Xabi Alonso names four areas Chelsea were not good enough in Brentford defeat
Chelsea manager Xabi Alonso identified four key areas where his team failed during their recent defeat to Brentford. He highlighted poor performance in defensive duels, set pieces, build-up play, and overall game control as primary reasons for the loss.
Why it matters
The analysis provides insight into the tactical struggles of a major Premier League club during a critical early-season period.
Chelsea were dreadful in duels and set pieces in tonight’s defeat, and Xabi Alonso said as much post-game.Chelsea have been beaten comfortable by Brentford in tonight’s Friday Night Kick off, a major blow just before an extended international break.The Blues looked solid in the first half, but collapsed after the break.So what went wrong in the game? Xabi Alonso had his say in the press conference post-match, when asked to respond to Levi Colwill’s claims after the game that his team were bullied at set pieces.Alonso points to multiple areas where Chelsea let themselves down%WIDGET:IMAGE|url=https://www.talkchelsea.net/wp-content/uploads/2026/09/brentford-v-chelsea-fc-premier-league-2026-27-1-550x384.jpg|caption=BRENTFORD, ENGLAND – SEPTEMBER 18: Jordan Henderson and Valentin Barco of Chelsea look dejected after the team’s defeat in the Premier League 2026/27 match between Brentford and Chelsea FC at Gtech Community Stadium on September 18, 2026 in Brentford, England.
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