Chelsea have conceded at least two goals in five straight Premier League games
Chelsea's defensive struggles continue as they suffer another heavy defeat to Brentford.
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Xabi Alonso expressed disappointment after Chelsea's 3-0 defeat to Brentford, highlighting a lack of competitive mentality in the second half. Chelsea has now suffered 11 losses this year, surpassing their total from 2025 with three months remaining. The team has conceded at least two goals in five consecutive Premier League matches, raising concerns among fans about their defensive frailties, particularly in set-piece situations.
The match showcased Chelsea's ongoing struggles with set-pieces, as they conceded yet another goal from a corner. This marks the fourth set-piece goal conceded in five league games, contributing to a total of 23 since the beginning of last season, the worst record in the Premier League. Brentford's Vitaly Janelt confirmed they targeted Chelsea's defensive weaknesses, exploiting gaps effectively during the match.
Despite having the league's top dead-ball coach, Austin MacPhee, Chelsea's set-piece woes persist. Levi Colwill acknowledged the team's need for improvement, particularly in their ability to withstand physical challenges. The Blues have also struggled to protect their penalty area, ranking among the top teams for shots conceded within that zone, which further complicates their defensive issues.
Chelsea's inability to maintain control of games has been evident, especially when falling behind. Alonso noted that the team loses shape and control after conceding, which has led to difficulties in holding onto leads. The absence of Moises Caicedo has exacerbated their defensive problems, with new signings Jordan Henderson and Valentin Barco unable to provide the necessary stability in midfield during the Brentford match.
Chelsea's attacking options, including Joao Pedro, have not been enough to secure results, as they failed to score for the first time this season. Alonso's task of implementing his vision for the team faces challenges, especially with seven new signings in the squad. Colwill emphasised the need for improvement across various aspects of their game, indicating that significant work lies ahead during the international break.
via Sky Sports