Chelsea’s new era under Xabi Alonso has not quite got off to the start many supporters were expecting. There was hope that a new manager, alongside a number of major summer signings, would bring fresh energy to the squad and give Chelsea a renewed hunger after a difficult end to the previous campaign.
However, the early results have been mixed. Chelsea have shown signs of what Alonso is trying to build with victories over Fulham and Brighton, but disappointing results against Hull and Brentford have raised questions over whether the new-look side is ready to consistently challenge at the top.
The squad has shown both its strengths and weaknesses throughout the season, with the fluidity of the attack highlighting just how much potential Alonso’s side has. Chelsea have shown they can create chances from different areas of the pitch and cause problems when the attackers, mainly Morgan Rogers and Cole Palmer, find their rhythm.
However, the defensive performances have exposed the other side of the team, with individual errors and a lack of consistency making it difficult for Chelsea to control games and build momentum.
Chelsea tricky October
The month of October sees Chelsea travel outside London for the first time this season while a difficult Carabao Cup fourth round away trip also marks the calendar.
Chelsea’s first game back from the break comes at home to AFC Bournemouth, in what looks like a tricky test for Xabi Alonso’s side. The Cherries possess plenty of attacking quality and creativity, making this a game Chelsea cannot afford to take lightly.It will also provide an opportunity to see Alex Scott up close, while the likes of Justin Kluivert and Marcus Tavernier will look to pull the strings and cause problems for Chelsea. Bournemouth will be hoping their attacking threat can help them extend their strong record at Stamford Bridge.
Date | Fixture |
|---|---|
10 October, 15:00 | Bournemouth (h) |
17 October, 12:30 | Everton (a) |
24 October, 17:30 | Tottenham (h) |
28 October, 20:00 | Liverpool (a) - Carabao Cup |
31 October, 12:30 | Manchester United (h) |
A trip to Everton will follow, with David Moyes’ side proving a tricky opponent due to their inconsistency and unpredictability. Chelsea will need to be prepared for a difficult away test, particularly with Everton capable of making life uncomfortable for their opponents.
Then comes a potentially pivotal week for the Blues. If Chelsea fail to take maximum points from the games before it, pressure could build on Xabi Alonso heading into the London derby against Tottenham. This fixture is always fiercely contested, and with Spurs also struggling for consistency, dropping points against their rivals could prove particularly costly in Chelsea’s push up the table.
Liverpool in the Carabao Cup will then provide another major test in midweek before Manchester United visit Stamford Bridge. Together, those fixtures round off a very challenging run of five games for Chelsea, with Alonso’s side facing little room for error if they want to build momentum and keep pace near the top of the table.
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