Chelsea

BBC Radio 5 Live's Monday Night Club team have been discussing Chelsea boss Xabi Alonso's "brave" and "fascinating" approach to defending Arsenal's corners.

The Spaniard suffered his first defeat as Blues manager on Sunday, as Mikel Arteta's side came from behind to earn a 2-1 win at Emirates Stadium.

On Sunday, Chelsea employed a tactic of leaving four players upfield for defensive corners, going man for man in the penalty area.

"I loved the braveness of it, if I'm honest," former Premier League defender Conor Coady said. "It is risky - of course it is, especially against Arsenal - but I love the way Alonso is thinking outside the box a little bit.

"Someone has got to try to stop Arsenal. We have been speaking about their set-pieces for over a year and there has to be a way to stop them.

"We have to remember we are only seeing him at the start of something, though. At least he is trying to think outside the box and trying different things within the game."

Former Chelsea striker Chris Sutton added: "It was fascinating, but his players were always going to have to deal with Gabriel and they needed somebody who could match him in the air.

"The point is that you can try to defend Arsenal flooding the box with bodies and have everybody back, but they will still find a way of scoring.

"But I like seeing different things and I like that Xabi Alonso felt brave enough to do that."

Watch the clip below for more discussion about Alonso's style and how, of all the managers he played under, the 44-year-old is most like Carlo Ancelotti...

Listen to the full episode on BBC Sounds

Chelsea showed late interest in Fulham's Sander Berge as they attempted to strengthen their midfield options before Enzo Fernandez's departure.

The Blues intended to sign a central midfielder in the closing days of the summer transfer window as they prepared for Fernandez to join Manchester City.

However, Chelsea's search ended in disappointment as they sold Fernandez for £125m without signing a replacement.

It is understood Norway international Berge was among the options explored by Chelsea during the final stages of the window, though they did not make a formal bid and Fulham considered the 28-year-old not for sale.

Since his arrival from Burnley in 2023, Berge has become a key player for the Cottagers, making 78 appearances.

Image source, Getty Images

Chelsea centre-back Maxence Lacroix says the Blues "deserved more" from their 2-1 defeat against Arsenal.

Lacroix said: "I think it was a good start but once they scored it got more and more difficult.

"But we showed that we also had good actions and good attacks, so the defeat hurts a little bit. We gave our best."

The 26-year-old has featured in all four games for Xabi Alonso since his £52m move from Crystal Palace and although Chelsea have only lost one game, they have conceded seven goals in three league fixtures.

"I think we deserved more. Luck was not by our side, but we have to accept it," Lacroix added.

"The desire to score, the attitude was clear. We showed good character until the very end. We deserved the 2-2, but we learned for next time."

Nizaar Kinsella
Chelsea reporter

Image source, Getty Images

Chelsea have been ranked the most productive academy in England and Wales for the fourth consecutive year.

The Academy Productivity Rankings, external, compiled by Training Ground Guru, assess which clubs are producing the highest number of players aged 23 and under who are progressing into the men's game, using a data-driven methodology.

Manchester United topped the rankings for three successive seasons before Chelsea claimed first place in the 2021-22 campaign.

Chelsea have now again finished top of the rankings, ahead of Arsenal, Manchester United, Manchester City and Tottenham.

Speaking about the achievement, academy director Glenn van der Kraan told Training Ground Guru: "On behalf of everyone at Chelsea Football Club, we are incredibly proud to have topped the Academy Productivity Rankings for a fourth successive year.

"That record reflects the hard work of so many people across the academy and the entire club, and I thank the club's ownership and sporting directors for their support and backing."

Chelsea won Premier League 2 and the Under-18 Premier League title before beating Manchester City 5-1 in the national final between the northern and southern champions last season.

The Blues have since renamed their under-21 and under-19 teams as Cobham Next Gen.

We asked for your thoughts after Sunday's Premier League game between Arsenal and Chelsea.

Here are some of your comments:

Arsenal fans

Matthew: Established squad beats big summer spenders. Another example of how building a squad over time really pays off. Very optimistic display.

Vince: It was arguably our first big test in the league and the boys passed it with flying colours. They played with the confidence and grit of champions, swamping Chelsea and forcing the equaliser as if by sheer willpower alone, before Martin Odegaard scored the winner following some classy play. A massive, massive result.

Brian: I'm 84 years old and have been a Gooner since I was five. Wow, what a game. Mikel Arteta has got this team exactly as he wants and they were magnificent against Chelsea. The defence is fully under control, with David Raya putting on a excellent display. I thought Chelsea were not there expecting to win and their midfield was somewhat in disarray at times. Think Xabi Alonso needs to tighten at the back more too.

