Photo by Darren Walsh/Chelsea FC via Getty Images
Photo by Darren Walsh/Chelsea FC via Getty Images
The story of Chelsea’s season so far is that they have been great going forward but poor defensively.
In Cole Palmer, Joao Pedro and Morgan Rogers, the Blues may have the most dangerous frontline in the Premier League.
They were unable to beat Arsenal over the weekend, but Rogers still managed to score in a 2-1 defeat at the Emirates. Rogers, Pedro and Palmer, however, are not going to help Chelsea concede fewer goals and chances.
Estevao Willian's minutes
Photo by Darren Walsh/Chelsea FC via Getty Images
Chelsea’s xG against is too high
Right now, it is clear that Xabi Alonso’s side are conceding too many goals. In three games, they have already conceded seven times! Looking at their xG against, Chelsea are allowing their opponents to have too many quality chances.
According to Understat, Chelsea have conceded 6.01 xG this season, which is one of the highest figures in the Premier League.
Not only is their xG against high, but they have also conceded one more goal than they should have based on the xG model.
To put things into perspective, Arsenal have an xG against of just 1.27 and have only conceded one goal so far. Any Chelsea supporter who watched Jose Mourinho’s Chelsea side can only be envious of that.
Mikel Arteta, Manager of Arsenal, and Xabi Alonso
Photo by David Price/Arsenal FC via Getty Images
There is no doubt that Moises Caicedo’s absence is contributing to all of these chances that the Blues are conceding.
Chelsea hope to have Caicedo back soon, so hopefully having him return to the team will help them to improve in this particular area.
Despite that loss to Arsenal, Chelsea look set to have a strong campaign, largely thanks to their attack of Palmer, Pedro and Rogers.
But if they want to achieve something truly special this term or next season, defensively, they have to improve. Arsenal have really set the standard, with their xG against showing the extent of what Chelsea and the rest of the Premier League are up against.