Morgan Rogers defiant after Arsenal hand Xabi Alonso his first defeat as Chelsea boss

Chelsea forward Morgan Rogers has insisted that the club's long-term trajectory remains positive despite suffering their first defeat of the Xabi Alonso era. The Blues saw their winning streak snapped at the Emirates Stadium, but Rogers is adamant that the squad is still in a period of significant transition and growth.

Three victories to start his tenure had fueled optimism that Alonso could enjoy a seamless transition at Stamford Bridge, but the Spaniard was handed a reality check on Sunday afternoon. Despite an early lead provided by Rogers, Chelsea were eventually pegged back and beaten 2-1 by Arsenal in north London. It represented the first taste of defeat for Alonso since he took the reins at Cobham, following a perfect opening stretch that included wins over Fulham and Brighton & Hove Albion, as well as a Carabao Cup victory against Luton Town.