It has felt like an age since that night in Brentford hasn't it? Three weeks ago, the Blues were battered by the Bees, all three goals coming during a dismal final half an hour for the away side. Having started the season with back-to-back high-scoring victories, Xabi Alonso's side thereby went into the international break three matches without a win.
The Blues return to action by welcoming Bournemouth to Stamford Bridge, before games against Everton, Tottenham, Liverpool in the EFL Cup and then Manchester United. Thus, this is a crucial period, so which three players, in particular, does Alonso need more from?
Emi Martínez
After a chaotic display on the opening weekend at Craven Cottage, Chelsea were quick to cast Robert Sánchez aside, he's since joined Como, and recruit Emi Martínez from Aston Villa for £7.5 million. This was widely regarded as a clear upgrade on a position of weakness, but that is yet to prove the case.
So far, the Argentine has saved 18 of the 28 shots on target he has faced, a save percentage of 64.3%, which would represent his lowest in a league season since he was playing for Oxford United in League Two back in 2011/12. The 34 year old did keep a clean sheet during all three of Argentina's matches, albeit against, at best, mediocre opponents, so now needs to start proving to be a difference maker for his new club.
Wesley Fofana
Jaidon Anthony scores his first Brentford goal and the Bees lead against Chelsea! 🐝 pic.twitter.com/5GKuwyC6ei
— Sky Sports Premier League (@SkySportsPL) September 18, 2026
As Xabi Alonso continues to figure out this team, one of the spots most up for grabs is centre-back. Levi Colwill, who wore the captain's armband at Brentford, and Maxence Lacroix are pretty much nailed on starters, leaving one spot up for grabs.
Well, Wesley Fofana has been in the lineup for the last four Premier League games, missing the first suspended, but should this remain the case? Josh Acheampong, Jorrel Hato and perhaps even Reece James are all in contention to replace him as part of the back three, with Fofana under pressure to preserve his position, following mixed performances thus far.
Cole Palmer
Cole Palmer finishes EXPERTLY to give Chelsea their two-goal cushion back 💥 pic.twitter.com/6xI9W8xe2q
— Sky Sports Premier League (@SkySportsPL) August 30, 2026
This may be a bold take, but in a few weeks times, could Cole Palmer end up on the bench? Clearly benefiting from a World Cup-free summer, he started the season on fire, scoring against both Fulham and Brighton, generally looking electric. However, across the subsequent three matches, perhaps not so much.
Palmer withdrawing from the England squad due to load management was met with much derision, while Thomas Tuchel diplomatically stated that he "misses too many camps". The main reason Palmer could be under pressure is the presence of Estêvão Willian, who Chelsea fans are desperate to see more of. However, in Alonso's current 3-4-2-1 shape, there is not room for both, hence why the 24 year old must be at his brilliant best, as an ultra-talented teenager continues to breath down his neck.
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