Xabi Alonso has admitted Chelsea need to address their defensive problems after the Blues conceded twice in Sunday’s 2-1 defeat to Arsenal.
Chelsea made the perfect start at the Emirates Stadium when Morgan Rogers struck after only 77 seconds, but Kai Havertz equalised before Martin Ødegaard completed Arsenal’s comeback early in the second half.
The result means Chelsea have now conceded seven goals across their opening three Premier League matches.
For a side with ambitions of challenging near the top of the table, Alonso knows that cannot become a long-term trend.
Alonso concerned by Chelsea defensive record
Chelsea’s attacking football has provided plenty of excitement during the opening weeks of Alonso’s reign.
Their defensive record tells a very different story.
The Blues conceded twice against Fulham before allowing Brighton to score three at Stamford Bridge. Arsenal added another two on Sunday.
Asked directly about Chelsea’s seven goals conceded after just three league matches, Alonso acknowledged improvements are required.
“This is something that we need to address.”
Alonso added that Chelsea want to become “tighter” and “more balanced”, while stressing that implementing those changes will require time.
His comments came during the Chelsea manager’s post-match press conference, following his first defeat since taking charge at Stamford Bridge.
Chelsea warning has already become more concerning
The defensive issue did not suddenly appear at the Emirates.
Before Sunday’s game, ReadChelsea highlighted the unwanted 64-year defensive warning Chelsea carried into Arsenal.
Chelsea have now gone 19 consecutive Premier League matches without keeping a clean sheet.
That sequence stretches back into last season and is becoming increasingly difficult to dismiss as a short-term problem.
There were mitigating factors against Arsenal.
Moises Caicedo missed the game through injury, while Alonso selected Josh Acheampong alongside Wesley Fofana and Maxence Lacroix in a reshaped back three.
Chelsea also faced the reigning Premier League champions away from home.
However, the 2-1 defeat at Arsenal followed similarly chaotic defensive moments during the victories over Fulham and Brighton.
Alonso needs to find Chelsea balance
Chelsea’s early attacking numbers make the situation particularly interesting.
Alonso does not need to sacrifice everything that has made his new side dangerous.
The challenge is finding greater defensive security without removing the aggressive football that has helped Rogers, Cole Palmer and João Pedro thrive.
The midfield will be an important part of that.
Sunday demonstrated Chelsea’s dependence on Caicedo, something we analysed after Arsenal exposed the Blues’ midfield problem without the Ecuador international.
Alonso has already insisted this is only the beginning of a new phase for Chelsea.
Three Premier League matches is far too small a sample from which to judge his entire defensive structure.
But seven goals conceded and no clean sheets leave one obvious area requiring attention.
The Chelsea head coach now admits it himself.
