Some losses hurt more than others, and the 2-0 defeat to Tottenham on Saturday is definitely one of those. Chelsea put in a terrible performance, creating few chances and registering only 0.43 xG. This allowed Spurs to dominate with 68% of the ball and win 71% of their aerial duels. To make matters worse, Penders scored an own goal, and Palmer was sent off, making for a night to forget.
This means Xabi Alonso cannot afford to take Wednesday’s match at Anfield lightly or treat it as a chance to give his players a break. With no European fixtures this season, the Carabao Cup and FA Cup are the only realistic opportunities for silverware during Alonso’s first campaign. If they win on Merseyside, they’ll reach the quarter-finals and be three rounds away from Wembley on March 21st, 2027.
After losing the FA Cup final to Man City last season, a trophy matters more to this group. And a win at Anfield will help lift spirits. However, there is a case for rotation. They have three games in eight days, with Manchester United coming in fast, while Joao Pedro, Emi Martinez and Reece James are all unavailable.
Alonso made nine changes against Leeds in the last round. That went so badly, he needed Palmer and others off the bench to turn around a two-goal deficit. So it makes sense to keep Moises Caicedo and Levi Colwill at the heart of the team and let Estevao attack Liverpool’s potentially tired backline. I don’t think Alonso should rotate too heavily.
Xabi Alonso: The First Goal Changed Everything
The Spaniard wasn’t hiding his frustration after the defeat. He admitted the team were disappointed with their display and believes that the match turned on one key moment in the second half. He admitted:
“Well, about the game, for sure we are disappointed with the result, with the performance. Half time we have spoken, I had the feeling that it was going to be about the first goal, the second half it was being tight, some half chances from them, some half chances from us, it was going to be about the key moment and once we have conceded the first goal it has changed everything.”
A goalless first 77 minutes was followed by the own goal from Penders before losing Palmer to his second yellow card. Mathys Tel then scored to seal the result. Alonso will need to react quickly to the challenge of facing Man United at Stamford Bridge on Saturday (October 31st). At least, Palmer will be available for the home fixture.