Glaring weakness in goal remains but early signs Xabi Alonso's Chelsea should be fun
Quick summary
Jonathan Wilson assesses Chelsea's early form under new manager Xabi Alonso, noting tactical promise but persistent concerns in goal ahead of their Premier League meeting with Fulham.
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Attributed to original sourceThe failure to replace Robert Sánchez remains a mystery but the new-look front three should buy time for the new manager’s principles to bed in
After a weekend on which pretty much every potential challenger to Arsenal had demonstrated their flaws , there was a sense, perhaps even a need, for Chelsea to emerge as a serious contender – if only to prevent the title race becoming a procession. And while they were far from flawless, there were at least some indications that they could mount some kind of challenge.
They looked extremely dangerous in the final third, and Cole Palmer was involved in all three Chelsea goals, perhaps benefiting from a first summer off in three years. But they were rather less impressive through midfield or at the back, despite Josh Acheampong’s all-action performance, while goalkeeper remains the problem it has been since Thibaut Courtois left.
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What happened
The Guardian's Jonathan Wilson evaluates Chelsea's opening matches under Xabi Alonso, highlighting the attacking fluency and tactical identity the new head coach has begun to instill. Despite encouraging signs in build-up play and pressing structure, the piece flags a continuing goalkeeping problem as the main unresolved issue. The article also frames the upcoming London derby against Fulham as an early test of how far Alonso's project has progressed.
Chance analysis
Chelsea's appointment of Xabi Alonso was framed as a move toward a more coherent, possession-based identity, and the early evidence suggests the squad is responding to that vision. Wilson's analysis points to structural improvements in midfield organisation and progressive passing, which align with Alonso's reputation from Bayer Leverkusen. The caveat — a goalkeeper still not commanding confidence — is significant, because in tight Premier League matches the position routinely decides results. For Chelsea supporters, the direction of travel under Alonso is encouraging, but the margins between a fun, ambitious team and a vulnerable one remain uncomfortably thin until the last line is sorted.
Chelsea's attacking and midfield organisation appear strengthened under Alonso, but goalkeeping remains a clear liability that could cost points in close matches.