Photo via BBC Sport

Chelsea miss Joao Pedro... and can't stop conceding goals

Chelsea slumped to a 3-0 loss at Brentford on Friday, unraveling swiftly after Jaidon Anthony netted the breakthrough in the 61st minute. The defeat highlighted persistent vulnerabilities under new boss Xabi Alonso, whose team has now yielded 12 goals across the campaign—the highest tally in the Premier League, though they have played an extra match compared to their peers.

Alonso entered the record books as merely the sixth manager in league history to surrender at least two goals in each of his introductory five games, while the squad's longstanding set-piece woes continued with 23 conceded from dead-ball scenarios since the start of last season. In an attempt to find solutions, Alonso handed out two more debuts among 11 overall this term, featuring 16-year-old midfielder Mahdi Nicoll-Jazuli, the youngest Premier League player in club history, alongside 36-year-old acquisition Jordan Henderson playing against his former side.

Injuries also crippled the attack, as knee trouble sidelined Joao Pedro, who entered the matchday leading the division in goal contributions after logging three goals and three assists in four outings. Deputizing in his place was 35-year-old arrival Danny Welbeck, who mustered just 17 touches before being withdrawn in the 71st minute, while record £117m summer addition Morgan Rogers was largely muted before shifting centrally due to fellow forward Emmanuel Emegha remaining out injured.

Alongside Cole Palmer, the frontline failed to ignite without Joao Pedro's chance-creation skills, leaving Chelsea to contemplate their tactical direction over an upcoming three-week international hiatus.

Up nextFootball· 4h ago

Chelsea star Cole Palmer escaped straight red card against Tottenham says KMI panel