Odds slashed on Sarri leaving Blues this season

Maurizio Sarri got his wish when Chelsea agreed a loan deal for Gonzalo Higuain in one of the most eye-catching January deals but his problems mounted when the Blues lost 4-0 at Bournemouth on Wednesday, leaving them outside the Premier League top four for the first time this season.

It was Chelsea's second successive league defeat, following the 2-0 loss at Arsenal, and raises questions over the future of Sarri, who seems to be struggling to motivate the players.

Roman Abramovich is not known for his patience and Paddy Power have slashed their odds on Sarri leaving Chelsea this season from 16-1 to 2-1.

Newcastle had a much better week, registering a stunning 2-1 victory over Manchester City on Tuesday and completing a club- record £20m deal for attacking midfielder Miguel Almiron on deadline day.
Almiron, a 12-cap Paraguay international, joins from MLS side Atlanta, where he scored 21 goals in 62 league appearances.

Newcastle also added Italian left-back Antonio Barreca, who moved to Tyneside on a loan deal from Ligue 1 strugglers Monaco.
Liverpool's title hopes took a knock when they drew 1-1 at home to Leicester on Wednesday.

However, Jurgen Klopp's side hold a five-point advantage over Manchester City and are 1-2 to win the Premier League.
City are 9-5 and third-placed Tottenham, who came from behind to win 2-1 at home to Watford on Wednesday, are 40-1.