Blues have now gone 20 consecutive league matches without a clean sheet

Chelsea’s new era under Xabi Alonso has begun with encouraging attacking signs, yet a glaring defensive issue continues to overshadow progress. The Blues have now gone 20 consecutive league matches without a clean sheet, a streak not seen in 65 years and one that resurfaced in Saturday’s 2‑2 draw with Hull City, where Mohamed Belloumi’s brace extended the unwanted record. Alonso arrived after a turbulent 2025‑26 season marked by managerial upheaval, replacing Enzo Maresca and later Liam Rosenior. His Chelsea side play with intensity, create chances and convert efficiently, helped by a strong summer transfer window.

Results have been lively — wins over Fulham, Brighton and Leeds, plus EFL Cup success — but defensive fragility remains evident. The departure of Robert Sánchez and the arrival of Emiliano Martínez have only partially addressed the problem. For Chelsea to sustain their ambitions, Alonso must restore solidity to a back line that has struggled for far too long.