Premier League news: Chelsea’s attacking threat shines again despite defensive concerns
Chelsea maintained their perfect start to the Premier League season with a thrilling 4-3 victory over Brighton & Hove Albion at Stamford Bridge, with Xabi Alonso’s side once again showcasing their attacking quality while exposing familiar defensive vulnerabilities.
The Blues raced into a 3-0 lead inside 32 minutes, with Romeo Lavia, Pedro Neto and João Pedro all finding the net as Chelsea repeatedly punished Brighton in transition.
Their attacking efficiency was particularly striking given the visitors dominated possession.
Counter-attack paying dividend
Brighton finished with 74.4 per cent of the ball, while Chelsea had just 26 per cent and completed only 146 passes – their lowest total in a Premier League match since records began in 2003-04.
Yet the Blues created the greater threat in the decisive areas, producing 2.97 expected goals to Brighton’s 1.56.
READ MORE: Chelsea’s frontline steal the show as Xabi Alonso era begins with Fulham win
Alonso embracing adaptability
Chelsea’s approach offered another insight into Alonso’s tactical philosophy.
Rather than insisting on controlling possession, the Blues were comfortable allowing Brighton to dictate the ball before attacking the spaces left behind.
That directness proved devastating early on, but it also placed greater pressure on Chelsea’s defensive structure.
Brighton mounted a significant comeback after Malick Yalcouyé pulled one back before half-time.
Pedro then inadvertently turned Pascal Gross’ effort into his own net to make it 3-2, before Cole Palmer restored Chelsea’s two-goal advantage in the 74th minute.
Gross’ stoppage-time header ensured a nervy finish, but Chelsea held on.
The result means Alonso has overseen consecutive Premier League victories while Chelsea have scored seven goals across their opening two matches.
Defensive concerns remain
Despite the attacking positives, Chelsea’s inability to control games defensively remains a concern.
The Blues have now gone 18 Premier League matches without a clean sheet, their longest such run since 1960-61.
New goalkeeper Emiliano Martínez made his debut after completing a £7.5 million move from Aston Villa and produced several important saves, but still conceded three times.
Alonso praised the World Cup winner's experience and influence after selecting him only 48 hours after his arrival.
Not a fresh injury
There was further concern when Moisés Caicedo was forced off shortly after coming on, although Alonso suggested the midfielder's problem was not a new injury and would be assessed during the week.
For now, Chelsea are winning games through attacking dynamism.
Whether that can continue against stronger opposition such as Arsenal who are lined up next, will provide a much clearer indication of Alonso’s progress.
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