Chelsea's defence has conceded more goals than any other team this season

Chelsea's season began with promise under Xabi Alonso, but recent defeats against Arsenal, Hull, and Brentford have raised concerns. The team now faces critical challenges as they prepare for a series of important matches. Alonso must address defensive weaknesses and find a way to integrate Moises Caicedo into the midfield, which has struggled in his absence. The upcoming fixtures against Bournemouth, Everton, Spurs, Liverpool, Manchester United, and Sunderland will be pivotal for the Blues.

Chelsea's defence has been a major issue, conceding more goals than any other team this season. It has now been 21 Premier League matches since they last kept a clean sheet, a worrying statistic for a club of Chelsea's stature. The goalkeeper situation has also been problematic, with Emi Martinez not performing at the level expected. Alonso's task is made more difficult by the injuries that have plagued the backline, forcing him to frequently change his defensive setup.

Maxence Lacroix was brought in to strengthen the defence, but injuries have hindered the team's progress. The preferred back three of Wesley Fofana, Levi Colwill, and Lacroix has yet to find stability. Colwill's recent struggles have highlighted the need for a consistent defensive unit. Meanwhile, young talent Josh Acheampong is also vying for a starting role, as fans look for a solid core to support the team moving forward.

In midfield, the absence of Moises Caicedo has been felt deeply, with the player having only featured for 14 minutes this season. Chelsea's midfield has seen constant changes, leading to a lack of cohesion. The return of Marco Palestra could provide a boost, but the team needs to find a reliable combination of players. With the January transfer window approaching, the pressure is on current midfielders to prove their worth and secure their positions in the squad.

via Sky Sports