Premier League1 hour ago1 minute read

Alonso Calls for Defensive Balance After Chelsea Goal Rush

Chelsea have scored 15 goals and conceded 13 in six games under Xabi Alonso, who says it is too early to tell if they are on track.

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Alonso Demands Better Defensive Balance

Xabi Alonso says it is still too early to tell whether Chelsea are heading the right way. The Blues have experienced an open start to the season under their Spanish manager. Across six league matches, they have scored 15 goals, making them the third highest scorers in the division. At the same time, no team has conceded more than their 13 goals.

A total of 28 goals have been scored in Chelsea league games so far, including a 5-1 win over Bournemouth at Stamford Bridge last weekend. Alonso made it clear that trophies require defensive discipline as well as attacking power. He explained that a team needs clean sheets to win trophies, but also needs to score goals, adding that Chelsea are still in the process of finding that balance before assessing their direction in February.

Caicedo Returns as James Faces Time Out

Chelsea suffered from a lack of control in the middle of the pitch during their opening fixtures. That issue looked settled against Bournemouth as Moises Caicedo made his first start of the season after recovering from a calf injury. His presence brought stability, while Jordan Henderson scored his first two goals for the club in the win.

Alonso praised the partnership between Caicedo and Henderson, while also pointing out a positive 25 minute showing from Romeo Lavia off the bench. Chelsea will need that midfield depth in the weeks ahead because Reece James could be out until the new year, or beyond Christmas, following minor knee surgery. Chelsea now head into Saturday level on 10 points from six matches with David Moyes' Everton.

What it means for the next game

Everton vs Chelsea (Premier League, Sat, 17 Oct): Everton win 36%, draw 25%, Chelsea win 39%; expected goals 1.48 to 1.55. Our safest pick: Over 1.5 goals. Our best value pick: Everton to win.

Chelsea vs Tottenham Hotspur (Premier League, Sat, 24 Oct): Chelsea win 48%, draw 25%, Tottenham Hotspur win 28%; expected goals 1.73 to 1.27. Our safest pick: Over 1.5 goals.