New System, Same Problems - Alonso Not Happy With 'Soft' Chelsea

It was a familiar story for the Premier League's top scorers.

Chelsea's entertaining 2-2 draw with Hull on Saturday means the Blues have now found the net 10 times this season - but they have also conceded two or more goals in each of their opening four league matches for the first time in 11 years.

Only Crystal Palace and Ipswich Town have conceded more than Chelsea's nine goals in the top flight so far this season.

The issue predates manager Xabi Alonso's arrival. Chelsea are now without a clean sheet in 20 league matches stretching back to January, their longest such run for 65 years.

Alonso still appears to be experimenting. This week alone, he changed shape in three successive matches - from the defeat at Arsenal to the 6-3 Carabao Cup win over Leeds in midweek and again against Hull.

Yet it was Hull who looked more likely to find a winner. No wonder there was a subdued mood at Stamford Bridge.

Alonso summed up the feeling afterwards, saying his side needed to be "competing better" and avoid being "soft" in duels.

"We had one or two good chances to get the winner, but you're still open. Not happy. We can do better. We got what we deserved," said Alonso.

Asked about Chelsea's defensive issues, former defender and BBC pundit Ashley Williams said: "Chelsea are all over the place in transitions. When they lose the ball, they are wide open. The goals they conceded are just basic errors.

"Both individually and as a defensive unit, they are so far off it and are shipping goals. They are not going to achieve what they want this season defending like that."

- Author: Nizaar Kinsella, BBC

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