Leaky Blues! Alonso's attacking revolution is hiding a defensive crisis
Chelsea are the Premier League's great entertainers right now, and that is exactly the problem.
Details: The Blues have shipped seven goals in their opening three league games, the latest a 2-1 defeat at Arsenal on Sunday, and their run without a Premier League clean sheet now stands at 19 matches, the club's worst such streak in the top flight since 1961. Not since a 2-0 win over Brentford on January 17 have they kept a shut-out.
The numbers jar with the spectacle: Xabi Alonso's side have scored freely and thrilled early on, with wins over Fulham and Brighton producing seven goals alone. But the new boss has ripped up the playbook, ditching the back four for three centre backs and wing backs, and the transition is proving painful, especially with Levi Colwill sidelined and youngster Josh Acheampong deputising. Even the £7.5 million arrival of Emiliano Martinez, signed to end years of goalkeeping uncertainty, has yet to stem the tide, with the Argentine conceding twice at the Emirates and at fault for one. Alonso himself admits the defence must be addressed, but warned that balance takes time.
It's worth noting that Chelsea's 12 total goals across their first two league games this season were among the highest such returns in Premier League history, the entertainment is real, the defense just has not arrived yet.
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Miguel Solomons
Dailysports's expert
