The grey clouds hanging over Stamford Bridge are beginning to lift, with spells of sunshine breaking through as Chelsea have shown encouraging signs of improvement under Xabi Alonso so far.
Meanwhile, those upstairs seem determined to embrace the doom and gloom of signing random youngsters from across the globe, only to eventually sell them on for a profit.
While the defeat to Arsenal was disappointing, it’s fair to say Chelsea can at least claim to be back where they belong. In their performance and flashes of quality, they showed Manchester United the value of taking your chances, Liverpool the benefits of playing three at the back, and Tottenham how to actually spend the money.
Here are the factors that suggest the Premier League should be wary of Chelsea:
Higher position
Last season was a tough watch, let’s be honest. There were some disappointing defeats with Brighton, Everton and Nottingham Forest performances sticking out, while the game against Paris Saint-Germain showed the difference in quality.
Finishing tenth was a bitter pill to swallow, even as the team showed glimpses of what we expect from the players and club.. The foundation was being poured, but the house still looked like a construction site until the site manager, Xabi Alonso walked through the door and got things in order.
Two wins out of three to kick off the new campaign isn't just a solid start on paper,it’s a total statement of intent. The attacking play hasn't just improved; it’s evolved with a sense of optimism flowing around West London. Where Chelsea used to pass sideways until fans fell asleep, Alonso’s side are starting strong with a clinical edge.
The perfect attack
The biggest victory for Alonso so far isn't just on the scoreboard, you could say it’s tactical. He has quickly identified a dynamic formation and fluid system that unlocks the absolute best in Cole Palmer and Morgan Rogers.
While he may have forced square pegs into round holes for the time being, Alonso has built a front unit around their natural instincts allowing them the freedom to excite and get the goals. Palmer is playing like a conductor with a cheat code, floating into deadly pockets of space, while Rogers brings pure power, driving at defences and forcing chaos in the final third.
Team spirit
You could say tactics only get you so far, but team spirit and togetherness get you over the line, and Alonso’s biggest power move might have been off the pitch. He didn't just tweak the lineup; he cleansed the changing room atmosphere.
Evidence at the full time whistle in the Emirates Stadium showed the team is together and operating as one.
By clearing out the bad eggs, dismantling the infamous “bomb squad,” and moving on big-name distractions like Enzo Fernández and Marc Cucurella, Alonso certainly made a statement that he is the man in charge around here. The result? Chelsea now have a leaner, hungrier, more united squad that genuinely looks like it enjoys playing together. The cultural shift is impossible to miss: players are tracking back, celebrating crunching blocks as a team, and throwing themselves into the fire for the badge.
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