Chelsea enjoyed a bright start to life under Xabi Alonso in the Premier League, with the new manager initially appearing to have found a formula that suited his squad. However, their fortunes have taken a sharp downturn since their defeat against Arsenal, with opponents seemingly discovering a blueprint to trouble Alonso's side.
The pattern has become increasingly difficult to ignore, and Mikel Arteta may deserve credit for exposing a weakness that Chelsea's earlier opponents failed to exploit.
Chelsea's Early Success Was Built on Their Opponents Having the Ball
One interesting feature of Chelsea's early Premier League games under Alonso was how often their opponents were allowed to enjoy possession.
Rather than dominating the ball themselves, Chelsea were comfortable allowing teams to have more of it. This suited Alonso's approach because it gave his side opportunities to defend compactly, win the ball and attack spaces in transition.
The strategy worked.
Chelsea were able to make their opponents' possession work against them, while their own quality allowed them to create danger when possession changed hands. It appeared to be a sustainable formula.
Then Arsenal came to town.
Arteta Identified Chelsea's Midfield Weakness
The Arsenal game represented a significant change because Arteta appeared to recognise that Chelsea were less comfortable when they were forced to take control of the game themselves.
In particular, the absence of Moisés Caicedo left a significant weakness in Chelsea's midfield. Instead of simply allowing Chelsea to sit back and counter, Arsenal were prepared to give them more of the ball.
That seemingly simple adjustment had a major impact.
Chelsea suddenly had to build attacks, maintain possession and find solutions against a structured Arsenal side. Instead of using possession as a weapon against Chelsea, Arteta effectively made Chelsea's possession the problem.
The Blues struggled to impose themselves, and Arsenal exposed the limitations of Alonso's system when Chelsea were required to control the game rather than react to their opponents.
Hull and Brentford Followed Arsenal's Blueprint
What made Arsenal's approach particularly significant was what happened afterwards.
Hull City appeared to follow a similar idea, refusing to simply play into Chelsea's preferred game plan. Chelsea were unable to find a solution and were held to a draw.
Then came Brentford, and the problems became even more obvious.
Rather than allowing Chelsea to dictate the terms of the contest, Brentford were able to exploit the same vulnerability. The result was even more damaging for Alonso, with Brentford destroying Chelsea and further highlighting the issues exposed by Arsenal.
In that sense, Arteta may have inadvertently provided the Premier League with a blueprint for playing Alonso's Chelsea.
The problem is not necessarily that Chelsea cannot defend or counterattack. Instead, it is that they can struggle when opponents refuse to give them the type of game they initially thrived in.
Caicedo's Return Could Give Alonso a Solution
There is some hope for Chelsea once the international break ends and the Premier League resumes.
Caicedo is expected to return, and his presence should make a considerable difference in matches where Chelsea are required to have more possession. His ability to win the ball, dictate midfield battles and provide defensive security could give Alonso the balance his team has been missing.
However, Alonso cannot rely entirely on Caicedo to solve the problem.
The Ecuadorian midfielder's return may restore an important piece of the puzzle, but Chelsea need alternative solutions if opponents continue following Arsenal's blueprint. Most importantly, Alonso must find a way to make his team effective in possession even when Caicedo is unavailable.
Alonso Must Find a Plan B
Arteta may not have completely figured out Xabi Alonso's Chelsea, but he has certainly exposed a potential weakness.
The early success showed that Chelsea can be dangerous when opponents allow them to play on their terms. Arsenal demonstrated what happens when a team takes away that comfort.
Now, Alonso must respond.
Caicedo's return should help, but if Chelsea are to compete consistently in the Premier League, they cannot depend on one midfielder to make the system work. Alonso needs a Plan B, especially if Caicedo suffers another injury.
The Premier League has seemingly found a way to expose Chelsea. Now, it is up to Alonso to find a way to close that door.