Xabi Alonso lamented after Chelsea’s 3-0 defeat to Brentford, "You need to feel it. We're not feeling it," highlighting a familiar sense of frustration that has settled over the club. The loss marked Chelsea’s eleventh defeat of the calendar year – already more than the entire tally they recorded in 2025 – with three months still left in the season.
For the fifth consecutive Premier League match under Alonso, the Blues have allowed at least two goals, and their vulnerability on set‑pieces has become a recurring theme. Alonso admitted that the team’s consistency and competitive edge vanished in the second half, a shortcoming that will worry supporters the most. Brentford seized the initiative after the break with ease, exposing Chelsea’s inability to maintain intensity once the game reaches its crucial stages.
This pattern mirrors last season, when the club was routinely out‑run by opponents across the league, and it appears to be resurfacing. Set‑piece deficiencies were front and centre against Brentford.
The Bees capitalised on long throws and intelligently placed corners, replicating the scenario that saw Chelsea concede against Hull in the previous fixture. The goal came from a well‑executed corner that was lofted directly onto the back post where Emiliano Martínez could not react in time. It was the fourth goal conceded from a set‑piece in five league games, pushing Chelsea’s total to 23 since the start of the last season – a figure that ties them for the worst record among all Premier League clubs. Vitaly Janelt confirmed the pre‑half‑time plan, saying they targeted the back post because of a perceived gap at the far post, and the first corner of the second half delivered exactly that.
Despite employing Austin MacPhee, who is widely regarded as the league’s premier dead‑ball specialist, Chelsea’s set‑piece execution remains erratic. Bernardo Cueva, the former set‑piece coach now in a different role, was even poached by Brentford, underscoring the club’s struggle to translate expertise into results. Levi Colwill echoed the sentiment, acknowledging that the team has been “bullied” at times and must improve.
He placed his trust in the set‑piece coach, noting that the squad is still adapting to new routines but that collective improvement is essential. The defensive frailties extend beyond dead‑ball situations. Chelsea have allowed opponents to penetrate their defensive third at a rate that ranks among the worst in the division. The club has now endured 22 straight Premier League fixtures without a clean sheet, conceding an average of 2.2 non‑penalty goals per match.
Expected goals (xG) data suggests this is not merely a matter of bad luck; the team is statistically expected to concede roughly the same number of quality shots they have been allowing. One glaring statistic is Chelsea’s position in the top three for shots conceded inside their own penalty area, averaging around ten per game. This relentless pressure forces the goalkeeper into a constant barrage, turning him into a de facto battering ram rather than a last line of defence. These defensive shortcomings explain why Chelsea have struggled to protect leads in their last three league outings.
In the Brentford game, they failed to score in the opening ten minutes for the first time this season, only coming close when Pedro Neto saw a chance saved. When they do fall behind, the team’s habitual loss of shape becomes evident. Alonso summed it up: "We concede the first goal, you're still in the game but then we lose the shape. We were out of control." The return of Moisés Caicedo could provide a stabilising influence, but his absence has highlighted the squad’s lack of solidity without the Ecuadorian midfielder.
Summer signings Jordan Henderson and Valentin Barco started the match, yet Brentford’s midfield appeared more cohesive and dynamic. Brentford manager Keith Andrews arguably possesses greater depth in that area, and his side secured the 3‑0 win while record signing Mamadou Sangaré remained on the bench for over an hour. From an attacking perspective, João Pedro has emerged as Chelsea’s most influential goal‑scorer this season.
However, the ‘JP Morgan’ front line was dismantled for the first time this campaign, and the Blues failed to find the net altogether – a first for them this season. Alonso’s task of reshaping the team will not be completed overnight. The current lineup features seven of the club’s summer acquisitions, and Alonso is only the fourth manager to take charge of Chelsea in nine months. Former captain Gary Cahill reminded Sky Sports that patience is required, noting that the manager will be judged over the next five to seven weeks as training progresses and his methods begin to take effect.
Beyond set‑pieces, Alonso identified three additional areas needing urgent attention: defensive duels, build‑up play, and overall game control. These elements are interlinked, and improvements in one will likely benefit the others. Colwill added that the international break offers a valuable window for work, emphasizing that the team must use this time to address the myriad issues that have plagued them. In summary, Chelsea’s defensive crisis is multi‑faceted.
Their inability to organise set‑pieces, protect the penalty area, and maintain shape after conceding has created a perfect storm of vulnerabilities. While the squad possesses talent and has made significant signings, translating that potential into a cohesive, resilient unit will require focused training, tactical adjustments, and perhaps a return to the composure that once defined the club. The coming weeks will be decisive in determining whether Chelsea can reverse this downward trajectory and restore confidence among their supporters.