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Brentford batter Chelsea to undo Alonso's promising start

LONDON: Brentford exposed Chelsea’s defensive problems to inflict a damaging 3-0 defeat on Friday that gives Xabi Alonso plenty to ponder over a three-week international break.

Brentford batter Chelsea to undo Alonso's promising start

Brentford's three-goal performance against Chelsea exposed the Premier League side's defensive vulnerabilities, handing Xabi Alonso ample cause for concern following a three-week international break. Chelsea, once known as the Premier League's leading entertainers under Alonso, managed just one point from their last three league matches following the loss.

Brentford, led by manager Keith Andrews, moved above their west London rivals Chelsea to third in the standings. Xabi Alonso admitted the team lacked consistency to compete throughout each game, highlighting the need for improvement in both mentality and tactics. The loss came after a lackluster first half, with neither goalkeeper facing significant pressure.

Jaidon Anthony, Igor Thiago and Fabio Carvalho scored for the Bees, who had previously defeated Tottenham 3-0 in the opening match. Chelsea conceded at least twice in all five league games under Alonso, and the scoreline further emphasized the gap Alonso must bridge to return the Blues to title contention.

Written by urgent.news from New Straits Times's reporting — not their text. Machine-written — may contain errors; check the original before relying on it.

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