Chelsea manager Xabi Alonso has admitted that his team is feeling the pain after their narrow 2-1 defeat to London rivals Arsenal on Sunday.
The Blues took an early lead at the Emirates, but were eventually beaten after Mikel Arteta’s side completed a comeback.
The Blues got off to the perfect start when Morgan Rogers, their £117 million summer signing, scored just two minutes into the match. However, goals from Kai Havertz and Martin Ødegaard turned the game in the Gunners’ favour, leaving Alonso to reflect on what might have been in a high-intensity clash in north London.
“It hurts us. It hurts because a defeat has to hurt,” Alonso told Sky Sports after the final whistle.
“It was a very intense game, with different moments throughout. We had chances to equalise. We also had a few opportunities in the first half. You can never be happy when you lose. After we scored, there were 15 to 20 minutes when we had to defend a lot and we were struggling to control the game. Then we had better spells with the ball. Overall, it was a very balanced and very intense match. We could have done better for the second goal we conceded because it came very quickly. The boys gave everything and tried everything. It has to hurt.”
Despite the defeat, Alonso was determined to defend his tactical setup and the aggressive approach Chelsea showed at the Emirates. This proactive strategy saw the Blues make Premier League history, becoming the first team to score within the opening five minutes of each of their first three matches of a season. They also became the first team to score in the opening minutes of three consecutive league matches since Newcastle United in December 2024.
The Spaniard stressed that his team is still adapting to his philosophy as they build the foundations for long-term consistency.
“It is about preparing in the best possible way to compete in the best possible way. You have to control the numerical advantages on the right side. It is part of the game to have these situations. We keep going. This is the third game and it is going to be a very, very long journey. You make decisions, you choose approaches. We want to be active and take the initiative. Sometimes through set pieces, sometimes by pressing high or sitting a little deeper. I think that is what you need to compete in all phases. Today we came here trying to compete as well as possible, and now we have to keep going.”
The defeat leaves Chelsea fourth with six points, while Arsenal maintain their perfect start to the season. Alonso insisted that, despite the disappointing result, he is seeing the right signs from his team as they attempt to build a consistent identity following a summer of heavy investment.
Chelsea spent around £350 million during the summer transfer window to reshape their squad at Stamford Bridge.
“I have learned from the game, about us, about what we are doing and what we are starting to build,” the manager said when asked about the difference between the two teams.
“The players have this attitude, this desire to compete better from game to game and to create something we believe in. So far, I am happy. We want to win matches; that is the ultimate goal.”