Chelsea defensive problems persist early in Xabi Alonso's tenure

New signings and injuries explain some of Chelsea's struggles at the back, but results have yet to improve under their new manager.

Chelsea's defensive difficulties have continued into the early weeks of Xabi Alonso's time in charge, with the club still searching for a solution to problems that have spanned multiple seasons.

Alonso has tried both a back four and a back five so far, but neither formation has produced the desired results, according to a report from The Athletic's Simon Johnson examining how the squad might be fixed.

Johnson pointed to several mitigating factors behind the poor defensive record. Goalkeeper Emi Martinez and defender Maxence Lacroix are still adjusting to the Premier League, while Levi Colwill is working his way back from a long-term injury, and other players have also been unavailable at times.

Even accounting for those circumstances, the report suggested Chelsea's performances have fallen below expectations, noting that the team has struggled to keep clean sheets in recent weeks.