The discussion surrounding Xabi Alonso’s evolving Chelsea side has largely focused on their attacking firepower. The team has managed to find the back of the net in almost every league match this season, but a porous defence threatens to undermine those efforts. Their inability to keep clean sheets has become a chronic issue, extending back well before Alonso took charge.
In fact, this marks the twentieth consecutive Premier League fixture in which Chelsea have conceded a goal. The arrival of World Cup winner and multiple Yashin Award holder Emi Martínez should, in theory, tighten the defensive unit. Yet, if the outfield players fail to perform the basic defensive duties in front of him, even a goalkeeper of his calibre cannot prevent the opposition from scoring.
Hull City’s 1.32 expected goals (xG) at Stamford Bridge illustrated how dangerous they were at times, creating clear-cut chances despite not dominating possession. Their chances were often simple, well‑crafted opportunities that forced Chelsea’s back line into a reactive stance. Alonso’s attacking talent is undeniable and exciting, but he must draw on the defensive discipline he observed under Jose Mourinho.
To compete for titles, Chelsea need to become far harder to break down. In Liverpool, Andoni Iráola celebrated his first Champions League victory against Atletico Madrid, a milestone that seemed inevitable this season.
However, the deeper concern was whether the new manager could handle an intensified schedule. Iráola impressed at Rayo Vallecano and Bournemouth, but those roles lacked the added strain of European fixtures. Liverpool’s first test of that workload came against Fulham, and the team fell short. They struggled to match the high tempo Iráola demands, starting slowly and never fully finding their rhythm.
Fulham secured a valuable point, leaving Liverpool with only two points from their home games against Nottingham Forest and Fulham. When asked if fatigue explained the performance, Iráola admitted the squad was “tired” and lacked freshness, citing the “worst turnaround” of just over 60 hours between matches after a demanding game.
He warned that such tight turnarounds will become more frequent. The onus now lies on Iráola to devise solutions that restore energy and consistency. Turning to Arsenal, Bruno Guimarães was quick to praise David Raya after a 2‑0 win over Sunderland, declaring him “definitely the best goalkeeper in the world.” Guimarães’ own spectacular goal capped a two‑minute turnaround, but it was Raya’s penalty save from Enzo Le Fee that proved decisive. Although Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta argued the spot‑kick should not have been awarded, Raya’s athletic dive to his left kept the ball out.
Throughout the match, Raya dominated his area, collecting crosses, staying composed, and making a crucial late save to deny Nordi Mukiele after a Granit Xhaka assist. His alertness and quick recovery after the save highlighted his world‑class reflexes. Despite being a bench option for Spain at the World Cup, Raya’s performances in the Premier League cement his reputation as one of the finest keepers in the league, if not globally.
Tottenham’s biggest problem is glaringly simple: they cannot score. The Spurs have gone 400 minutes without finding the net, a drought that has cost them any league victory this season.
Despite fielding several creative players, the team lacks a reliable striker to convert chances. Dominic Solanke, Tottenham’s primary number nine, is essential when fit, yet his recent outing was underwhelming. He recorded just 19 touches—fewer than Brentford’s goalkeeper—and failed to register a single shot. Whether this is due to rust, lingering injuries, or a lack of service from teammates, the result is the same: an impotent attack.
Manager De Zerbi must determine if the issue lies with Solanke’s form or the team’s inability to supply him. Replacing Harry Kane is a monumental task, and Solanke remains the most significant investment Tottenham have made to fill that void. Until January’s transfer window opens, De Zerbi must find ways to involve Solanke more effectively if Spurs hope to end their goal‑scoring barren spell.
Bournemouth have set an unwanted Premier League record: they have led in each of their first four matches yet have not secured a single win. After a draw with Newcastle, manager Marco Rose acknowledged the need to improve game management.
Bournemouth created 20 shots, with half on target, while Brentford managed only two attempts on goal. Statistically, a two‑goal margin would have been expected, yet Bournemouth’s inability to protect leads has been their downfall.
Against Brentford, they went 2‑1 up only to concede three minutes later, a pattern that repeats as opponents swiftly regain momentum. The squad possesses the quality to win matches, but without better control after scoring, they continue to drop points. Ipswich Town have surprised many with a rapid resurgence. In their first season back, it took them 16 games to notch two wins; this campaign, they have achieved that tally in just four matches.
Victories over Sunderland, a lead at Old Trafford against Manchester United (despite a 5‑2 loss), and a disciplined 2‑0 win over Crystal Palace illustrate their progress. Against Palace, goals from Emersonn and Leif Davis arrived from set‑pieces, and a red card for Axel Disasi gave Ipswich a numerical edge that they capitalised on.
Their patience paid off when they held out for a winner after Palace equalised, eventually securing three points. Notably, Ipswich have limited opponents to less than 0.70 xG in three of their four games, underscoring a solid defensive foundation that complements their improving attack. While Hull receive most of the media praise, Ipswich’s steady rise deserves recognition. Aston Villa’s attacking woes were evident in a home match against Nottingham Forest, where they managed only seven shots—the third‑lowest total in 59 home league games under Unai Emery.
The lack of fluency, penetration, and creativity was stark. Villa’s summer overhaul introduced many new faces, and it takes time for players to synchronise, especially in the final third. Additionally, a new goalkeeper and fresh defensive personnel are still adapting to Emery’s tactical demands. Nevertheless, seven shots at home is a warning sign that cannot be ignored.
Villa must devise strategies to create more clear‑cut opportunities, as Forest’s defensive effort, while competent, was not extraordinary. Emery, renowned for problem‑solving, will likely prioritise this issue in training.
Finally, Liam Delap’s performance for Nottingham Forest against Aston Villa reminded fans of his earlier reputation: a relentless, physical forward who unsettles defenders with sheer aggression. In that 2‑1 victory, Delap charged down the flanks, chased down lost causes, and forced Villa’s back line into constant reaction.
His powerful strike, delivered with directness and vigor, epitomised his role as a battering ram. Forest signed him for precisely that impact, and his display confirmed he can still deliver the uncompromising style that made him a standout prospect.