Chelsea’s defensive run stretches to 17 league games despite winning start under Xabi Alonso

Issa Said August 24, 2026

Chelsea’s defensive concerns from last season remain unresolved after they conceded twice in their opening Premier League match of the 2026-27 campaign, although they began the season with a 3-2 victory at Fulham on Monday evening.

The Blues took the lead after only one minute when Joao Pedro found the net for the visitors. Fulham responded in the 23rd minute, with Josh King bringing the hosts level.

Chelsea restored their advantage shortly before half-time through new arrival Morgan Rogers, who scored in the 41st minute. Cole Palmer then extended the visitors’ lead four minutes after the restart, putting Chelsea 3-1 ahead in the 49th minute.

Fulham reduced the deficit in the 54th minute when Gonzalo Garcia scored, setting up a tense finish. However, Chelsea held on to secure three points from their first league fixture of the new season.

Despite the victory, the match highlighted a defensive weakness that has continued from the previous campaign. According to Squawka statistics, Chelsea have now failed to keep a clean sheet in 17 consecutive Premier League games.

“Chelsea have now gone 17 Premier League games without a clean sheet. 😬”

The sequence represents a significant early challenge for new Chelsea manager Xabi Alonso. His side’s attacking response was enough to earn victory at Fulham, but conceding twice means the team’s defensive record remains a concern.

Chelsea’s inability to shut opponents out has now extended into the new campaign, leaving Alonso under pressure to find an immediate solution at the back. The club will need to improve in that area if it is to challenge for higher positions in the Premier League.

The result nevertheless gives Chelsea a winning start to the 2026-27 season. Joao Pedro’s early goal and further strikes from Morgan Rogers and Cole Palmer secured the points, but Fulham’s goals through Josh King and Gonzalo Garcia ensured that the defensive issue remained central to the discussion after the final whistle.