EPL: Alonso sent furious message to Chelsea during 3-0 defeat to Brentford – Joe Cole

Former Chelsea player Joe Cole has highlighted that manager Xabi Alonso sent a strong message to the club's board during the team's 3-0 loss to Brentford on Friday. The decision to bring on 16-year-old Mahdi Nicoll-Jazuli in midfield was particularly contentious, as Cole pointed out. Chelsea had allowed at least two goals in each of their first three Premier League matches this season, following the exits of Moises Caicedo and Reece James due to injuries.

Alonso opted for the experienced Jordan Henderson alongside the new signing Valentin Barco in midfield. With Romeo Lavia in the substitutes' bench, Nicoll-Jazuli was the young player selected to come on late in the game when Chelsea trailed by two goals. Cole's assessment, as reported by Metro, was clear: "Xabi Alonso is sending a message to the board saying we have not got enough, and I’m putting a 16-year-old kid into midfield when we are chasing a game away to our rivals."

The midfielder's demeanor upon exiting the pitch further suggested Alonso's frustration with the decision. Chelsea has suffered two early-season defeats so far: a 2-1 loss to Arsenal and the recent 3-0 loss to Brentford.