Xabi Alonso admits Chelsea must fix ‘soft’ defending after Hull draw

Xabi Alonso has admitted Chelsea need to become more defensively reliable after another eventful Premier League game ended in a 2-2 draw with Hull City.

Chelsea took an early lead but found themselves 2-1 behind at half-time after Mohamed Belloumi scored twice. Joao Pedro rescued a point after the break, but Alonso was frustrated by familiar defensive mistakes.

The Chelsea boss also confirmed that his decision to replace Jorrel Hato at half-time was purely tactical.

Hato endured a difficult first half and was at fault for Hull’s opening goal, allowing the ball to bounce over his head before Belloumi finished past Emi Martinez.

Pep Chavarria replaced him at the interval, but Alonso insisted there was no injury.

“We wanted a player with another profile,” Alonso explained. “Pep is different, that was the decision.”

It was another example of Alonso being prepared to make significant changes during matches after his quadruple half-time substitution helped inspire the 6-3 Carabao Cup comeback against Leeds.

Chelsea’s opening four Premier League matches have now produced 19 goals, highlighting both their attacking strength and defensive vulnerability.

Alonso even joked that he hopes reporters will eventually describe one of Chelsea’s matches as “boring”.

However, the Spaniard acknowledged there is a serious issue behind the entertainment.

He believes Chelsea are repeatedly allowing opponents back into matches after taking control, describing Hull’s first goal as “too soft”.

“We need to be aware that in any situation, any team in the Premier League can hurt you,” Alonso said.

“If you are soft, you are not prepared, you will be punished, and today we were punished.”

Chelsea’s attacking quality has helped compensate for their defensive problems during the opening weeks, but Alonso knows that cannot continue indefinitely.

He wants his players to remain compact, aggressive and focused after taking the lead rather than allowing opponents opportunities to change the momentum.

For a Chelsea team with ambitions of competing near the top of the Premier League, finding that balance is quickly becoming one of Alonso’s biggest challenges.

Alonso must address Chelsea’s defensive vulnerability while preserving the attacking threat that has made his team so dangerous. Hato will also be looking to respond after his difficult performance and half-time substitution.