Gabriel: This game was the epitome of "attack wins you games, but defence wins you championships". Unfortunately for Chelsea, we had both those categories. Riccardo Calafiori was an absolute beast, Christos Tzolis reminded everybody who he is again, and this crazy captain of mine Odegaard was at it again. Huge test passedand we go again at Napoli.

Chelsea fans

George: Chelsea, as usual, conceded after taking the lead but this time Arsenal deserved to be ahead as they were better. The usual suspects were poor/average while Arsenal had 11 good players on the pitch. I do believe Chelsea will continue to improve and hopefully Estevao Willian will start games by Christmas.

Nicholas: We certainly gave them something to think about. Given we had a makeshift midfield and a defence that is largely all over the place, it was surprisingly Arsenal who were defending at the end. Big, big mistake not getting a top midfielder in the transfer window, which will probably be costly at the end of the season if it's not fixed. Arsenal can certainly be got at, not like the Manchester City and Liverpool of Pep Guardiola and Jurgen Klopp respectively.

Tristan: I'm so, so gutted. When Morgan Rogers scored that early goal, I thought we had a chance - but it is what is. I think the two goals we conceded were a bit unlucky - if only Emi Martinez stopped that Kai Havertz shot and our centre-halves weren't split as much. But there is a silver lining - I do think we are still title contenders. And we wait for Hull City.

Fossie: An excellent start but we conceded far too much possession to Arsenal and the inevitable happened. Gabriel should have been sent off for kicking Martinez in the head and Estevao was unlucky near the end. But there were some positive signs, enough to at least be challenging for the title.

Nizaar Kinsella
Chelsea reporter

Image source, Getty Images

The primary issue is the absence of midfielder Moises Caicedo, who is out with an unspecified injury for an unknown period after breaking down just 11 minutes into a substitute appearance against Brighton last week.

It has left Xabi Alonso in almost uncharted territory for a Chelsea boss. Aside from suspensions, Caicedo had missed only two matches during the previous three seasons, through a knock and illness.

Asked about the Ecuador international, Alonso said: "It is about assessing the risk. Probably, last week, we brought him back too early and I don't want to make the same mistake again."

It remains unclear whether Chelsea had concerns over Caicedo's fitness while pursuing several central midfielders on transfer deadline day.

Monaco pulled the plug on a £47m move for Lamine Camara at the last minute, leaving officials at Stamford Bridge furious.

Chelsea said they pursued Camara because of a market opportunity, adding that they were satisfied with their summer business and retained faith in their current options.

That was despite selling Enzo Fernandez to Manchester City for a joint British record fee of £125m on deadline day, without signing a direct replacement.

However, Caicedo's absence means he joins Jordan Henderson on the sidelines, with the England international still recovering from a broken arm suffered after falling over an advertising hoarding while an unused substitute at the World Cup.

Natural midfielder Valentin Barco, who joined from Strasbourg in the summer, has been overlooked in favour of Malo Gusto in all three of Chelsea's Premier League matches so far.

With Gusto starting in midfield, Chelsea recorded 25.6% possession in last weekend's 4-3 victory over Brighton, their lowest figure since records began in 2003-04.

"I don't think Chelsea can be that frustrated or upset they haven't got more players in, with the number of players they've got on their books," former England captain Wayne Rooney told Match of the Day.

"Alonso has got to figure a way out while they've got injuries... find a way.

"They obviously won the first two league games of the season, but coming up against Arsenal they see the level the champions have got to and they were a little bit off that."

However, if all of Chelsea's midfield options are fit, and Caicedo's injury proves only minor, they should be able to cope with five midfielders in a season without midweek European football, as Alonso argued before the match.

Watch Sunday's episode of Match of the Day on BBC iPlayer

Match of the Day pundit Wayne Rooney says Gabriel was fortunate to stay on the pitch after his challenge on Chelsea' goalkeeper Emiliano Martinez.

Watch Match of the Day on BBC iPlayer

Chelsea want to secure the signing of Bournemouth midfielder Alex Scott now, with a view to the 23-year-old arriving next summer, after having a £60m bid rejected in the recent transfer window. (Teamtalk), external

Arsenal, Manchester City and Al-Hilal are interested in Chelsea's Pedro Neto and could make a move for the winger in January. (Caught Offside), external

Meanwhile, Blues forward Christopher Nkunku turned down offers from Manchester United and Newcastle United before sealing a loan move back to RB Leipzig. (Bild & Sky Sport Germany, via Caught Offside), external

Want more transfer stories? Read Monday's full gossip column

Follow the gossip column on BBC Sport

Chelsea starting XI:

