Defense still needs work
After finally getting a clean sheet against Burnley, Chelsea looked as though they had solved most of their defensive issues. They had not.
The penalty and the first goal resulted from the defense being absent in front of Thibaut Courtois. The second was a result of Cahill losing his man and Courtois being off his line at the time. Both goals came on top of one another, and the structural breakdown was readily apparent.
With David Luiz’s return and Marco Alonso’s arrival, Antonio Conte’s defensive plans became an unknown. Add the return of Kurt Zouma from injury and it becomes a downright free for all.
None of the defenders earned themselves any credit after this performance, bar perhaps Cesar Azpilicueta. Luiz and Alonso didn’t play because Conte didn’t believe they were ready yet. At least one of them will take the field against Liverpool. With John Terry potentially out with injury, Conte’s decision may get that much easier.
Next: Chelsea's title challenge will hinge on N'Golo Kante