{
  "id": 7484621,
  "title": "EPL: ‘That’s a worry’ – Paul Merson exposes Alonso’s major problem at Chelsea",
  "url": "https://urgent.news/2026/09/15/epl-thats-a-worry-paul-merson-exposes-alonsos-major-problem-at-chelsea",
  "topic": "culture",
  "section": "Culture",
  "published": "2026-09-15T05:49:04.000Z",
  "source": {
    "name": "Daily Post Nigeria",
    "slug": "daily-post-nigeria",
    "url": "https://dailypost.ng/2026/09/15/epl-thats-a-worry-paul-merson-exposes-alonsos-major-problem-at-chelsea/"
  },
  "original_language": "en",
  "account": "Arsenal legend Paul Merson has highlighted a major issue facing Chelsea manager Xabi Alonso since taking the reins at Stamford Bridge. The former Real Madrid coach has struggled to establish a cohesive and effective defense, according to Merson. This was evident in Chelsea's recent 2-2 draw with Hull City in the Premier League, which took place over the weekend. Speaking on Sky Sports News, Merson expressed concern over Alonso's situation, stating, \"His problem is going to be, after four league games and two cup games, he won't know what his best defence is yet. He won't know if it's the best back three, four or five.\" Merson emphasized that this lack of clarity poses a significant worry and that Alonso must address this issue promptly. He pointed out that Maxence Lacroix was left out against Hull and only came on as a substitute, further underscoring the need for Alonso to solidify his back three. \"He’s got to keep that three and give them four or five games,\" Merson advised.",
  "summary": "Arsenal legend, Paul Merson, has exposed Chelsea manager Xabi Alonso’s major problem at Stamford Bridge. Merson believes Alonso’s failure to have a settled defence is a problem, adding that the former Real Madrid coach needs to sort it out as soon as possible. He stated this after Chelsea’s recent 2-2 draw with Hull City in […] EPL: ‘That’s a worry’ – Paul Merson exposes Alonso’s major problem at…",
  "key_points": [
    "Paul Merson identifies Chelsea's defense issue under Xabi Alonso.",
    "Alonso struggles to establish cohesive defense after four league games.",
    "Merson advises Alonso to solidify back three for stability."
  ],
  "editors_take": "Chelsea manager Xabi Alonso's inability to settle on a consistent defensive formation creates uncertainty and hinders team stability, a problem Paul Merson believes Alonso must urgently address.",
  "illustration": null,
  "coverage": {
    "outlets": 2,
    "also_reported_by": [
      {
        "outlet": "Daily Post Nigeria",
        "title": "EPL: ‘He’s aggressive’ – Terry picks Chelsea star who needs more playing time under Alonso",
        "url": "https://urgent.news/2026/09/15/epl-hes-aggressive-terry-picks-chelsea-star-who-needs-more-playing",
        "published": "2026-09-15T05:39:10.000Z"
      }
    ]
  },
  "ai_generated": true,
  "disclaimer": "Summaries, key points and the editor’s take are written by software from other outlets’ reporting and may contain errors — always check the linked original."
}