Emiliano Martinez: There was concern when the Argentina goalkeeper was accidentally kicked in the head by Gabriel early on, but he was beaten too easily at his near post for Kai Havertz's equaliser. He later made a high-quality save from Saka in the second half. 5

Josh Acheampong: Often dragged into uncomfortable areas by Tzolis from a tactical perspective, but handled his individual defensive duties well. 6

Maxence Lacroix: Miscontrolled a ball early on and allowed Havertz's shot to pass through his legs but also impressed at other times. 6

Wesley Fofana: Unconvincing defensively against Bukayo Saka, Martin Odegaard and, ultimately, Havertz for the equaliser, but the most composed of Chelsea's defenders in possession. 6

Pedro Neto: Tasked with marking Riccardo Calafiori while also providing an attacking threat. Hit the post just before half-time with a brilliant curling effort. 7

Reece James: Saw a well-struck long-range effort saved after 22 minutes and was arguably Chelsea's best passer. 7

Romeo Lavia: Produced a superb defensive header to clear the danger in the 32nd minute and competed aggressively throughout. 6

Jorrel Hato: His determination helped create Morgan Rogers' volley and he matched that effort defensively, although he struggled to contain Saka at times. 6

Cole Palmer: Had one effort on target in the first half and was booked for a professional foul. Also had a second-half shot saved. Arsenal largely kept him quiet. 5

Morgan Rogers: Opened the scoring with a first-time volley after just two minutes. Later curled an effort narrowly wide in the 31st minute and was Chelsea's most dangerous attacking player. 7

Joao Pedro: Unconvincing defensively at set-pieces and had few opportunities in front of goal, including an ambitious effort from distance. Still made a significant contribution through his work-rate, physical presence and ability to bring team-mates into play as the number nine. 6

Chelsea substitutes:

Malo Gusto (on 60, Lavia): Poor effort moments after coming on, albeit playing out of position in central midfield. 5

Pep Chavarria (on 60, Hato): Struggled to track his runners on a few occasions. 6

Estevao Willian (on 80, Neto): The Brazilian's sensational curling effort almost levelled but was saved by Raya.

Danny Welbeck (on 87, Rogers)

Subs not used:

Penders, Colwill, Barco, Quenda, Gittens

Read the full article and see how you rated the players

Neil Johnston
BBC Sport journalist

Image source, Getty Images

Chelsea finished in 10th place, a whopping 33 points behind Arsenal last season.

While Xabi Alonso's side still have plenty of catching up to do, there was evidence in this game they will compete towards the top end of the table this time.

Alonso, however, needs to get on top of his side's defensive frailties.

While Chelsea have goals in them this season in the shape of Morgan Rogers - who has scored two and provided one assist in his first three league appearances for his new club - Joao Pedro and Cole Palmer, they also have holes at the back.

Chelsea have not kept a clean sheet in the league since 17 January and although they pushed Arsenal all the way, there will be disappointment about both goals they conceded.

Argentina World Cup keeper Emiliano Martinez will feel he should have done better with Kai Havertz's equaliser, while Chelsea's defence was found wanting for Martin Odegaard's winner.

Chelsea manager Xabi Alonso, speaking to BBC Match of the Day: "The assessment and the feeling [is that] it hurts. It hurts to lose. It hurts to suffer our first defeat. It has been a very intense game, a great fight between two sides who have given everything. They have played with the top level of concentration, of intensity. We have tried, we score early, after that Arsenal push us hard and we were struggling a little bit to get control of the ball.

"After the equaliser, it has been quite balanced. We had a couple of chances. It's about details. Once you concede, you need to know it's just one goal. Disappointed that we couldn't take anything from here."

On creating opportunities today: "It was never going to be a game to create 12 opportunities. They are hard to beat, they are hard to create chances [against], but we had 3,4, chances to score more than one goal. This is a process. It's still early days for us. We want to start having clean sheets, they will come. The players are committed to working hard, to knowing that we're on the way to compete in each game. Not happy that we couldn't get anything but we need to keep calm and carry on."

On if it's too early to say whether Chelsea will score a lot but also concede a lot: "It's too early. Time will tell. We want to keep improving in certain areas, we want to keep doing as well as we are doing. Each game is really hard battle and we have fought really hard up to the last minute in the game. It's very important we have this spirit and the team is feeling this spirit. It gives you the strength to win games."

Did you know?

• Chelsea have lost five consecutive away games against an opponent in the Premier League for the second time, previously losing six in a row at Anfield to Liverpool between 1992 and 1997.

• Chelsea are the first team in Premier League history to score inside the opening five minutes in each of their first three games of the season.

Whether you were at the game or following from elsewhere, we want to know what you learned.

Have your say on Arsenal's performance

What did you make of Chelsea's display?

