Stamford Bridge, Chelsea, UK
Stamford Bridge, Chelsea, UK
Xabi Alonso has taken a sharp hit from Spanish media after Chelsea’s 3-0 defeat at Brentford, with the criticism centred on tactics, selection and a defence that keeps leaking goals.
Football London reported that AS described the result as a “disaster” and argued Alonso failed to respond effectively as Brentford exposed Chelsea’s weaknesses. The Spanish outlet questioned his attacking choices too, particularly with João Pedro unavailable. Chelsea struggled to create a reliable threat, while Brentford grew into the match after the interval and punished gaps.
Other sources went further by calling the performance “another shipwreck”. Its assessment focused on Chelsea’s lack of organisation and suggested the early warning signs around Alonso’s project have become difficult to ignore. The defeat extended Chelsea’s winless league run to three matches and left them with seven points from their opening five fixtures.
MARCA offered a slightly softer reading. The outlet highlighted Alonso’s frustration on the touchline and pointed to the absence of an attacking focal point as a major problem. That view matters because Chelsea had to replace João Pedro, while Danny Welbeck struggled to provide the same threat. Morgan Rogers could not give Chelsea the same movement from a deeper starting position either.
The match itself stayed goalless until the 61st minute, when Jaidon Anthony headed Brentford in front from a set-piece situation. Igor Thiago then followed up after Chelsea failed to deal with a counter, before Fábio Carvalho added a third in stoppage time.
Chelsea’s defensive and set-piece problems continued throughout the contest. Chelsea have conceded 12 goals in five Premier League matches, the highest total in the division at this stage, and they have yet to keep a league clean sheet. Those concerns arrived despite Chelsea spending heavily and opening the campaign with victories over Fulham and Brighton.
Can Chelsea fix the defence before Alonso’s tactics become a problem?
Alonso needs to loosen his tactical rigidity and put defensive structure first. Chelsea cannot keep defending with spaces around areas, especially against teams attacking quickly from wide positions.
Caicedo should take a disciplined role as the deep midfielder, screening the half-spaces instead of stretching the shape. That would protect the back line and reduce the openings Brentford found. AS criticised Alonso’s failure to change his approach, and that point deserves attention.
The attack needs a rethink too. With João Pedro injured, forcing Morgan Rogers into a central striker role removes much of his threat. Rogers can attack space from deeper positions, yet playing with his back to goal limits him. Welbeck provides experience, but relying on a 35-year-old striker leaves Chelsea short of movement.
A false-nine system could offer a solution, with Cole Palmer operating centrally and feeding runners Geovany Quenda. Chelsea can use academy options rather than forcing unsuitable combinations.
The club spent around £280 million during the summer, according to figures in the debate around Alonso’s squad. That investment gives him options, but it doesn’t remove pragmatism. Xabi Alonso can keep his principles while changing the details, because conceding 12 goals in five matches demands a defensive response right now.