Alonso's Chelsea to-do list: fix defence, sharpen Palmer-Pedro link

Nine goals conceded in four Premier League games have handed Xabi Alonso a defensive headache — and a quiet attacking issue is brewing too.

Xabi Alonso

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What happened. Chelsea have conceded nine goals in four Premier League matches, their biggest problem under Xabi Alonso, while their attack has still produced 10 goals. In Saturday's 2-2 draw with Hull City, Joao Pedro passed to Cole Palmer only once.

• Only Brighton have scored more than Chelsea's 10 goals after four league games.
• Alonso has publicly acknowledged the defensive issues but solving them is another matter.
• The Palmer-Pedro link-up is flagged as a trend worth watching.

Alonso must tighten a leaky defence while getting more out of his two star attackers as the season progresses.

In this story

ChelseaXabi AlonsoC. PalmerJoão Pedro

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