Things haven't exactly gone to plan for a team that built their reputation under Thomas Tuchel around defensive solidity and a spectacular back three accompanied by wing-backs in recent weeks at Stamford Bridge. Chelsea conceded four goals against Brentford, followed by three against Real Madrid and now four against Arsenal, who have not been particularly fierce in front of goal of late.
Wednesday night saw a catalogue of errors in the absence of Antonio Rudiger, with Thiago Silva initially left on the Blues bench before his introduction saw him become the oldest outfield player to represent Chelsea. There was little conviction present from the likes of Andreas Christensen and Malang Sarr in the backline, though they were also put under pressure by a lacking midfield.
Unlike the Chelsea duo, Marcos Alonso has shown himself to be Chelsea's first choice at wing-back due to Ben Chilwell's long term injury. The Spaniard was not the only player at fault in the performance and showed the threat he could have going forwards against the Gunners, but there were certainly moments that could leave a bead of sweat on the brow in SW6.
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While Arsenal are not currently among the goliaths of European football, they can show something of the elite threat that Chelsea will be presented with for years to come. The pace, agility, and movement of Martin Odegaard, Emile Smith Rowe, and Bukayo Saka are the qualities that can test any team and what Chelsea must be ready for.
In the opening period, Saka showed how Alonso could be exposed. The 31-year-old defender was first tempted to challenge for a ball he could not hope to reach before swiftly changing his mind to begin to track the run of Saka. Alonso's acceleration did not help him as the England international was released down the wing. As they reached the Chelsea box, Saka then bamboozled the wing-back before finding Eddie Nketiah in the centre. It was a sign of the difficulty Saka would bring Alonso all evening.
Alonso's attacking prowess saw him high in the Arsenal box in the build-up to the north London side's second goal. The former Bolton and Sunderland ace went to close down the opposition as they looked to break, leaving Granit Xhaka to nutmeg him on the right side of the box. Alonso had no chance to get back in position as the Gunners first attacked Sarr down their own right-wing before Emile Smith Rowe was able to finish the move.
Even when playing well, these situations can arise for Alonso, as they can for many players - perfection is not always possible. However, Alonso's contract expires at the end of next season, and it should leave the club and any new owner considering whether he is good enough back up for Ben Chilwell.
The former Leicester star has been out for a more substantial part of the season than anyone would have hoped. However, with the prognosis known, in January, it was decided he was. The fact we've seen the likes of Cesar Azpilicueta at left wing-back and Sarr on the left of a back four perhaps suggests the Blues did not have an adequate solution for the long term.
"On the pitch in a Premier League match, I don't think we will rush this in the end of the season," said Tuchel of Chilwell. "Ben will now be in the transition to join academy training with the youth to have team training but not with the physicality level with us. These will be his next steps. Hopefully, he can join our training at the end of the season. This is the plan for him."
Alonso is the right choice for now. He is Chelsea's best option, and there is no reason to force Chilwell's return before it's time. Even if with any worries of the ageing defender matching up with Mo Salah in the FA Cup final. It will just be for the fourth time this season. The Blues generally have more balance with Alonso on the pitch, and he brings a forward threat few others can match. Chilwell is more than capable of it, though.
For Chelsea to reach the level they intend to consistently, the drop off from Chilwell's qualities may not be acceptable for much longer.
