Xabi Alonso has told Chelsea that “now is the time to deliver” as his side prepare for their first Premier League match at Stamford Bridge under the Spaniard.
Chelsea have made an encouraging competitive start under Alonso, beating Fulham 3-2 in the Premier League before seeing off Luton Town 2-0 in the Carabao Cup.
Brighton represent a different challenge on Sunday afternoon, however, and Alonso is demanding consistency rather than allowing Chelsea’s encouraging opening week to create complacency.
Speaking to Chelsea’s official website, Alonso thanked supporters for their backing before making clear that his side must now produce performances every weekend.
"We need to help them, not to rely everything on them"
Xabi Alonso speaking about Chelsea's 'special' front three 🔵 pic.twitter.com/JnSBoNexF4
— Sky Sports Premier League (@SkySportsPL) August 24, 2026
Xabi Alonso demands Chelsea deliver
Alonso has already experienced two matches at Stamford Bridge, including the pre-season victory over Real Sociedad and Thursday’s cup win against Luton.
Sunday will be different.
It is his first Premier League home game as Chelsea manager and an opportunity for the Blues to make it three competitive victories in succession.
Alonso said:
“Now is the time to deliver.”
The Chelsea boss stressed that two positive results represent only the beginning and described Brighton as an important test of where his team currently stands.
Chelsea supporters can find the latest selection picture in ReadChelsea’s predicted Chelsea XI against Brighton.
Brighton provide early Chelsea reality check
Alonso has good reason to be cautious.
Chelsea have not beaten Brighton since September 2024, when Cole Palmer scored four times in a 4-2 victory at Stamford Bridge.
The Seagulls have since scored three goals in each of their last three Premier League meetings with Chelsea. They also opened this season by thrashing Aston Villa 4-0.
Another issue remains at the other end.
Chelsea have gone 17 consecutive Premier League matches without keeping a clean sheet, their longest such run since 1991.
That provides immediate context for Chelsea’s decision to strengthen in goal, with Emiliano Martinez completing his £7.5million move from Aston Villa before Sunday’s match.
Martinez cannot solve every defensive issue alone, though.
Alonso‘s Chelsea will need to control a Brighton side he describes as intense and tactically interesting.
Alonso knows Chelsea still have work to do
The Spaniard is refusing to read too much into Chelsea’s opening results.
Alonso acknowledged there will inevitably be difficult periods during the campaign and believes how his players respond to those setbacks will reveal more about their development.
There are already promising signs.
Morgan Rogers created five chances on his Premier League debut against Fulham, while Joao Pedro scored after only 31 seconds. Chelsea then followed that attacking display with their first clean sheet of the season against Luton.
But Brighton should provide a more meaningful indication of Chelsea’s progress.
After an encouraging start, Alonso’s message is simple.
Chelsea now have to reproduce it when the pressure increases.
Supporters watching from the UK can find the full details in ReadChelsea’s Chelsea vs Brighton TV channel, live stream and kick-off guide.
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