Glaring weakness in goal remains but early signs Xabi Alonso’s Chelsea should be fun | Jonathan Wilson

<p>The failure to replace Robert Sánchez remains a mystery but the new-look front three should buy time for the new manager’s principles to bed in</p><p>After a weekend on which <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/football/2026/aug/23/newcastle-liverpool-premier-league-match-report">pretty much every potential challenger</a> to Arsenal had <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/football/2026/aug/23/newcastle-liverpool-premier-league-match-report">demonstrated their flaws</a>, there was a sense, perhaps even a need, for Chelsea to emerge as a serious contender – if only to prevent the title race becoming a procession. And while they were far from flawless, there were at least some indications that they could mount some kind of challenge.</p><p>They looked extremely dangerous in the final third, and Cole Palmer was involved in all three Chelsea goals, perhaps benefiting from a first summer off in three years. But they were rather less impressive through midfield or at the back, despite Josh Acheampong’s all-action performance, while goalkeeper remains the problem it has been since Thibaut Courtois left.</p> <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/football/2026/aug/24/premier-league-chelsea-xabi-alonso-fulham">Continue reading...</a>