Xabi Alonso tells Chelsea to learn from Arsenal defeat in Premier League title chase

Xabi Alonso says Chelsea must use their painful 2-1 defeat by Arsenal as a lesson as they try to close the gap on the Premier League champions.

Chelsea took the lead after only 77 seconds in an intense London derby at Emirates Stadium, when Morgan Rogers found the net. Arsenal responded through Kai Havertz before half-time, and Martin Odegaard completed the comeback after the interval.

The result was Alonso’s first defeat in four matches in all competitions since he took charge during the close season. It also highlighted continuing defensive problems for Chelsea, who have conceded seven goals in their opening three league games.

Chelsea had started the campaign with high-scoring victories over Fulham and Brighton in the Premier League, as well as Luton in the League Cup. However, Arsenal, who have won their first three matches, proved a significantly tougher test.

The Blues’ attack was largely contained after Rogers’ early goal, leaving Alonso with plenty to consider as he develops his new side.

“I learnt about the game, about us, about what we are doing, what we are starting,” Alonso said.

“This is a process. It’s still early days for us. We want to start having clean-sheets. They will come.

“The players are committed to working hard, to knowing that we’re on the way to compete in each game. Not happy that we couldn’t get anything but we need to keep calm and carry on.”

Alonso was particularly frustrated that Chelsea failed to build on their early advantage and gain control of the match.

“It hurts because a defeat has to hurt. It was a very intense game. We had chances to equalise,” he said.

“After we scored, there were 15 or 20 minutes where we had to defend too much and we were struggling a bit to get control. Overall, it was a very tight, very intense game.

“We could do better with the second goal. You need to control the overloads on the right side.”

Despite leaving north London without a point, Alonso believes the experience will help Chelsea improve during what he expects to be a lengthy rebuilding process.

“The players have this attitude, this desire to compete better game by game to create something we believe in,” he said.

“It’s game three and this is going to be a long, long ride.”

Arteta praises Arsenal’s response

While Alonso remains at the early stages of reshaping Chelsea, Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta has had seven years to develop his team.

Arsenal ended their 22-year wait for the title last season, and Arteta believes the removal of that pressure has allowed his players to approach the new campaign with greater freedom.

“It wasn’t the right start but we certainly reacted in an amazing way. I enjoyed the way we competed. We took risks, it was a joy to watch,” Arteta said.

“Chelsea have a great coach who can set them up in great condition. We constrained them well. Overall, it was an incredible performance.

“We are very happy and we need to continue to raise the bar and look to improve every single time. We need to enjoy the victory because it was a big one today.”

Odegaard has also made an impressive start after an inconsistent campaign disrupted by injury last season. The Norway midfielder has scored three goals in four matches, including the Community Shield.

“I think he is enjoying his football,” Arteta said.

“His personal life is settled, he is available, he is training, he has his routine and if he is intelligent, he can take a lot of benefits from the players around him. He was outstanding today.”