Chelsea’s defensive performances have undoubtedly been concerning, and I am not here to defend them. However, when you listen to some football pundits discussing Chelsea’s defending, you would think we have conceded ten more goals than every other team in the league.
I decided to look at the numbers so far this season:
* **Chelsea:** Played 2, Won 2, Scored 7, Conceded 5.
* **Manchester City:** Played 2, Won 2, Scored 6, Conceded 2.
* **Liverpool:** Played 2, Won 0, Drew 2, Scored 4, Conceded 4.
* **Manchester United:** Played 2, Won 1, Lost 1, Scored 5, Conceded 4.
* **Tottenham:** Played 2, Won 0, Lost 2, Scored 0, Conceded 5.
At this stage, only Arsenal and, to some extent, Manchester City can genuinely claim to have shown defensive solidity. The rest are also conceding goals.
Chelsea’s defensive issues are real, but the narrative surrounding them has become somewhat exaggerated. The major difference is that, unlike last season, Chelsea now have an attack capable of compensating for some of those defensive weaknesses.
## The Difference Between This Season and Last Season
Last season, we played Fulham and Brighton and lost both fixtures. Across those two matches, we scored only two goals and conceded five.
This season, we have played the same opponents and won both games. We have scored seven goals and conceded five—the exact same number of goals we conceded against them last season.
The defensive record is therefore similar, but the attacking output has changed dramatically. That is the difference.
Having Cole Palmer back and fully refreshed has clearly made an enormous difference. You can see the benefit of him having a proper summer break. For that, we probably have to thank Tuchel—Chelsea legend!
The same can be said about João Pedro. He also had a proper summer break and arrived fresh and ready. Once again, we may have to thank another Chelsea legend, Ancelotti!
And, funnily enough, if João Pedro were still at Brighton, Chelsea would probably have been quoted £100 million or more in today’s inflated market. At around £60 million, he looks like a very good signing.
Rodgers, meanwhile, is still adapting to the system and adjusting to his new surroundings. This season may largely be about him building chemistry, understanding his teammates and becoming more familiar with the demands of the team.
## The Uncomfortable Question: Does Colwill Suit Alonso’s System?
I think we need to start asking an uncomfortable question: **Does Levi Colwill really suit Alonso’s system of playing with a back three?**
I am beginning to have doubts.
Personally, I think Hato may be better suited to playing as the left-sided centre-back in this system. Colwill’s performances are becoming a concern, and I believe he has been part of the reason why our defensive structure has looked so chaotic at times.
If Chelsea want to improve defensively and start keeping clean sheets, there are a few possible solutions.
One option would be to move Colwill into the central centre-back role, although that would likely displace Lacuix. Another option would be for Alonso to drop him temporarily and play Hato as the left centre-back, with Chavaria operating as the left wing-back.
On the right side, I would currently prefer Acheampong to Fofana. If that option does not work, there could even be an argument for moving Neto into the left wing-back position, depending on the tactical requirements of the match.
The main issue, however, may not be the defence alone.
## The Midfield Problem
Our midfield is extremely concerning.
Part of the reason our defence has been under so much pressure is that the midfield has often been almost non-existent. When the midfield fails to control possession, protect the central areas and stop transitions, the defenders are inevitably exposed.
This is why I do not believe the defensive problems are entirely down to the back three or individual defenders. The lack of midfield control has been a major contributing factor.
The injury to Caicedo raises even more questions.
I asked this in my previous post: **Could this be the beginning of workload-related injuries?**
Chelsea desperately need midfield reinforcements—at least two midfielders, in my opinion. The current situation does not provide enough depth, especially if injuries begin to affect key players.
At the moment, I can only see Enzo leaving. The relationship between him and the club appears to have broken down beyond repair.
Overall, Chelsea have obvious defensive problems, and nobody should pretend otherwise. But the situation is not as unique as some pundits are making it out to be. Several major teams are conceding goals, and Chelsea’s ability to score seven goals in two matches has given the team something we lacked badly last season: **an attack capable of winning games even when the defensive performance is not perfect.**
The challenge now is to find balance.
Chelsea cannot rely on outscoring opponents every week. The attack is clearly improving, but the midfield needs greater control and the defensive structure needs to become more stable. If Alonso can solve those problems while maintaining this attacking threat, Chelsea could become a very dangerous team this season.
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