The discussion surrounding Xabi Alonso's evolving Chelsea side has largely focused on their offensive flair. The team has managed to find the back of the net in every league match this season, a testament to their attacking talent. Yet, relying solely on goals will not rescue a squad that concedes far too often.

Defensive frailty has plagued the Blues for a considerable period, extending beyond Alonso's tenure. In fact, this marks the twentieth consecutive Premier League fixture in which Chelsea have allowed an opponent to score. The arrival of World Cup champion and multiple Yashin Award holder Emi Martínez should, in theory, shore up the last line of defence. However, a goalkeeper can only do so much if the defenders in front of him fail to perform the fundamentals of their roles.

In such circumstances, even a world‑class keeper becomes little more than a replacement for the previous understudy, Robert Sánchez. Hull City’s expected goals (xG) of 1.32 against Stamford Bridge illustrated how dangerous they were at times, despite never truly breaking down the host side. Most of their chances were created from relatively simple situations, underscoring the vulnerability of Chelsea’s back line. The attacking potential is undeniable and undeniably exciting, but Alonso must draw on the defensive discipline he observed while working under Jose Mourinho.

To mount a genuine title challenge, Chelsea need to become a team that is difficult to score against, not just one that scores frequently. (Callum Bishop) --- At Anfield, celebrations erupted when Andoni Iráola secured his first Champions League victory as Liverpool manager against Atletico Madrid.

While the win was a milestone, it was perhaps inevitable given the quality of the squad. The larger question remains: can Iráola handle the increased fixture congestion that comes with European competition? He proved his mettle at Rayo Vallecano and Bournemouth, but those roles did not involve mid‑week continental matches. Liverpool’s first true test of this new schedule came against Fulham, and the result was a sobering reminder of the challenges ahead.

The team struggled to match the tempo Iráola typically demands, starting sluggishly and never quite finding the rhythm needed to dominate. Fulham, on the other hand, earned a valuable point and looked capable of taking all three. Iráola’s unbeaten run as Liverpool boss continues, stretching back to early January when he guided the Cherries to a series of positive results.

Yet, home fixtures against Nottingham Forest and Fulham have yielded just two points, indicating that the manager’s early success has not yet translated into consistent league performance. When asked whether fatigue was a factor, Iráola admitted, "Our players were tired. There is a lack of freshness, definitely.

We cannot hide it. It's the worst turnaround in terms of 60‑something hours between games after a very big match the other day.

This will happen more often, perhaps with just one more day of rest." The onus now lies on Iráola to devise solutions that restore energy levels and maintain competitive intensity. (Adam Bate) --- Arsenal midfielder Bruno Guimarães was asked after his side’s 2‑0 triumph over Sunderland if he considered David Raya the world’s best goalkeeper. He replied unequivocally, "Definitely." Guimarães’ spectacular goal completed a rapid two‑minute swing in the match, but it was Raya’s spectacular penalty save from Enzo Le Fée that truly turned the tide.

Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta argued the spot‑kick should never have been awarded, yet Raya’s concentration never wavered. He dived low to his left, displaying athleticism and reflexes that left the crowd in awe. Raya’s performance was not limited to that single moment.

Throughout the 90 minutes he dominated his area, confidently claiming crosses and exuding composure against a physically imposing Sunderland side. A later crucial save denied Nordi Mükiele after a superb Granit Xhaka free‑kick, and Raya recovered instantly to thwart any follow‑up attempts. His alertness to danger was evident at every turn. Although Raya spent the World Cup on the bench for Spain, his Premier League displays leave little doubt about his standing as one of the league’s, if not the world’s, top custodians.

His influence on Arsenal’s defensive stability is clear, and his contributions often prove decisive. (Nick Wright) --- Tottenham’s most glaring issue is painfully obvious: they cannot find the back of the net. After 400 minutes without scoring, the Spurs have yet to win a league match this season.

Despite fielding a host of creative talent, the team lacks a reliable finisher. Dominic Solanke’s fitness is crucial.

