Xabi Alonso’s frustration was palpable after Chelsea’s 3-0 defeat at Brentford, when he warned, “You need to feel it. We’re not feeling it.” The Blues have slipped into a familiar pattern of under‑performance, suffering their 11th loss of the calendar year – already more than they endured in the entire 2025 season, with three months still to play. For the fifth consecutive Premier League match under Alonso, Chelsea have allowed at least two goals, and their vulnerability on set‑pieces has become a recurring theme. Alonso lamented the loss of consistency and the missing competitive edge in the second half, noting that Brentford seized the initiative with ease after the break.
This decline in intensity is likely to alarm supporters the most, as the team seemed to surrender control far too readily. The trend of being out‑battled has persisted from last season, when Chelsea were outrun in the majority of their league fixtures. Set‑piece chaos was the first issue that caught the eye against Brentford.
Long throws, clever corners and a host of rehearsed routines were on display, yet Chelsea once again surrendered a goal from a dead‑ball situation – the fourth such concession in five league games. This brings their total of set‑piece goals conceded since the start of the previous campaign to 23, tying them for the worst record in the Premier League. The decisive moment came when a cross was delivered directly onto Emiliano Martínez’s back post, leaving both the goalkeeper and the defending outfield players unable to react.
Brentford’s players anticipated the delivery perfectly, as they later admitted they had spotted the pattern during the half‑time analysis. Vitaly Janelt confirmed to Sky Sports that the Bees had specifically targeted the far post after identifying a gap, and the first corner of the second half proved decisive. Despite employing Austin MacPhee – widely regarded as the league’s most innovative dead‑ball coach – Chelsea’s set‑piece execution remains fragile. Bernardo Cueva, the former set‑piece specialist now in a different role at the club, was even poached by Brentford, underscoring the depth of the problem.
Young defender Levi Colwill admitted to Sky that the side had been “bullied” on set‑pieces and needed to improve, while also expressing confidence in the coaching staff’s ability to turn the situation around. The defensive deficiencies extend beyond dead‑ball scenarios. Chelsea have allowed opponents to penetrate their defensive third more often than any other side in the division, and they have now endured 22 straight Premier League matches without keeping a clean sheet. Their average of 2.2 non‑penalty goals conceded per game aligns closely with expected goals (xG) data, which suggests they are, statistically, conceding the quality of chances they are likely to allow.
Compounding the issue is Chelsea’s inability to protect the penalty area. They rank among the top three teams for shots faced inside their own box, surrendering roughly ten attempts per match. This relentless pressure forces the goalkeeper into a constant barrage, eroding confidence and making it difficult to maintain composure.
These defensive frailties explain why Chelsea have struggled to preserve leads in their last three league outings. The team often bursts out of the blocks with high intensity – this was the first Premier League match in which they failed to score within the opening ten minutes, although Pedro Neto came close with a chance that was saved.
Yet once they fall behind, the squad frequently reverts to familiar bad habits, losing shape and allowing the opposition to dictate play. Alonso summed up the situation, stating, “It’s about everything – the mentality, the football, the tactical aspects we need to keep improving. We concede the first goal, you’re still in the game, but then we lose the shape.
We were out of control.” The manager hinted that the return of Moisés Caicedo could restore some stability, but the absence of the Ecuadorian midfielder has highlighted a lack of solidity in the middle of the park. Two of the summer signings, Jordan Henderson and Valentin Barco, started the Brentford match, yet the Bees appeared stronger in midfield.
Keith Andrews’ side arguably boasts deeper quality in that area, and they managed a 3‑0 victory even with record signing Mamadou Sangaré watching from the bench for over an hour. At present, João Pedro emerges as Chelsea’s most influential attacker in terms of goal contribution. The ‘JP Morgan’ front line was dismantled for the first time this season, and the Blues failed to find the net – a first for them in the campaign.
Patience is required as Alonso continues to embed his philosophy at Stamford Bridge. The current lineup featured seven of the club’s summer acquisitions, and Alonso is only the fourth manager to take charge in nine months.
Former captain Gary Cahill reminded Sky Sports that transformation does not happen overnight, adding that Alonso will be judged over the next five to seven weeks as his methods begin to take root on the training ground. Alonso identified four key areas for improvement: set‑pieces, defensive duels, build‑up play, and overall game control. While the list may seem exhaustive, these components are fundamental to establishing a resilient side.
Colwill echoed the sentiment, noting that the squad has “a lot to work on over the international break,” a sentiment that will undoubtedly resonate throughout the dressing room as they seek to halt the slide and restore confidence in their defensive structure.