Alonso's Chelsea still searching for an identity after Sunderland loss
That start is a low bar after a dismal campaign last season, when Chelsea finished 10th.
Pierre-Louis Crescitz
tinkerman, alonso, chelsea, xabi alonso, sunderland, identity, side, tinkerman alonso
Key facts
At Sunderland they dominated possession, with 68.7% of the ball, but did not create many significant chances. Xabi Alonso's frustration was obvious…
That start is a low bar after a dismal campaign last season, when Chelsea finished 10th.
He refused to criticise the officials. Instead he gave brief answers that changed the subject and were critical of his players for not carrying out…
At Sunderland they dominated possession, with 68.7% of the ball, but did not create many significant chances. Xabi Alonso's frustration was obvious as Chelsea's search for an identity continued in a 1-0 defeat by Sunderland.
That start is a low bar after a dismal campaign last season, when Chelsea finished 10th.
He refused to criticise the officials. Instead he gave brief answers that changed the subject and were critical of his players for not carrying out the game plan.
With Caicedo injured, Chelsea had problems in midfield. They kept changing the team from match to match and experimented with personnel in an attempt to fix the defence.
After the Sunderland goal, two incidents in quick succession left Alonso and his coaching staff appearing angry on the touchline.