As the only natural number nine in De Zerbi’s squad, his availability is essential. Yet, whether due to rust from recent injuries or another factor, Solanke’s impact was minimal; he recorded just 19 touches – fewer than Brentford’s goalkeeper – and failed to register a single shot. When the player tasked with scoring cannot even attempt a goal, the team’s attacking woes become self‑evident.

The responsibility now falls on De Zerbi to determine whether the problem stems from teammates not supplying Solanke with service or from Solanke’s own inability to fulfill the role vacated by Harry Kane. Replacing Kane is a monumental task, and Solanke, purchased to fill that void, has yet to deliver. While the squad required reinforcements across the board last season, the absence of a fit, dependable striker is now glaringly apparent. With the January transfer window still months away, De Zerbi must find a way to involve Solanke more effectively if Spurs hope to turn their fortunes around.

(Callum Bishop) --- Bournemouth have become the first Premier League side to lead in each of their first four matches of a campaign and fail to secure a single victory. After a draw with Newcastle, manager Marco Rose acknowledged that game management is an area needing improvement. The team’s attacking output – 20 shots, 10 on target – suggests they should have scored at least twice against Brentford, who only managed two attempts on goal. The recurring problem lies in the speed with which Bournemouth relinquish leads.

Against Brentford they went 2‑1 up, only to concede an equaliser within three minutes. This pattern of losing momentum immediately after scoring threatens to waste valuable points, despite the obvious quality present in the squad. Until Bournemouth can control the phases following a goal and prevent opponents from quickly regaining momentum, they will continue to leave points on the table.

Four leads, zero wins – a harsh welcome to the Premier League for Marco Rose and his side. (William Bitibiri) --- Ipswich Town’s start to the 2024/25 Premier League season has been markedly better than their 2023/24 return, when it took them 16 games to notch just two victories. This time, they have secured four wins in as many games. After a season‑opening win over Sunderland, they shocked Manchester United at Old Trafford, taking the lead before eventually losing 5‑2.

Their xG in that match exceeded Liverpool’s in a recent 2‑0 defeat, highlighting the attacking promise Ipswich possess. Against Crystal Palace, the likes of Emerson and Leif Davis provided easy headers, while Axel Disasi’s red card gave Ipswich an additional boost.

When Palace equalised to make it 2‑2, Ipswich did not panic; they patiently waited for the decisive moment, which eventually arrived, securing a vital three points at Selhurst Park. Equally notable is Ipswich’s defensive resilience: for three of their four games they have conceded less than 0.70 xG, underscoring a solid back line that complements their attacking flair. While Hull City often dominates headlines among newly‑promoted clubs, Ipswich’s steady progress deserves recognition. (Dan Long) --- Aston Villa’s attacking output against Nottingham Forest was alarmingly low – just seven shots, the third‑fewest in 59 home league games under Unai Emery.

The issue extended beyond shot quantity; the quality of their offensive play was lacking. There was a noticeable absence of fluidity, penetration, and creativity. Much of this can be attributed to the extensive squad overhaul this summer.

New players need time to understand each other’s movements, especially in the final third, and a new goalkeeper adds another layer of adaptation. Nevertheless, seven shots at home is a red flag that cannot be ignored. Villa must devise strategies to place their attackers in more threatening positions more regularly. The concerning fact is that Forest did not need to produce a defensive masterclass to limit Villa’s chances; they simply executed their game plan effectively.

Emery, renowned for his problem‑solving abilities, will undoubtedly prioritise this issue in training, seeking swift improvements. (Lewis Jones) --- Liam Delap displayed the form that first made him a headline name.

In Nottingham Forest’s 2‑1 win over Aston Villa, Delap embodied the relentless, powerful striker that the club signed. He charged down the channels, pursued loose balls, and gave Villa’s defenders no time to settle. His aggression was controlled, never reckless, and he seemed to relish the battle. Delap’s decisive strike was a showcase of raw power and directness, epitomising his afternoon performance.

It was a reminder of why Forest invested in a forward capable of bulldozing through defences. (Lewis Jones) --- Play Super 6 for a chance to win £1m! Enter for free.