After six rounds of Premier League games, we’ve learned a great deal about Xabi Alonso’s football philosophy already.
Chelsea have scored 15 goals – only Manchester City and Brighton have notched more, but they’ve also conceded 13; the highest total in the Premier League.
At an average of 4.66 goals per game, the Blues are the most entertaining team in the EPL. Sadly, they don’t give out trophies or Champions League places based on entertainment value.
So Alonso has to find a better balance between defence and attack if Chelsea are to finish in the prized top four places this term.
Fantastic Four
Given the question marks over Man City’s legal battle, plus the sense that Arsenal are not the dominant force they were last term, it’s not impossible that Chelsea could yet creep into the title race.
The Premier League football betting odds have them as a 12/1 chance to lift the trophy, behind Arsenal (1/2) and the Cityzens (7/2). But more realistic is a top four finish, which would qualify Chelsea for next season’s Champions League – Alonso’s men currently priced at 8/15 for that.
Blues fans could take a glass half-full or half-empty view of the season thus far. Chelsea have conceded twice against the likes of Fulham and Hull City, to go with similarly leaky displays against Arsenal and Brighton, so there is a clear need for improvement defensively.
Brighton get a late goal. 🔵 4-3 ⚪️ [90+6] #CFC | #CHEBHA
— Chelsea FC (@ChelseaFC) August 30, 2026
When Alonso’s Bayer Leverkusen won the Bundesliga title in 2023/24, defensive solidity was the cornerstone of their success – they shipped just 24 goals in their 34 starts.
So his tactical variations, which range from 4-2-3-1 with a genuine double-pivot in midfield to 3-4-2-1 with similar principles, have a history of working at the elite level. Which begs the question: why aren’t they working so well, from a defensive perspective, at Stamford Bridge?
Changing Faces
Four Chelsea centre backs have played 200+ Premier League minutes already this term, while two players have alternated in the left back/wing back role and a pair – including Pedro Neto – have featured at right back/wing back.
Often strong defending comes from familiarity and communication, as well as an innate understanding of situations – ‘if he jumps out to close down, I need to cover the space left behind’ etc.
So by not fielding a consistent backline, Alonso is taking away the ability of his defenders to gel and develop an understanding.
With no European football to contend with, there’s no reason for the Spaniard to rotate his troops; decide on your first-choice defence and stick with it.
The goals conceded column has not been aided by a frailty when defending set pieces, with Chelsea conceding six times from set-piece situations in as many Premier League games.
Chelsea’s new set-piece coach Austin MacPhee’s intensity is unmatched 👀😅 https://t.co/mT4aVSVGb8
— ESPN UK (@ESPNUK) August 26, 2026
They’ve scored five from set pieces, so new coach Austin MacPhee is earning his corn, but there are evidently issues from a defensive standpoint, be it individual errors or a collective failing.
One Blues defender offered more context. “We have not been good enough; at times we have been bullied in the box, and we need to improve at that,” which suggests that it’s the players themselves that need to take better ownership of set-piece situations.
Clearly, there’s scope to improve defensively. But the good news is that Chelsea have the personnel and the quality to do exactly that… if Alonso can get his balance right.