Chelsea’s defensive problems have continued under Xabi Alonso, with Sky Sports News’ James Savundra warning that the club’s failure to keep a clean sheet in 21 consecutive Premier League matches is simply not good enough.
The Blues have undergone significant change during 2026, but Savundra believes their defensive shortcomings existed before Alonso arrived and remain one of the biggest issues facing the new head coach.
“The defensive issues that Chelsea have had pre-date Alonso’s arrival,” Savundra said on Sky Sports.
Defensive weakness not good enough
“It is now 21 Premier League matches since they last kept a clean sheet which is remarkable – even though Chelsea have had a huge amount of change and there’s been a huge amount of transition in 2026.
“For a club the size of Chelsea that simply isn’t good enough.”
Chelsea brought in Emiliano Martinez and Maxence Lacroix to strengthen a defence which had struggled in recent seasons, but both signings have faced their own challenges.
Savundra believes Martinez has needed time to adapt since arriving, while also acknowledging that the goalkeeper is no longer at the level he reached several years ago.
Lacroix was viewed as a logical addition because of his experience, but injuries have prevented Alonso from establishing a settled defensive unit.
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Fragilities on the left-hand side
“I think the favoured backline, the favoured back three will be Wesley Fofana, Levi Colwill and Lacroix,” Savundra said.
“Already Colwill, who I thought was really impressive in the FA Cup final when he came back from injury, he has struggled somewhat on the left-hand side of defence with Lacroix playing deeper in terms of that back three.”
Savundra also believes there needs to be a role for Josh Acheampong, with supporters keen to see the academy product given more opportunities.
However, he stressed that Chelsea cannot challenge for major honours without establishing a stronger defensive foundation.
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