Chelsea's 20-game wait for a clean sheet goes on after Hull expose familiar defensive flaws
Chelsea have now failed to keep a clean sheet in 20 consecutive Premier League matches, conceding one goal per game on average. The 2-2 draw with Hull at Stamford Bridge highlighted the issue that Xabi Alonso must fix if Chelsea are to challenge, despite their attacking threat.
- Fixture: Chelsea 2-2 Hull City
- Venue: Stamford Bridge
- Competition: Premier League
- Key stat: Chelsea have conceded in 20 straight Premier League games
- Hull xG: 1.32 at Stamford Bridge, a fair reflection of their threat
- At stake: Chelsea's defensive record threatens their challenge for top honours
The numbers behind Chelsea's defensive issues
- 20 – consecutive Premier League games in which Chelsea have conceded at least one goal
- 1.32 – Hull's expected goals (xG) at Stamford Bridge
- 1 – goal per game Chelsea have conceded on average across the 20-game run
Why Xabi Alonso must follow Mourinho's blueprint
Chelsea's attacking potential is undeniable. They have scored in every game this season, and the phrase "you can't stop JP Morgan" reflects their creativity going forward. But Alonso, who learned under Jose Mourinho during his playing career, needs to instil the same defensive discipline that defined Mourinho's best sides. The signing of Emi Martinez, a World Cup winner and multi-time Yashin Trophy winner, was meant to solve the goalkeeping problem. Yet as the article points out, "if he has defenders not doing the basics in front of him, he may as well be Robert Sanchez." The issue is not the man between the posts but the structure in front of him.
Hull's chances at Stamford Bridge were not carved open; they were "put on a plate" for the visitors. That suggests systemic problems: loose marking, poor positioning, and a lack of concentration. Alonso must address these basics on the training ground. The attacking talent will win games, but clean sheets are the foundation of any title challenge. Until Chelsea can keep the ball out of their own net, they will continue to drop points in matches they should win.
Liverpool's tired legs fail Fulham test
Liverpool's 0-0 draw with Fulham at Anfield was their first test of coping with an increased schedule under Andoni Iraola. Having impressed at Rayo Vallecano and Bournemouth without European commitments, Iraola now faces the challenge of managing a squad competing on multiple fronts. The midweek Champions League win over Atletico Madrid – Iraola's first in the competition – was a high, but the follow-up against Fulham was flat.
"In the end, this is the easier one, for me, for you, for everyone - our players were tired. I think there is a lack of freshness, definitely. We cannot hide it. I think it's the worst turnaround in terms of 60-something hours between the games, after a very big game the other day. But this is going to happen more times, maybe with one more day, maybe."
Iraola's unbeaten run as Liverpool boss continues, extending back to early January from his time at Bournemouth, but home draws against Nottingham Forest and Fulham have yielded just two points. The onus is on Iraola to find solutions to the fixture congestion. Liverpool started slowly and struggled to raise their tempo, allowing Fulham to claim a well-deserved first point of the season. Iraola's side must adapt quickly, or their quest for silverware will be undermined by fatigue.
Spurs' striking crisis: 400 minutes without a goal
Tottenham's 0-0 draw with Everton means they have now gone 400 minutes without a Premier League goal this season, contributing to their winless start. The concern is not creativity – Spurs have plenty of inventive players – but the lack of a reliable goalscorer. Dominic Solanke, the only out-and-out number nine available to Roberto De Zerbi, managed just 19 touches against Everton, fewer than goalkeeper Kinsky, and had zero shots.
Solanke's fitness is imperative because Spurs have no alternative. Whether his anonymity was due to rustiness or poor service, the fact that a fitter, more reliable striker was not signed after Harry Kane's departure three years ago is now biting. Reinforcements cannot arrive until January, so De Zerbi must find a way to get Solanke more involved. If the striker continues to fire blanks, Tottenham's season could spiral.
Bournemouth's game management under scrutiny
Bournemouth are the first team to lead in each of their opening four Premier League games and fail to win any of them. Marco Rose admitted after the 2-2 draw with Brentford that game management was an issue. The Cherries took 20 shots with 10 on target, while Brentford tested goalkeeper Dorde Petrovic just twice. Yet Bournemouth conceded within three minutes of going 2-1 up, a recurring theme.
Rose's side are creating chances freely, but their inability to control periods after scoring is costing them points. Until they can prevent opponents from immediately regaining momentum, they will continue to leave points on the table. Four games, four leads, no wins – welcome to the Premier League, Marco Rose.
Ipswich quietly impressing among newly-promoted sides
While Hull take the plaudits for their return to the Premier League, Ipswich are also going well. They have already won two games this season, taking just four matches to do so, compared to 16 games in 2024/25. Their 3-2 win at Crystal Palace was their third game out of four in which they conceded less than 0.70 xG. Both Emersonn and Leif Davis scored headers, and after Palace equalised to make it 2-2, Ipswich showed patience, waiting for the winner rather than chasing it desperately. Axel Disasi's sending off gave them a boost, but they took advantage when opportunities arose.
Aston Villa's attacking concerns
Aston Villa managed just seven shots against Nottingham Forest, their third-lowest shot count in 59 home league games under Unai Emery. It wasn't just that they failed to score more than once; the manner of their attacking play was concerning. Emery must address the creativity and penetration issues if Villa are to maintain their standards.
Talking points
- Chelsea's defensive issues are systemic, not personnel-related. Emi Martinez cannot fix a backline that fails to do the basics.
- Liverpool's fatigue is a warning sign for Andoni Iraola. Managing European and domestic commitments is a new challenge.
- Spurs' failure to sign a proven striker after Harry Kane's exit is now a glaring oversight. Solanke alone cannot carry the burden.
- Bournemouth's inability to hold leads is a mental issue that Marco Rose must solve quickly to avoid a relegation battle.
What happens next
Chelsea travel to face a yet-to-be-determined opponent as they seek their first clean sheet of the season. Liverpool must recover quickly for their next fixture, with Iraola tasked with rotating his squad. Tottenham need Solanke to find his scoring boots or face a continued goal drought. Bournemouth and Aston Villa will work on their respective issues on the training ground. Ipswich look to build on their impressive start.
Frequently asked questions
How many games have Chelsea gone without a clean sheet?
Chelsea have conceded in 20 consecutive Premier League games, a run that extends back before Xabi Alonso's tenure.
Why did Liverpool struggle against Fulham?
Andoni Iraola admitted his players were tired after a 60-something hour turnaround from their Champions League win over Atletico Madrid.
How long have Tottenham gone without a Premier League goal?
Spurs have gone 400 minutes without scoring in the league this season, contributing to their winless start.
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