Chelsea concede again as Liverpool drop points and Villa's attack stutters
It's now 20 Premier League games in a row that Chelsea have conceded. That's the stark reality facing Xabi Alonso, even after signing Emi Martinez. Elsewhere, Liverpool's fatigue was laid bare by Andoni Iraola, while Unai Emery faces mounting concerns over Aston Villa's attacking process. Here's the full breakdown.
- Chelsea's defensive record: Breached in 20 consecutive Premier League matches, conceding a 1.32 xG to Hull in a 2-2 draw at Stamford Bridge.
- Liverpool's fatigue: Andoni Iraola admitted a "lack of freshness" after a 0-0 draw with Fulham, just 60-something hours after beating Atletico Madrid.
- Villa's shot count: Managed just seven shots against Nottingham Forest, the third-lowest in 59 home league games under Unai Emery.
- Bournemouth's unwanted record: First team to lead in each of their opening four Premier League games and fail to win any.
- Ipswich's impressive start: Already two wins in four games, compared to 16 games in 2024/25, and have conceded less than 0.70 xG three times.
Confirmed line-ups
The source article does not provide specific line-ups for the matches discussed. Instead, it focuses on broader tactical and statistical analysis.
What was said
Andoni Iraola was candid about his side's condition after the goalless draw with Fulham.
"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 honesty is refreshing, but it also highlights a growing concern. The Spanish coach impressed at Rayo Vallecano and Bournemouth without European commitments. Now, with Champions League football, he must find a way to manage his squad's energy.
The draw with Fulham, following a home stalemate against Nottingham Forest, means Liverpool have taken just two points from two home games. The early-season optimism has been tempered by the reality of balancing domestic and European demands.
The numbers
Chelsea's defensive woes
- 20 consecutive Premier League games without a clean sheet.
- Hull managed 1.32 xG at Stamford Bridge.
- Emi Martinez, a World Cup and multiple Yashin Trophy winner, signed but yet to keep a clean sheet.
Liverpool's fatigue
- 0-0 draw with Fulham at Anfield.
- Just 60-something hours between the Atletico Madrid win and the Fulham match.
- Two points from home games against Nottingham Forest and Fulham.
Bournemouth's frustration
- First team to lead in each of their opening four Premier League games and fail to win any.
- 20 shots against Brentford, 10 on target, while Brentford tested Dorde Petrovic's goal just twice.
- Conceded within three minutes of going 2-1 up against Brentford.
Ipswich's progress
- Two wins in four games, compared to 16 games for two wins in 2024/25.
- Beat Sunderland on opening day, led at Man Utd, recorded higher xG than Liverpool in 2-0 loss.
- Conceded less than 0.70 xG in three of their four games.
- Emersonn and Leif Davis scored headers in 3-2 win at Crystal Palace.
Aston Villa's attack
- Seven shots against Nottingham Forest, third-lowest in 59 home league games under Unai Emery.
- Failed to score more than once.
- Lack of fluency, penetration and ideas.
Analysis: Why Chelsea's defensive issues run deeper than Martinez
Xabi Alonso's Chelsea are a thrilling attacking side. They've scored in every game this season, with the likes of JP Morgan causing havoc. But as the old adage goes, you can't bank on outscoring opponents every week. The signing of Emi Martinez, a World Cup winner and multiple Yashin Trophy recipient, was meant to solve the goalkeeping problem. Yet, as the source notes, if the defenders in front of him aren't doing the basics, he may as well be Robert Sanchez.
The 1.32 xG that Hull managed at Stamford Bridge wasn't a result of intricate build-up play. Instead, Chelsea gifted chances. Alonso, who learned under Jose Mourinho, must instil a tougher mentality. The attacking potential is obvious, but without defensive solidity, challenging for major honours will remain a pipe dream.
Liverpool's balancing act
Andoni Iraola has made a strong impression since arriving at Liverpool, but the step up to a club with European commitments is significant. The draw with Fulham was a clear indication that his high-tempo style may need adaptation. Mohamed Salah and co. couldn't raise their level, and Fulham were good value for their point.
Iraola's unbeaten run as Liverpool boss continues, but two home draws against Nottingham Forest and Fulham represent dropped points. The coach must find a way to rotate without losing intensity. The coming weeks will test his squad management.
Bournemouth's game management
Marco Rose identified game management as an issue after the draw with Newcastle. Against Brentford, Bournemouth dominated shots but allowed the Bees back into the game within three minutes of taking a 2-1 lead. Dorde Petrovic was barely tested, yet his side conceded twice.
The pattern is clear: Bournemouth switch off after scoring. Until they control those periods, they'll continue to drop points. Four games, four leads, no wins – a frustrating start for Rose.
Ipswich's quiet efficiency
While Hull grab headlines, Ipswich are quietly putting together an impressive start. Their 3-2 win at Crystal Palace was built on patience and defensive solidity. Emersonn and Leif Davis scored headers, and Axel Disasi's sending off helped, but Ipswich took advantage when opportunities arose.
The fact they've conceded less than 0.70 xG in three of four games is remarkable for a newly-promoted side. They are not just surviving; they are competing.
Villa's attacking puzzle
Unai Emery is one of the best coaches in the league, but even he must be concerned by Villa's attacking output. Seven shots at home against Forest is a red flag. The lack of fluency and penetration is understandable given the summer changes, but Forest didn't need a defensive masterclass to keep them at bay.
With a new goalkeeper and fresh faces still adapting, Villa need to find ways to get their attackers into dangerous positions more frequently. Emery will be working overtime on the training ground.
Talking points
- Chelsea's defensive issues are systemic. Signing Emi Martinez was a statement, but without a cohesive back four, they'll continue to leak goals. Alonso must prioritise organisation over flair.
- Liverpool's fatigue is a warning sign. Iraola's high-intensity approach may need tweaking to cope with European football. Two home draws already suggest growing pains.
- Bournemouth's inability to hold leads is costing them dearly. Rose's side are creating chances but lack the game management to see out results. It's a mental hurdle.
- Villa's attack is a concern. Seven shots at home is unacceptable for a side with European ambitions. Emery must find a quick fix or risk falling behind.
What happens next
Chelsea will look to address their defensive frailties in the coming fixtures, but Alonso faces a tough task. Liverpool must recover quickly as the fixtures pile up, with Iraola needing to manage his squad's minutes. Bournemouth will work on game management ahead of their next match, while Villa will attempt to rediscover their attacking fluency. All four clubs have much to ponder.
Frequently asked questions
How many Premier League games have Chelsea conceded in?
Chelsea have conceded in 20 consecutive Premier League games, a run that predates Xabi Alonso's arrival.
What did Andoni Iraola say about Liverpool's fatigue?
He admitted there was a "lack of freshness" and described the 60-something hour turnaround as "the worst" after the win over Atletico Madrid.
How many shots did Aston Villa have against Nottingham Forest?
Aston Villa managed just seven shots, the third-lowest in 59 home league games under Unai Emery.
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