suggestions that it was an order from him or his staff to have Chelsea players crowding around the center circle. He said: “No, it wasn’t (my idea). The idea came from the players and I really like it because they’re showing unity and unity and spirit. And I think that’s what we need.”
“Before you start talking about tactics and systems, first and foremost you need a group of players who are willing to run and fight for each other. And I have to say that in my time there wasn’t a single game where they didn’t give it their all or were disappointed in how they played, so that bodes well.”
“They’re a good group, a close-knit group, and they enjoy each other’s company. That’s half the battle.”
Newcastle took the lead in the 18th minute with Anthony Gordon’s goal, with Joe Willock doing well to break through the opposition’s last line in west London.
