Chelsea's defensive problems threaten Alonso's first season

Chelsea and Liverpool meet in the EFL Cup. This match is a good chance to look at the first season of Xabi Alonso's reign at the club. The team beat Bournemouth 5-1 and played well, while the defeat to Tottenham and Cole Palmer's red card were recorded as bad moments.

Enzo Fernandez's move to Manchester City in the summer left a big gap for the Blues. It was hard to prevent the player's departure, but the consequences have been heavy. Chelsea concede 1.71 goals per 90 minutes, which leaves them behind only the teams in the relegation zone.

Liverpool, meanwhile, are recovering under Andoni Iraola. Emi Martínez's jaw fracture, which will keep him away from the pitch for a long time, further weakens the Chelsea defence. Cole Palmer is suspended, and Joao Pedro and Reece James are also missing from the match. Alonso's squad is being seriously stretched by these absences.

The team's defending in open play has stayed consistent thanks to Maxence Lacroix. The real problem comes from set pieces. When Martínez is not in goal, the backup keepers have a weak hold on their penalty area, and unnecessary fouls are giving the opponent corners and free kicks.

Alonso's team needs to play more directly and make use of the strength of the front three. Leaving the ball to the opponent and counter-attacking quickly can open up gaps in defence, but for Chelsea at this stage, scoring goals is the best way to defend. They need to win this match, otherwise the current figures will confirm it.