Brentford thrash Chelsea 3-0 as pundits question Xabi Alonso's squad and selection choices
From the Newshound archive · first published 19 September 2026.
Xabi Alonso, whose Chelsea side have conceded in all five Premier League games this season, saw defensive errors gift Brentford two goals in a 3-0 defeat on Friday night.
Nicol's verdict lands as Chelsea's defensive crisis deepens after a 3-0 thrashing at Brentford left Xabi Alonso's side with the worst defensive record in the Premier League. The Blues have now gone three games without a win, conceding in every match this season, with Nicol saying he could see no strength whatsoever in Barco's midfield display on Friday night.
Joe Cole believes Alonso sent the board a furious message by turning to 16-year-old Mahdi Nicoll-Jazuli when two goals down, exposing a midfield left threadbare after selling Enzo Fernandez and Andrey Santos.
