The discussion surrounding Xabi Alonso’s developing Chelsea side has largely focused on the attacking flair they display. Their ability to find the net is impressive – they have managed to score at least once in every league match this season – but a prolific offense cannot compensate for a porous defence. The Blues have struggled to keep clean sheets for a long time, a problem that predates Alonso’s tenure.
In fact, this season marks the twentieth consecutive Premier League game in which Chelsea have conceded a goal. The arrival of World Cup champion goalkeeper Emi Martínez, a multiple Yashin Award winner, should have bolstered the back line, yet his efforts are undermined when the defenders in front of him fail to execute the basic defensive duties.
In such circumstances, even a world‑class keeper can end up looking like a replacement for the club’s previous understudy, Robert Sánchez. Hull City’s expected goals (xG) of 1.32 against Chelsea at Stamford Bridge illustrated that the visitors were genuinely dangerous at times, creating clear-cut chances rather than simply poking at the defence. Chelsea’s attacking potential is undeniable and exciting, but Alonso must draw on the defensive discipline he observed during his time with Jose Mourinho and transform his side into a team that is difficult to break down. Without that balance, the club’s aspirations for the title will remain out of reach.
In a separate storyline, Liverpool’s new manager Andoni Irulegui celebrated his first Champions League victory against Atletico Madrid at Anfield, a win that many expected would eventually come. The real question, however, was whether Irulegui could handle the intensified schedule that comes with European competition – a test he had not faced while managing Rayo Vallecano or Bournemouth.
Liverpool’s performance against Fulham exposed the difficulty of maintaining the high‑tempo style Irulegui prefers. The team started sluggishly, struggled to raise its intensity, and ultimately settled for a solitary point, despite Fulham’s own ambitions for a win.
Irulegui’s unbeaten run as Liverpool boss continues, extending back to his early days at Bournemouth, yet the club has only collected two points from home games against Nottingham Forest and Fulham. When asked if fatigue was a factor, Irulegui admitted that the players were indeed tired and lacking freshness, noting the short turnaround of just over 60 hours between matches as a contributing factor. He acknowledged that such scheduling challenges will become more frequent, and that the squad will need to adapt quickly.
Meanwhile, Arsenal midfielder Bruno Guimarães praised David Raya after a 2‑0 victory over Sunderland, declaring him "definitely the best goalkeeper in the world." Guimarães’ spectacular goal completed a rapid two‑minute swing in the match, but it was Raya’s superb penalty save from Enzo Le Fée that truly shifted the momentum. Despite Arteta’s claim that the spot‑kick should not have been awarded, Raya’s athletic dive to his left kept the ball out, showcasing his reflexes and composure. Throughout the 90 minutes, Raya dominated his area, confidently dealing with crosses and remaining alert to danger, including a crucial late save that denied Nordi Moukiele after a fine Granit Xhaka pass. Although he was a bench option for Spain at the World Cup, Raya’s performances in the Premier League have cemented his reputation as one of the league’s, if not the world’s, top custodians.
Tottenham’s current predicament is equally stark. The Spurs have yet to win a league match this season, having endured 400 minutes without scoring. Despite fielding a host of creative players, the team lacks a reliable goal‑scorer.
Dominic Solanke, the only natural number nine in Roberto De Zerbi’s squad, has been sidelined by fitness concerns and, when available, has contributed minimally – recording just 19 touches and no shots on target against Everton. This lack of output from the central striker explains Tottenham’s struggles in the final third.
De Zerbi must decide whether the issue lies with Solanke’s rustiness or with teammates failing to supply him adequately. Replacing Harry Kane is a monumental task, and Solanke remains the most expensive signing intended to fill that void, yet he has not delivered the expected impact.
With no major reinforcements possible until the January window, De Zerbi faces pressure to integrate Solanke more effectively and generate scoring opportunities. Bournemouth’s early season pattern is another curious case. The club has led in each of its first four Premier League matches but has failed to convert any of those leads into victories.
After a draw with Newcastle, manager Marco Rose admitted that game management needs improvement. Bournemouth’s attacking statistics – 20 shots with ten on target against Brentford, who managed only two attempts on goal – suggest they should have scored at least twice. However, the team’s inability to maintain momentum after taking the lead, as evidenced by conceding a goal within three minutes of going ahead against Brentford, has repeatedly cost them points. The squad possesses the quality to win matches, but until they learn to protect their leads and control the tempo after scoring, they will continue to leave points on the table.
Ipswich Town, another newly promoted side, has shown a more positive trajectory. In contrast to their 2023‑24 return, when it took them 16 games to secure two wins, this season they have already amassed four victories in just four matches. After a win over Sunderland, a narrow defeat to Manchester United, and a respectable performance against Liverpool, they displayed resilience and tactical discipline. A recent 2‑0 win over Crystal Palace highlighted their ability to capitalize on set‑piece opportunities, with headers from Emersonn and Leif Davis proving decisive.
Moreover, Ipswich has consistently limited opponents’ expected goals to below 0.70 in three of their four games, underscoring a solid defensive structure that complements their growing attacking confidence. While Hull City has attracted most of the media praise for a strong start, Ipswich’s steady progress deserves recognition.
Aston Villa’s recent home display against Nottingham Forest raised concerns about their offensive output. The team managed only seven shots – the third‑lowest total in 59 home league games under Unai Emery. Beyond the low shot count, Villa’s attacking play lacked fluidity, penetration, and creativity. The squad underwent significant changes over the summer, with new players still learning each other's movements and a new goalkeeper adjusting to Emery’s demands.
Nevertheless, producing only seven attempts at goal is a warning sign that cannot be ignored, especially when the opposition did not need to execute a defensive masterclass to restrict Villa. Emery, renowned for his problem‑solving abilities, will need to address this issue promptly to revive Villa’s scoring threat. Finally, Liam Delap’s performance for Nottingham Forest against Aston Villa reminded fans of his earlier reputation as a powerful, direct striker. Delap’s relentless runs, aggressive pressing, and a thunderous strike that found the back of the net embodied the qualities that Forest sought when they signed him.
His ability to bully defenders, combine physicality with composure, and finish with force made him a standout in a match that otherwise highlighted Forest’s attacking struggles. Delap’s display serves as a reminder of the impact a confident, hard‑working forward can have when given the freedom to lead the line.