Chelsea win hours after club owner sanctioned

Chelsea showed they can cope amid the Roman Abramovich turmoil as they won 3-1 against Norwich just hours after their Russian owner was sanctioned by the British government.

Thomas Tuchel’s side arrived at Carrow Road rocked by the revelation that Abramovich is one of seven more oligarchs hit by fresh UK sanctions following Russia’s invasion of Ukraine.

All seven are described as part of Russian President Vladimir Putin’s inner circle, with Abramovich’s UK assets frozen and tough restrictions placed on Chelsea, who are currently unable to sign new players, renew contracts or sell match tickets.

Abramovich had already announced he was willing to sell Chelsea, who won 19 major trophies in his 19-year reign.

But if Chelsea’s future is clouded in uncertainty, they remain a formidable force on the pitch and goals from Trevoh Chalobah, Mason Mount and Kai Havertz lifted the mood on the 117th anniversary of the club’s formation.

Third-placed Chelsea have won nine of their last 10 games in all competitions and sit nine points clear of fifth-placed Manchester United in the race to qualify for the Champions League via a top-four finish.

Asked about the potential impact of sanctions on his team, Tuchel said: “Everybody can be very sure that we focus on us, to keep the attitude and the mentality right on the training ground and within the team.

“So far we can trust each other and this will not change. As long as we have enough shirts and a bus to drive to the games we will be there and will compete hard.”

Elsewhere, Leeds United remain in severe danger of relegation after a 3-0 defeat against Aston Villa at Elland Road.

Jesse Marsch’s maiden home game in charge was another let-down after defeat at Leicester last weekend in his first game since replacing Marcelo Bielsa.

Leeds have lost six successive league games and lie only two points above the relegation zone, having played two more matches than third-bottom Burnley.

Villa went ahead in the 22nd minute as Philippe Coutinho scored his fourth goal since joining on loan from Barcelona.

Matty Cash struck in the 65th minute and Calum Chambers wrapped up the points eight minutes later.

Newcastle moved another step closer to survival with a 2-1 win at Southampton that extended their unbeaten league run to nine games.

Wolves crushed second-bottom Watford 4-0 with goals from Raul Jimenez, Daniel Podence and Ruben Neves, as well as a Cucho Hernandez own goal. (AFP)