Reaction and analysis to follow - and come back on Monday for a selection of your replies.

There are two games in the Premier League on Sunday and BBC Sport will bring you every moment.

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Arsenal were a bit clunky last time out against Aston Villa, while I love what Xabi Alonso is doing at Chelsea.

He doesn't care about possession, and that's not how Chelsea try to get results.

It's strange because I had a look at how his Bayer Leverkusen side lined up when they won the Bundesliga, and they were pretty dominant possession-wise.

So, it is quite alarming when you look at the two league games Chelsea have played and see how much of the ball they haven't had. Against Fulham they only had 38% possession and then against Brighton it was down to 25%.

I don't know whether that is by design or by just not having the players to dominate. They are still free-scoring, but they are conceding loads of goals too.

Whatever the reason, I don't see it changing here. Arsenal are so powerful and the only question mark around them is if they are a forward or two short.

Even so, you would not exactly say they have a real weakness anywhere. The beauty of Mikel Arteta's side is they can play in different ways.

They demolished Manchester City in the Community Shield with some pure football, and played some nice stuff against Coventry too, but then they were able to grind out a win at Aston Villa as well.

Ultimately, whether they are free-flowing or not, their organisation should see them through this game too.

Sutton's prediction: 3-1

Read the full predictions and have your say here

Matthew Hobbs
BBC Sport journalist

Arsenal and Chelsea meet on Saturday having each won both of their opening matches.

BBC Sport examines some of the key themes ahead of Sunday's meeting at Emirates Stadium (16:30 BST).

Arsenal will aim to continue a strong start to their title defence by winning their opening three Premier League matches for only the second time in the past 21 seasons.

The Gunners have begun 2026-27 in comfortable fashion both on and off the pitch. Effective recruitment this summer means that Mikel Arteta's side were not involved in the scramble of deadline day, with the £51m purchase of Aston Villa defender Ezri Konsa on 21 August proving to be Arsenal's final signing of the summer window.

Konsa made his debut as a late substitute against his former employers during the 1-0 win at Villa Park on Monday night and reinforcing an already formidable defence with an England international has underlined Arsenal's strongest suit.

So far this season, they have faced the fewest shots (11) and shots on target (one) and have allowed opponents the lowest collective expected goals tally (0.54) of any side. They are yet to concede a goal in three games, including the 3-0 Community Shield win against Manchester City.

Chelsea's start to the season has been of a different ilk entirely, so too the nature of their transfer business.

Deadline day saw midfielder Enzo Fernandez depart for City in a move which matched the British transfer record fee of £125m that Liverpool paid to Newcastle for Alexander Isak's services last summer.

In total, 14 players have left Stamford Bridge in the transfer window, with 13 coming in, at a trading profit of more than £45m.

Chelsea's frenetic transfer activity has been matched by events on the pitch, with their two Premier League games so far featuring 12 goals in wins against Fulham and Brighton.

They could become the first side to see their opening three games of a top-flight season each feature five or more goals since Arsenal themselves in 1988.

Midfielder Cole Palmer was back to his best in helping Chelsea beat Brighton 4-3 last weekend, scoring what proved to be the winner in the 74th minute.

The England international has scored 49 goals in 98 Premier League games for Chelsea since joining from Manchester City for £40m in 2023.

Should he score against Arsenal on Sunday afternoon, Palmer will become only the third Chelsea player to reach a half-century of Premier League goals in fewer than 100 games.

Nizaar Kinsella
Chelsea reporter

Image source, Getty Images

Chelsea manager Xabi Alonso appeared to speak with genuine conviction when discussing his satisfaction with the club's summer business.

However, his comments came just days after Chelsea missed out on signing a midfielder on transfer deadline day, largely because Monaco opted against sanctioning Lamine Camara's move to Stamford Bridge.

Yet Alonso, as he often does, focused on the options already at his disposal, highlighting Reece James, Moises Caicedo, Jordan Henderson, Romeo Lavia and Valentin Barco.

He also described this as only "phase one" which teases the potential to conduct more business to shape the squad into his vision come January.

The Chelsea head coach effectively confirmed Henderson remains unavailable but declined to provide an update on Caicedo after the midfielder lasted only 11 minutes as a substitute against Brighton on Sunday.

Ironically, his reluctance to discuss team news mirrors that of Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta, whom he will face at Emirates Stadium on Sunday.

Meanwhile, new goalkeeper Emiliano Martinez inherited the number one shirt after Robert Sanchez joined Como 1907 on loan on transfer deadline day.

The Argentina international has also offered to sign shirts for supporters who purchased his number 26 jersey through official club channels following his move from Aston Villa last week.