Photo by Robbie Jay Barratt - AMA/Getty Images
Photo by Robbie Jay Barratt - AMA/Getty Images
There were plenty of positives from Chelsea’s defeat to Arsenal on Sunday, but one concern was the performance of Wesley Fofana. The Blues defender struggled on the left of the back three.
Xabi Alonso changed his back three once again. Levi Colwill had a problem that prevented the England star from starting, and it saw Alonso bring Josh Acheampong back into the side, pushing Fofana over.
Arsenal FC v Chelsea FC - Premier League 2026/27
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He looked uncomfortable from start to finish. It didn’t suit the Frenchman, who was easily beaten by Kai Havertz for Arsenal’s first and failed to make an interception for the winner, scored by Martin Odegaard.
Chelsea fans are growing frustrated with their £70m defender, with the former Leicester man failing to live up to his price tag. Injuries have played their part, but so have the mistakes he consistently makes.
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Joe Cole defends Wesley Fofana, Ledley King comparison made
Speaking on The Dressing Room podcast, Carlton Cole was clearly frustrated with Fofana’s performance against Arsenal. But his old Blues teammate Joe Cole defended Fofana, underlining his injury problems.
Everton v Chelsea - Premier League
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While he didn’t disagree that Fofana’s performances are not good enough, he explained that a reason for that could be the extensive injuries he has suffered since his big-money move to Stamford Bridge.
Carlton Cole said: “I’ve got to say it. What’s happened to Fofana?”, prompting Joe Cole to reply: “Fofana struggles because he can’t play regularly. You know how bad that is when you’ve got a proper injury.”
Wayne Bridge said: “A bit like Ledley King, he had that for years”, to which Cole continued: “That’s why King was remarkable; by the end of my career, I could only train twice a week due to wear and tear.
“For players like Fofana, King, even yourself Coley [Carlton], where it happens a lot earlier, that has an effect – you have to train to sharpen your tools. It’s horrible,” Cole continued, defending Fofana.
Arsenal FC v Chelsea FC - Premier League 2026/27
Photo by Chris Lee – Chelsea FC/Chelsea FC via Getty Images
Fofana’s stats for Chelsea in defeat against Arsenal
Worryingly, 13 players ran more than Fofana – and he saw out the entire 90 minutes. Martin Odegaard ran the same distance as Fofana, a total of 9.6km, and yet Odegaard was taken off with 13 minutes to go.
That’s not good enough. Of 13 duels, he won six – again, as a centre-back, not good enough. Maxence Lacroix won five of eight, but to lose seven is worrying. The one saving grace was Fofana’s passing.
He completed the most passes for Chelsea (44/48 – 92%). But what good is a defender who can pass the ball but is making defensive mistakes and losing duels? Alonso needs to get to the bottom of it.
Who should Xabi Alonso start in defence against Leeds United?
Next up for Chelsea and Alonso, the manager’s fifth game in charge, is a third-round Carabao Cup game against Leeds. A side that took four points off Chelsea last season and their FA Cup semi-final opponents.
Leeds have made an excellent start to the season, remaining unbeaten despite two away games against Nottingham Forest and one against Brighton, only playing once at Elland Road – a draw against Brentford.
Alonso needs Chelsea to be solid to have any chance of beating Daniel Farke’s side. Hopefully, Colwill will be fit enough to start. But Acheampong and Maxence Lacroix should absolutely start for Alonso’s side.