Xabi Alonso has praised the impact of Chelsea set-piece coach Austin MacPhee ahead of a major tactical test against Brentford on Friday night.
Chelsea have quickly become one of the Premier League’s most dangerous sides from dead-ball situations following MacPhee’s summer arrival from Aston Villa.
Only Brighton & Hove Albion have scored more goals from set-pieces than the Blues so far this season.
However, Brentford represent perhaps the strongest examination yet of Chelsea’s progress in that area.
The Bees have registered more shots from set-pieces than any other Premier League side during the opening four rounds.
Xabi Alonso praises Austin MacPhee impact at Chelsea
Alonso brought MacPhee into his coaching staff during the summer as Chelsea looked to improve both their attacking and defensive work from dead balls.
The Scot arrived with an impressive reputation after helping Aston Villa score 29 set-piece goals last season, the joint-highest total in the Premier League.
Chelsea have already seen signs of that expertise translating onto the pitch.
Speaking in his pre-match assessment of Brentford’s strengths, Alonso explained why having a specialist such as MacPhee was important to his coaching structure.
“We want to have top specialists in each area in terms of the offensive part, defensive and set-pieces,” Alonso said.
He added that MacPhee’s extensive Premier League experience has already been helping Chelsea significantly.
That improvement gives the Blues another attacking route alongside the open-play threat provided by Cole Palmer, Morgan Rogers and João Pedro.
Brentford set-piece threat provides major Chelsea test
Chelsea will need MacPhee’s influence at both ends of the pitch at the Gtech Community Stadium.
Brentford’s official statistical preview of Friday night’s fixture shows the Bees have already attempted 30 shots from set-pieces this season, more than any other Premier League team.
That underlines why Alonso refused to reduce Brentford’s threat simply to transitions and dead-ball situations.
“They do those things very well,” he said, while stressing that Keith Andrews’ side are a complete team capable of causing problems in several different phases.
Chelsea’s own defensive record adds further significance to that contest.
Alonso has already demanded a better balance between Chelsea’s attack and defence after the Blues conceded twice in last weekend’s draw with Hull City.
Set-piece concentration will therefore be another important part of improving that stability.
MacPhee could play key role in west London derby
Friday’s match could become a fascinating test of two teams who
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