Chelsea's attacking potential continues to bail out the team, but the alarming failures in defence cannot be overlooked any longer.
In Saturday's clash at Stamford Bridge, Xabi Alonso's men squandered a winning scoreline against newly-promoted Hull City. Guest striker Mohamed Belloumi netted a quick-fire double within six minutes of the first half, turning the tide of the match, and only a precise finish from Joao Pedro salvaged a draw for the Blues — ending at 2-2.
Both goals conceded illustrated the deep crisis in Chelsea's backline.
The first goal was a result of Malo Gusto mishandling a simple aerial ball. Ryan Giles retained possession and swung in a cross to the far post, a trajectory that the defender Yorrel Hato completely misjudged. The ball sailed over him, leaving Belloumi unmarked to fire into the net.
The second incident appeared even more farcical. Chelsea conceded from a corner when goalkeeper Emiliano Martinez made a reckless and belated dash out of his area. Semi Ajayi beat the Argentine keeper in the air and struck the bar. The home defenders checked out of the play, allowing Oli McBurnie to nod the rebounding ball down for Belloumi, whose shot deflected into the net past a bewildered Martinez.
These schoolboy errors prompted an intense reaction from Xabi Alonso post-match. The manager described his players' actions as 'too soft' and openly acknowledged that the team must become 'more solid' and learn to control the game.
No matter the criticisms leveled at the Spanish coach regarding tactical schemes, Chelsea's defenders continue to make fundamental individual mistakes, effectively gifting goals to their opponents. Another match without a clean sheet underscores the fact: defensive issues have become a chronic ailment.
