2 days ago
Chelsea’s Xabi Alonso Revival Restores Joy Despite Defensive Worries
Chelsea have started playing more exciting football under manager Xabi Alonso.
They won three matches in one week.
Against Brighton, they scored three goals very quickly.
Cole Palmer and several teammates played especially well.
Brighton still came back strongly and Chelsea eventually won 4-3.
This showed that Chelsea are dangerous when attacking but still vulnerable at the back.
The team has gone 18 league matches without a clean sheet.
New goalkeeper Emi Martinez may help because he has experience and confidence.
Alonso says the players must learn to control matches better.
Chelsea won two Premier League matches and a League Cup game during a successful week under Xabi Alonso.
Chelsea defeated Brighton & Hove Albion 4-3 after racing to a 3-0 lead through goals from Romeo Lavia, Pedro Neto and Joao Pedro.
Cole Palmer scored Chelsea’s fourth goal, while Morgan Rogers assisted Neto after also scoring against Fulham.
Chelsea have not kept a league clean sheet in 18 matches and conceded three second-half goals against Brighton.
New goalkeeper Emi Martinez is expected to add experience and leadership as Chelsea work to improve defensively.
- Who
- Chelsea, manager Xabi Alonso, goalkeeper Emi Martinez and Brighton & Hove Albion.
- What
- Chelsea’s revival continued with a 4-3 Premier League victory over Brighton after two league wins and a League Cup victory in the same week.
- Where
- Stamford Bridge in London, Britain.
- When
- The Brighton match was played on Sunday; the three victories came during the preceding week.
- Why
- Chelsea’s attacking football and improved team spirit have driven the revival, while Alonso is also seeking defensive improvement.
Attacking Revival
Defensive Concerns
Chelsea’s current direction
Attacking Revival
Chelsea’s three wins in a week, rapid attacking combinations and positive performances from players including Cole Palmer, Pedro Neto and Joao Pedro suggest that Alonso has restored confidence and enjoyment.
Defensive Concerns
Chelsea’s defensive problems remain significant, with 18 league matches without a clean sheet and three goals conceded after taking a 3-0 lead against Brighton.
Emi Martinez’s role
Attacking Revival
Alonso believes Martinez’s experience, charisma and presence can positively influence the team and help address its defensive weaknesses.
Defensive Concerns
Martinez said the Brighton game was not perfect and that Chelsea must reduce the number of goals they concede.
Key facts
- Manager
- Xabi Alonso
- Recent run
- Two Premier League wins and one League Cup victory in the past week
- Brighton result
- Chelsea won 4-3 at Stamford Bridge
- Early advantage
- Chelsea led 3-0 after 32 minutes
- Defensive record
- Chelsea have not kept a league clean sheet for 18 matches
- New goalkeeper
- World Cup-winning Argentina goalkeeper Emi Martinez joined Chelsea from Aston Villa
- Key scorer
- Cole Palmer scored Chelsea’s fourth goal against Brighton
Quotes
Emi Martinez
Chelsea goalkeeper assessing the Brighton victory
“The front three is amazing. When we go forward, we can hurt teams. We had a lot of chances to finish the game. Cole Palmer and Joao Pedro had chances to kill the game. At the back, we need to bring the goals down.”
rediff.com
“He is a World Cup winner ... experienced”
rediff.com
Sources
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