Despite Chelsea’s defensive fragility, the Blues’ attacking talent shone yet again to defeat Brighton and Hove Albion in a thrilling 4-3 win on Sunday at Stamford Bridge.
Chelsea looked lethal on the counter-attack, particularly when moving the ball quickly and pressing the opposition backline.
Xabi Alonso’s back-three system, however, can be got at, with the Blues showing signs of frailty on their left-hand side, consistently vulnerable to counters and unforced errors.
Happy, despite nervy moments
“All the wins, I enjoy them a lot. It was a game of different moments, different feelings and in the end we are happy with the result,” Alonso told Sky Sports.
“We’ll see. We want the best for the team,” Alonso added, regarding a question about midfielder Enzo Fernandez’s future.
“That’s why we made the decision against Luton and today. Anything that happens before Tuesday evening, we need to be aware of what is going to develop.
“We are not sure, we are preparing for all the scenarios, but I am sure that whatever happens from Wednesday, we will have a good enough squad to compete in all the Premier League games.”
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Experience and calmness between the sticks
“With Emi, World Cup winner, experience all around,” Alonso said about new signing Emiliano Martinez, who made his first start for Chelsea in goal.
“I spoke with him yesterday [Saturday]. We talked about the game, about our team. He felt ready.
“I don’t have to say many things for him to perform. He wanted to have a clean sheet but I’m happy.
“He has only been here for 48 hours, so now we have to help him prepare for the next one.
“He has charisma and aura to have a very positive influence on the rest of them.”
Caicedo injury struggles
Midfielder Moises Caicedo came on for the Blues in the second half, but had to leave the game after aggravating the injury he’s struggled to come back from.
“Hopefully it was not new and it wasn’t more than last time,” Alonso said of the incident.
“He was cautious to stop, to say that his feeling was not the best, but we need to assess during the week. But it wasn’t something new.”
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